Correctional Officer - Recruitment Incentive - Direct Hire

About the role

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

What you will do

• Provides supervision, care and correctional treatment of inmates.
• Incumbent is concerned with maintenance of institution security contributing to the health and welfare of the inmates and the promotion of good public relations.
• Enforces rules and regulations governing facility security, inmate accountability and inmate conduct to ensure judicial sanctions are carried out and inmates remain in custody.
• From time to time, may be authorized to carry firearms and to use physical force, including deadly force, to maintain control of inmates.
• During institution emergencies or other periods of heavy workload or limited staff, may be required to work long and irregular hours, unusual shifts, Sundays, holidays and unexpected overtime.
• Information as to operations and procedures is provided by post orders, BOP program statements, local supplements, custodial manual, internal correspondence and staff meetings.
• Incumbent must be flexible and have a broad knowledge base to use own initiative in the resolution of problem situations.

Requirements

• These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service.
• To receive selection priority for this position, you must: Be rated well-qualified for the position based on the competencies listed above; and submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.
• Well-qualified is defined as having knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or competencies clearly exceeding the minimum qualification requirements for the vacancy.
• EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.
• More information can be found here: U.S Department of Justice - Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Key Requirements: U.S. Citizenship is Required.
• See Special Conditions of Employment Section.
• Selective Service Requirement

Education

See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable. ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement.

Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable).

All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.

Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.

How you will be evaluated

Once the job opportunity announcement closes (at 11:59 pm ET on 09/30/2027 ), your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) to verify you meet the basic qualifications for the position and grade level selected.

Qualified candidates are then referred to the selecting official at their preferred locations for further consideration. The Hiring Official may select any qualified candidate. Veterans' preference is not applicable.

Applications received under Direct Hire public notice may or may not result in a referral or selection. When addressing the specialized experience statement, applicants must present evidence of the experience in their resume.

Examples of Qualifying General Experience: General experience does not need to be in a correctional setting, nor is it expected to be obtained through supervisory experience.

Examples include, but are not limited to: Military Service - Military service in any branch inherently develops the ability to work effectively with people of differing backgrounds, lead and instruct others, think clearly under pressure, remain calm in emergencies, and exercise sound judgment.

These qualities demonstrate the aptitude for correctional work and key personal attributes qualifying as general experience. Through the discipline, responsibility, and real-world challenges of service in any branch, veterans build the foundational competencies this role requires.

Industrial, Mining, or Skilled Trades Work - Working as a miner, heavy equipment operator, welder, or in other occupations where strict compliance with OSHA safety procedures, rules, and regulations is required to protect personnel and maintain operational safety.

Security or Law Enforcement Support - Serving as a security guard, military police, or patrol officer assistant, ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Customer Service in High-Volume or Regulated Environments - Working in airports, transportation hubs, or large event venues where enforcing rules and resolving conflicts is required.

Youth or Group Supervision - Supervising youth in residential programs, summer camps, or educational settings, ensuring safety and adherence to rules. Emergency Services - Serving as a firefighter, EMT, or disaster response volunteer, requiring quick decision-making under pressure.

Transportation or Logistics - Operating in roles where safety checks, inspections, and adherence to strict schedules and procedures are critical. General experience may also have been gained in work such as: Social case work in a welfare agency or counseling in other types of organizations. Classroom teaching or instructing.

Responsible rehabilitation work, e.g., in an alcoholic rehabilitation program. Supervising planned recreational activities or active participation in community action programs. Management or supervisory work in a business or other organization that included directing the workflow and/or direct supervision of others.

Sales work, other than taking and filling orders as in over-the-counter sales.

The following Competencies/Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's) are required: GL-04, GL-05, GL-06, GL-07 and GL-08: Stress Tolerance Writing Oral Communication Decision Making Teamwork To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: ***

Documents you must provide

• Failure to provide legible required documents and/or follow the prescribed format often results in removal from consideration.
• If uploading documentation, do not identify/save your documents utilizing a special character such as %, #, @, etc. Documentation should be identified/saved as VA Letter, DD-214, or Transcripts.
• Veterans' Preference Documentation: Failure to submit all required documents at the time of application will result in the loss of claimed preference eligibility.
• DD-214: Veterans MUST provide a DD-214 demonstrating that they have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions (i.e., the individual must have received either an honorable or general discharge).
• SF-15: If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, widow/widower of a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the parent of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit: A completed Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference" and all required documentation identified on the SF-15.
• Note: A Department of Veterans Affairs letter must contain the Veteran's Name and Combined Service-Connected Evaluation.
• For a copy of the most current SF-15, Click Here.
• If you are on active duty and expect to be discharged or released from active duty service within 120 days, you may submit a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty from the appropriate Branch Personnel Office containing the following information: the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and the character of service (must be an honorable or general discharge); and any qualifying service/campaign/expeditionary medals Resume - All Applicants: You must submit a resume (a two page or less resume is required) that includes your name, contact information, and relevant experience (cover letter optional).
• Additionally, for each job entry listed in your employment history, you must include: Official position title, Employer name and contact information, Start and end dates (month and year, MM/YYYY, format), Indicate number of hours worked per week, and A list of duties performed and accomplishments.
• Experience that would not normally be part of the Federal employee's position is creditable when documented by satisfactory evidence of qualifying experience (e.g., a memorandum from the manager, Human Resource Manager, SF-52, MOU, etc.).
• If providing a memorandum, it must follow the format above AND clearly cite the duties performed.
• For more help, visit USAJOBS Help Center - What should I include in my resume?
• College Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify for this position, or education is required, you must submit a transcript containing a school name and student name in addition to full listing of courses, credit earned, grade and grade-point-average, subject area, degree(s) earned, and dates of award (if applicable).
• Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcripts will be required prior to your first day.
• SF-50: If you are a current/former federal government employee, you must provide an unredacted copy of your latest SF-50.
• Proof of ICTAP/CTAP Eligibility: If you are a displaced Federal employee claiming eligibility under CTAP or ICTAP, you must submit: A copy of the agency notice (i.e., letter of intent to separate, separation notice, or agency RIF letter), Your most recent performance appraisal, and Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location.
• Professional Certification/License: if applicable.
• We cannot be held responsible for incompatible software, delays in mail service, applicant application errors, etc.

Benefits

SALARY RANGE: The salary range for this announcement reflects 2026 Special Rate for Rest of U.S. GL-04/01 $44,902 to highest GL-08/10 San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA, $98,113. See OPM's Special Rates website and search the locality area for which you are applying to for more information.

ADDITIONAL SALARY INFORMATION: A 15%-50% Recruitment Incentive will be paid to the Selectee(s) who meets the criteria for recruitment bonuses. For more information, visit BOP Incentives. Retention Incentives may be authorized upon completion of the recruitment service agreement period.

Nonforeign Area Cost-of-Living Allowances (COLA): There is an 8.64% (of basic pay) Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) authorized for FDC Honolulu, HI, and a 2.49% for MDC Guaynabo, PR. See COLA and Locality Pay Rates in Nonforeign Areas for more information.

What to expect next

NOTE: This announcement establishes an open continuous public notice. Due to the continuous demand for Correctional Officers, applications are routinely reviewed and referred on an ongoing basis for the duration of the recruitment period. We will notify you of the outcome after each step of the application process has been completed.

Applicants will be notified via e-mail, to the e-mail address registered in USAJOBS. However, you can also see your application status any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account and looking on the "Applications" page. Click the position title to expand the display for each application in the list.

The referral certificate or list of eligibles will be issued to the Hiring Manager for further consideration. Applicants referred on a certificate of eligibles may receive an inquiry as to availability for an interview via e-mail, mail or a telephone inquiry from the Hiring Operations Team.

Applicants must contact the Hiring Operations Team to schedule an interview.

Failure to contact the Hiring Operations Team may result in a loss of consideration for the position.

We strive to extend a final offer of employment within 80 days from the closing date of this announcement. Additional selections may be made from this announcement within 80 days.

Additional information

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.

More information can be found here. This announcement is being advertised under an agency specific Direct-Hire Authority approved by OPM for filling vacancies when a severe shortage or critical hiring need exists. Veterans Preference and other Category Rating procedures do not apply to this announcement.

Applicants must meet all qualification requirements of the position.

The hiring office may interview and select any qualified candidate of their choosing from the qualified pool. See OPM, Direct Hire Authority for more information. AGE REQUIREMENTS: Although 5 U.S.C.

3307 established a maximum entry age of 37 for initial appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution, applicants can be considered up to age 39. If you are above the maximum entry age and have prior federal law enforcement coverage, you MUST submit an SF-50 to verify prior coverage. Qualified Preference Eligible Veterans may be exempt from meeting the maximum age.

Refer to the Required Documents Section for the appropriate documentation to submit to validate veteran eligibility. LENGTH OF ELIGIBILITY: Eligible applicants will remain on the inventory until the closing date of the announcement. NOTE: This announcement is posted on a yearly cycle.

The announcement will EXPIRE on the listed closing date of 09/30/2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. In order to receive consideration for the next cycle, applicants MUST reapply to the new vacancy announcement.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT SECTION: Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation. All applicants are subject to and must satisfactorily pass all screening requirements in relation to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit check.

All applicants not currently working in an institution will be required to complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence in order to be authorized to carry a firearm. Successful completion of the "Introduction to Correctional Techniques," three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia is required.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.

In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.