Lead Correctional Officer

U.S. Department of the Interior; Mescalero (NM); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Correctional Officer for the Mescalero Detention Center. This role involves overseeing the safety and security of inmates while enforcing regulations and ensuring compliance with federal laws. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership skills, sound judgment, and the physical capability to handle the demands of the position. Join a team committed to upholding justice and making a positive impact in the community. If you are looking for a challenging yet rewarding career in law enforcement, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience in correctional facility operations.
• Ability to enforce rules and make instant decisions affecting inmate safety.

Responsibilities

• Guide lower-level officers in facility operations and inmate conduct.
• Conduct background investigations and ensure compliance with security protocols.

Skills

Leadership

Judgment

Physical Fitness

Communication

Education

High School Diploma

Federal Law Enforcement Experience

Tools

Firearms

Government Motor Vehicle

Job description

This position is located in the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Office of Justice Services (OJS), Mescalero Detention Center, in Mescalero NM.

This position is being advertised concurrently with Announcement Number ST-25-12730546-CAWV-SM which is open to status candidates and other eligibles and applies Merit Promotion procedures. Status applicants who wish to be considered under both Merit Promotion and Competitive Examining procedures must apply directly to each announcement.
Duties

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (title 25, USC Section 472). Form BIA -4432 must be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.
• You will be required to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit
• You may be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period
• A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
• If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.
• Incumbent is required to operate a government motor vehicle, must possess a valid driver's license, and have a safe driving record within the 4 year period immediately preceding submittal of GSA Form 3607.
• Medical requirement.
• Drug Testing. This position is subject to both pre-employment and random drug testing as a condition of employment. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test is received.
• This position has been approved for Primary Law Enforcement Coverage,
• Subject to rotating shifts.

Qualifications
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: (OPM Operating Manual, Qualification Standards).

GL-08 :To qualify at the GL-8 level, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade or equivalent providing guidance to lower level correctional officers in the operation of a correctional and/or detention facility; enforcing rules and regulations governing facility security, inmate accountability and inmate conduct; and exercising sound judgement in making instantaneous decisions affecting life; well-being, civil liberties and property. Experience may have been gained in work such as serving as a lead as a police officer, mental health counselor in a residential facility; or detention officer.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The duties of a correctional officer, on any shift involves unusual mental and nervous pressure. It requires arduous physical exertion including prolonged walking, standing, and sitting while transporting, lifting of moderately heavy to light objects, restraining of offenders in emergencies and participating in escape and walk-away hunts. Incumbent must be physically capable of performing efficiently the duties of the position and be free from such defects or disease as may constitute employment hazards to themselves or others.

MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE LIMIT: The maximum entry-age for this position shall not exceed age 37, unless you have sufficient prior Federal civilian law enforcement [or firefighter, if applicable] experience or you are a preference eligible veteran. If you are a preference eligible veteran, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday. You must supply a copy of your Defense Department Form 214 (DD-214) along with Standard Form 15 (if applicable) and any associated documentation in accordance with the instructions in this vacancy announcement. Failure to provide this documentation with your application will result in the loss of eligibility to receive a waiver of the maximum entry age requirement.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: The duties of this position require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs, and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning in order that applicants may perform the duties satisfactorily. Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform duties satisfactorily. Near vision, corrective lenses permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels. Since the duties of these positions are exacting and responsible, and involve activities under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself, or others is disqualifying.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Upon selection, employees holding primary law enforcement positions must reside within 50 miles of their duty station unless a waiver is approved by the OJS Director or Assistant Director. A failure to comply may result in removal from a primary law enforcement position.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (title 25, USC Section 472).

Additional selections may be made from this announcement if identical vacancies occur in the same location within 90 days from the closing date.