Home / Jobs / Correctional Institution Administrator (Complex Warden)

Correctional Institution Administrator (Complex Warden)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Department of Justice · Lompoc, California

Federal agencyES-00
At a glance

A job with Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System in Lompoc, California. It pays $151,661$228,000 per year at grade ES-00. Applications close on Sep 28, 2026 — 12 days left.

Working pattern
On site
Who can apply
Competitive service, Senior executives
Clearance
Top Secret

Main duties

  • As the SES Complex Warden at the Federal Correctional Complex, Lompoc, CA, the incumbent is responsible for the overall management of a federal prison, the mission of which is the safekeeping, care, protection, discipline, programming, and release of more than 3119 inmates charged with or convicted of offenses against the United States.
  • Many of these inmates have complex sentences and have compiled serious records of institution misconduct which indicate they require stringent security measures.
  • Under the general direction of the Regional Director, the incumbent is delegated full authority and responsibility for carrying out the directives of the federal courts and the Attorney General.
  • The incumbent is responsible for all administrative functions of the institution, including planning and coordinating all programs related to security, discipline, etc., and developmental issues with regard to federal inmates.
The original posting

Full details

About the role

This position is located at the Federal Correctional Complex, Lompoc, CA. Under the general direction of the Regional Director, the incumbent serves as the SES Complex Warden providing administrative oversight and direction over programs within the institution.

What you will do

  • As the SES Complex Warden at the Federal Correctional Complex, Lompoc, CA, the incumbent is responsible for the overall management of a federal prison, the mission of which is the safekeeping, care, protection, discipline, programming, and release of more than 3119 inmates charged with or convicted of offenses against the United States.
  • Many of these inmates have complex sentences and have compiled serious records of institution misconduct which indicate they require stringent security measures.
  • Under the general direction of the Regional Director, the incumbent is delegated full authority and responsibility for carrying out the directives of the federal courts and the Attorney General.
  • The incumbent is responsible for all administrative functions of the institution, including planning and coordinating all programs related to security, discipline, etc., and developmental issues with regard to federal inmates.
  • To receive serious consideration, applicants for this position must demonstrate successful performance and creative leadership in senior management position(s).

Requirements

  • U.S. Citizenship You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position.
  • You will be required to travel occasionally for training and operational purposes.
  • You must submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result before you can be appointed into this position.
  • After appointment, you will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
  • In accordance with 5 U.S.C.
  • 3307, a maximum entry age of 36 has been established for initial appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution.
  • You must satisfactorily complete (or have previously completed) the 3-week Introduction to Correctional Training Techniques Program at Glynco, Georgia.

Education

This position does not have any education requirements.

How you will be evaluated

Applicants will be evaluated based upon how they have addressed the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) within the resume. The ECQs describe the skills needed to succeed in the Senior Executive Service, and are in addition to the specific MTQ listed above.

To assess the executive experience of each candidate, applicants applying for their initial career appointment in the SES must demonstrate, with specific examples, how their experience is relevant to the five ECQS.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): ECQ 1 - COMMITMENT TO THE RULE OF LAW AND THE PRINCIPLES OF THE AMERICAN FOUNDING: Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the Rule of Law, and commitment to serve the American people.

ECQ 2 - DRIVING EFFICIENCY: Demonstrated ability to strategically and sufficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. ECQ 3 - MERIT AND COMPETENCE: Demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.

ECQ 4 - LEADING PEOPLE: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals; To drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. ECQ 5 - ACHIEVING RESULTS: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to state goals from superiors.

Additional information on the Executive Core Qualifications can be found at Executive Core Qualifications Please refer to OPM's Guide to the Senior Executive Service Qualifications for more detailed information. ***

Documents you must provide

  • All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience.
  • Your employment history must be documented in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date.
  • Provide certification of OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program, (for graduates of SES Candidate Development Programs).
  • You MUST submit a copy of your latest yearly performance appraisal/evaluation.
  • Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) Form which reflects the most recent position, title, series and grade; competitive service appointment; tenure group; status or SES reinstatement eligibility.
  • All applicants must address the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) within the two (2) page resume.
  • Failure to provide these documents will result in removal from consideration for this vacancy.

What to expect next

Once your complete application package is received, it will be evaluated to determine your qualifications and overall ranking. The highest-rated candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and may be invited to participate in a structured interview.

Your experience and competencies must be clearly demonstrated in your resume, Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs). Incomplete or insufficient documentation may result in removal from the highly qualified group and non-referral.

A Senior Executive Service rating and ranking panel will assess your application based on the breadth and quality of your professional accomplishments and experience. Applicants determined to be highly qualified may undergo a structured interview and a reference check.

If selected, you must be certified by an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board, unless you are a current SES member or have completed an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program. Certification must be obtained prior to appointment. We strongly encourage you to review the ECQs and MTQ included in this announcement before beginning your application.

The Bureau expects to make a selection within approximately 80 days following the closing date of this announcement. You will receive email notifications at key points throughout the application process. To ensure you automatically receive these updates, verify that your USAJOBS profile is configured to accept email notifications.

Otherwise, you must log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status. Notifications will be provided at up to four stages: Upon receipt of your application After minimum qualification determinations After issuance of the certificate of eligibles After a final selection has been made

Additional information

You must submit all required materials by the closing date of this announcement.

If any required documents are missing, your application will be evaluated solely on the information received, which may result in reduced consideration or an ineligible determination. Application materials will not be returned. Upon appointment, you will be required to complete a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278) and must update this report annually thereafter.

Veterans' Preference does not apply to Senior Executive Service positions. The Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) for any selectee who is not a current or former career SES employee under Title 5 must be certified by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) prior to appointment. Individuals entering the SES for the first time are subject to a one-year probationary period.

Applicants who have completed an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) and received ECQ certification must provide a copy of their certification as part of their application package.

Candidates must still meet the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) for the position, however, you do not need to address the ECQs if you meet any of the following criteria: You are currently serving under a career SES appointment You are eligible for reinstatement into the SES You have completed an OPM-approved CDP and received Qualifications Review Board (QRB) certification.

Proof of QRB certification must be provided. The selected candidate may undergo additional evaluation through a structured interview conducted by the OPM QRB. OPM must review and approve the executive qualifications of all new career SES appointees prior to appointment.

How to apply

GovHealthJobs indexes this posting from a public or licensed source and links back to it. Every application is submitted on the official employer or agency website under that organization’s own process and privacy terms. We are an independent information service — not a government body, agency, or hospital system — and we do not collect résumés or forward applications.

Open a free account to apply →

Registering is free and takes a minute. It unlocks the apply link, the contact details a posting carries, and email alerts.

Details on this page reflect the source posting as of Sep 17, 2026. Closing dates and salary ranges can change without notice — the official listing is always authoritative. How our coverage works.

Nearby

Similar jobs

Federal agencyGS-08Vets' preference

Assistant Grocery Department Manager

Defense Commissary Agency

Assistant Grocery Department Managers plan, direct, and supervise work in the grocery department of a commissary. This may include a small warehouse or repositioning area, a separa…

📍 Naval Air Station San Diego, California💵 $63,835–$82,983 per year⏳ Closes Sep 27, 2026
Federal agencyGS-11

Industrial Specialist

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.

📍 Glenville, West Virginia💵 $74,678–$97,087 per year⏳ Closes Sep 24, 2026
Federal agencyGS-13

Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.

📍 Kings, New York💵 $125,431–$163,062 per year⏳ Closes Sep 24, 2026
Federal agencyGS-13

Budget Officer

National Park Service

You will serve as a Budget Officer with National Park Service. The incumbent duties involve consultation and advisory service for Park Management, coordination, and direction of th…

📍 San Francisco, California💵 $133,060–$172,980 per year⏳ Closes Sep 28, 2026
Federal agencyGS-09Vets' preference

Management and Program Analyst

Defense Logistics Agency

See below for important information regarding this job.

📍 Barstow, California💵 $71,957–$93,549 per year⏳ Closes Sep 25, 2026

Browse every listing