Become a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist with the Bureau of Prisons
Are you looking for a career that combines technical expertise with a commitment to public safety? The Bureau of Prisons is currently hiring a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist in Jesup, Georgia. This role is essential for ensuring that correctional institutions operate safely and efficiently, protecting the people who live and work within them.
About the Bureau of Prisons
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is responsible for the care, custody, and control of incarcerated individuals. Our mission is to promote public safety by ensuring that inmates are managed in a humane, secure, and disciplined environment while preparing them for successful reentry into the community. Working for the BOP offers a challenging, mission-driven career with excellent federal benefits.
Key Job Responsibilities
As a Safety Specialist, your work will be diverse and highly technical. Your core duties include:
- Inspections: Conducting thorough safety and environmental assessments of the institution.
- Reporting: Documenting findings to assist the Environmental and Safety Compliance Administrator in maintaining standards.
- Training: Educating staff and inmates on fire safety, occupational health, and environmental protection techniques.
- Investigation: Participating in investigations, gathering evidence, and drafting reports on accidents or hazards.
- Security: Contributing to the overall security of the facility; maintaining a safe environment is a duty shared by all BOP staff.
Requirements for Success
To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate a mix of education and experience. The qualifications are divided into entry levels (GL-07 and GL-09).
| Requirement | GL-07 Grade | GL-09 Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's in Safety/Health field or 24 credits in relevant fields | Master's degree or 2 years of graduate study |
| Experience | 1 year of equivalent specialized experience | 1 year of equivalent specialized experience |
| S.A.A. | Superior Academic Achievement accepted | Not applicable for this level |
Salary Overview
The starting salary for this position is competitive, ranging from $57,188 to $82,301 per year. Your actual starting pay will be based on your qualifications and professional experience.
Federal Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Extensive health insurance choices.
- A generous retirement plan through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Accrual of paid vacation and sick leave.
Application Tips for Success
Applying for a federal job can be complex. Follow these tips to stand out:
- Tailor your Resume: Keep it to 2 pages and ensure you list hours worked per week for every position.
- Check your Documents: Ensure transcripts are legible and clearly show your graduation date.
- Use the Questionnaire: Your ranking depends heavily on the answers you provide during the online assessment.
- Follow Instructions: Failing to format documents as requested or missing the deadline will lead to your removal from consideration.
Becoming a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist with the Bureau of Prisons is a rewarding path for those dedicated to safety and public service. If you are prepared for the responsibility and meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply by the July 13, 2026, deadline.
Why This Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist) Job Matters
Protect lives, maintain security, and ensure environmental safety within the federal prison system—join the Bureau of Prisons as a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist.
Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist) Job Overview
The Bureau of Prisons is seeking a dedicated Safety & Occupational Health Specialist to join the team in Jesup, Georgia. In this role, you will be instrumental in fostering a secure and humane environment by conducting rigorous safety and environmental inspections, providing essential training on fire safety and occupational hazards, and investigating incidents to ensure the well-being of staff and inmates. This position is unique, blending technical health and safety expertise with the critical responsibilities inherent to maintaining the security of a federal correctional institution.
Requirements for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist)
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Completion of a background investigation and pre-employment screening, including urinalysis and physical exam.
- Must be able to pass credit and NCIC checks.
- Successful completion of the three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training course in Glynco, Georgia.
- Must meet entry age requirements (maximum entry age of 36, with exceptions for veteran preference or prior federal law enforcement service).
- Undergraduate degree in a safety/occupational health field or a related degree with at least 24 semester hours in relevant scientific or technical disciplines.
Preferred Qualifications for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist)
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
- Experience participating in safety inspection teams and hazard identification.
- Background in analyzing injury data to identify trends and mitigation strategies.
- Superior Academic Achievement (GPA 3.0+ overall or 3.5+ in major, or top-third class standing).
- Master's degree or higher in a qualifying field for GL-09 level entry.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Stable career path within the Department of Justice
💡 How to Apply Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist) Job
- Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume limited to exactly 2 pages, including month/year of employment and hours worked per week.
- Upload required documents, such as academic transcripts and veteran preference documentation (DD-214/SF-15).
- Answer all online assessment questions honestly to determine your qualification category.
- Submit your application before the closing date of July 13, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to 2 pages to ensure it passes the screening process.
- Use a clean, sans-serif font like Lato, Arial, or Calibri at 10-point size for readability.
- Clearly label your documents (e.g., 'Transcripts', 'DD-214') and avoid special characters in file names.
- Double-check that your transcripts include the school name, student name, and date of graduation.
- Ensure your resume reflects the specific KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) listed in the announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit for this position?
Yes, there is a maximum entry age of 36 for original appointments to Bureau of Prisons positions. Veterans' preference and prior federal law enforcement service may grant an exemption.
Do I need to be a federal employee to apply?
No, this position is open to the public.
What is the primary role of this position regarding security?
While your primary focus is safety and occupational health, you are an employee of a correctional facility. Consequently, your institutional security responsibilities take precedence over all other duties.
Do I need to be a veteran to apply?
*A: No, this position is open to the public, though veterans preference may be applicable.*
What is the training process?
*A: You will be required to attend and pass the three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' course in Glynco, Georgia.*