Correctional Officer (Correctional Officer Trainee)

US Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System; Aliceville (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

US Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System seeks candidates for Correctional Officer roles. Candidates must meet education and experience requirements, including at least 2 years of general experience with at least one year at GL-03 level, and demonstrate the ability to follow rules, use sound judgment, communicate clearly, and stay composed in stressful situations.

Applicants should be physically capable of demanding duties and meet medical requirements.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of full-time general experience, one year equivalent to the GL-03 level.
• General experience includes following rules, using sound judgment, and communicating with diverse individuals.
• Combination of education and experience may be substituted per policy.

Skills

Rule adherence

Decision making

Communication

Stress tolerance

Education

Education above high school

Job description

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

Education

Successfully completed education above the high school level in any field may be substituted for general experience at the rate of 30 semester hours for one year of experience.

Experience

At least 2 years of full-time general experience, one year of which is equivalent to the GL-03 level in the Federal service.

General experience is defined as progressively responsible work that demonstrates the ability to:

• Follow and apply rules, procedures, or regulations.
• Use sound judgment in decision-making.
• Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Maintain composure and take appropriate action in emergency or stressful situations.

Examples of Qualifying General Experience

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.

Combination of Education and Experience

Have a combination of education and experience. This experience must have equipped you with the qualifications to perform the major duties of this position as described above.

Medical Requirement

The Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons has established the following medical requirements for Correctional Officer positions: The duties of these positions involve unusual mental and nervous pressure and require arduous physical exertion involving prolonged walking and standing, restraining of prisoners in emergencies, and participating in escape hunts. Applicants must be physically capable of performing efficiently the duties of these positions and be free from such defects or disease as may constitute employment hazards to themselves or others. The duties of a Correctional Officer are arduous; and sound health as well as physical fitness is required.

If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.

You MUST meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/30/2027.

Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

After you submit your application, you will receive notification indicating whether or not the USA Hire assessment is required. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement to complete the assessment which is part of your application.