Training Instructor (Vocational Training Instructor - Carpentry)

Bureau of Prisons / Federal Prison System; Allenwood (PA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Bureau of Prisons / Federal Prison System seeks a qualified carpentry instructor to deliver instruction, develop curricula, and assess trainee progress in a correctional education setting. The role requires experience in adult instruction and curriculum development, with a focus on safety and hands‑on skills.

The position emphasizes delivering structured training, coordinating with program staff, and ensuring compliance with standards for carpentry and construction safety.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching adults or formal instructional settings.
• Experience developing or reviewing training materials and evaluating results.
• Experience supervising or administering a training program.

Responsibilities

• Develop curriculum and individualized learning plans for higher levels of learning.
• Instruct students in carpentry in correctional or similar settings.
• Follow standardized curricula and lesson plans to meet trainee needs.

Skills

Adult education

Curriculum development

Instructional methods

Team supervision

Education

Undergraduate/Graduate education in education or related field

Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in related field

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in related field

Job description

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

To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements.

Basic Requirements:

Education:

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- education or a subject area related to the position to be filled.

OR

Specialized Experience:

GL-09 and GS-11:

Experience that demonstrated a practical knowledge of the subject area of the position and of the methods and techniques of instruction. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:

• Teaching or instructing in an adult education program, secondary school, college, military installation, or industrial establishment in the appropriate field(s).
• Supervising or administering a training program.
• Development or review of training/course materials, aids, devices, etc., and evaluation of training results.
• Work in the occupation or subject-matter field of the position to be filled that required training or instructing others on a regular basis.

AND

In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements, applicants must have the following:

Education:

GL-09:

A Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.B OR J.D., if related.

GS-11:

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.M., if related.

Undergraduate and Graduate Education:

Major study - education or a subject area related to the position to be filled.

OR

Experience:

GL-09:

You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. To be creditable, this experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular qualifications to perform successfully the duties of the position, and demonstrated a practical knowledge of the subject area of the position, and of the methods and techniques of instruction.

Some examples of this qualifying experience could be:

GL-09:

• Experience in developing curriculum and individualized learning plans for higher levels of learning .
• Experience in assisting in developing programs and providing instruction to students from significantly varying backgrounds in a correctional setting.
• Experience in following standardized curricula and lesson plans to meet the needs of students.

GS-11:

• Experience in teaching with full and primary responsibility for classroom instruction.
• Experience in supervising or administering a training program.
• Work in the occupation or subject-matter field of the position to be filled that required training or instructing others on a regular basis.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience:

GL-09 and GS-11: 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.

AND

Selective Placement Factor:

GL-09 and GS-11: Applicants applying for this position MUST also possess the following Selective Factor. In the event that you do not possess the Selective Factor, you will be found ineligible for the position.

GL-09:

Certification Requirements:

• a. The applicant must possess and maintain a current, valid industry-recognized carpentry instructor credential (e.g., National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Instructor Certification, Home Builders Institute (HBI) Instructor Certification, United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) Instructor credential, or National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) training certification) appropriate to the program's instructional model. Instruction must be limited to the scope of competencies and curriculum standards authorized by the credentialing organization.
• b. A current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA 10 (Construction)) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA 30 (Construction Safety)) certifications.

AND

Work Experience:

• a. Minimum of two (2) years of verifiable experience, held within the past four (4) years, in the carpentry field, including working in residential and/or commercial construction settings performing structural framing, interior and exterior finishing, blueprint reading, construction math, material layout, and compliance with applicable building codes and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety regulations.

GS-11:

Certification Requirements:

• a. The applicant must possess and maintain a current, valid industry-recognized carpentry instructor credential (e.g., National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Instructor Certification, Home Builders Institute (HBI) Instructor Certification, United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) Instructor credential, or National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) training certification) appropriate to the program's instructional model. Instruction must be limited to the scope of competencies and curriculum standards authorized by the credentialing organization.
• b. A current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA 10 (Construction)) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA 30 (Construction Safety)) certifications.

AND

Work Experience:

• a. Minimum of three (3) years of verifiable experience, held within the past five (5) years, in the carpentry field, including working in residential and/or commercial construction settings performing structural framing, interior and exterior finishing, blueprint reading, construction math, material layout, and compliance with applicable building codes and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety regulations.

AND

Teaching Experience:

• a. Minimum of one (1) year of experience in developing instructional activities and lesson plans for students pursuing a career pathway in carpentry or related construction trades, incorporating competency-based training, industry safety standards, and hands‑on skill development aligned with workforce or apprenticeship expectations.

NOTE:

All applicants MUST clearly address the Selective Factor in their resume and, if applicable, upload any required documentation (i.e., licensure, certification, or transcripts) at the time you apply.

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.

Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.