Lead Correctional Officer

Indian Co; New Mexico; On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A law enforcement position at the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Mescalero, NM, seeks candidates with specialized experience in correctional facility operations. The role includes physical demands and requires sound judgment in emergencies. Preference is given to qualified Indian candidates under the Indian Preference Act.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience at the GL-7 level or equivalent.
• Experience as a lead police officer or detention officer.

Responsibilities

• Guide lower-level correctional officers in operating a correctional facility.
• Enforce rules on security and inmate accountability.

Skills

Guiding lower-level correctional officers

Enforcing rules on security

Making sound judgments in emergencies

Job description

Position Location

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

Additional Information

This position is being advertised concurrently with Announcement Number ST-25-12730546-CAWV-SM, which is open to status candidates and other eligibles and follows Merit Promotion procedures. Applicants interested in both pathways should apply to each announcement separately.

Experience and Education Requirements

GL-08: To qualify at the GL-8 level, candidates must have one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade or equivalent. This experience should include guiding lower-level correctional officers in operating a correctional or detention facility, enforcing rules on security, inmate accountability, and conduct, and making sound judgments in emergencies affecting safety and rights. Relevant experience includes serving as a lead police officer, mental health counselor in a residential facility, or detention officer.

Physical Demands

The role involves mental and physical challenges, including prolonged walking, standing, sitting, transporting objects, restraining offenders, and participating in escapes or hunts. Candidates must be physically capable of performing these duties and free from conditions that pose hazards to themselves or others.

Maximum Entry Age Limit

The maximum age for entry is 37, unless the applicant has prior Federal law enforcement or firefighter experience or is a preference-eligible veteran. Veterans should provide DD-214 and SF-15 forms as applicable; failure to do so may result in disqualification.

Medical Requirements

The position requires physical exertion, use of firearms, and exposure to weather. Good vision and hearing are necessary, along with emotional and mental stability. Physical conditions posing hazards are disqualifying.

Residency Requirement

Selected employees in law enforcement must reside within 50 miles of the duty station unless a waiver is granted. Non-compliance may lead to removal from the position.

Additional Notes

All qualifications must be met by the closing date. Preference is given to qualified Indian candidates under the Indian Preference Act of 1934. Multiple selections may occur within 90 days of the closing date for identical vacancies in the same location.