Become a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Supervisor with the Federal Bureau of Prisons

Are you a seasoned trades professional looking to pivot your career toward a role that directly impacts public safety? The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) are currently hiring a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Supervisor in Kelly Township, Pennsylvania. This is a unique opportunity to lead critical facility operations within a federal correctional environment.

Job Responsibilities

As the Foreman for utility systems, you will be the backbone of the institution's physical plant. Your core duties include:

Crew Supervision: Directing and training inmate work crews in daily maintenance tasks.
Systems Management: Overseeing steam boilers, feedwater systems, fire pumps, and sewage filtration units.
Electrical Oversight: Managing the distribution of high-voltage electrical loads, transformers, and metering devices.
Structural Repairs: Executing or supervising the repair of extensive steel piping networks and industrial machinery.
Security Duties: Maintaining the security of the institution is a primary, recurring responsibility that precedes all other maintenance duties.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must demonstrate technical proficiency and the ability to work in a correctional setting. Essential requirements include:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Trade Skills: Proficiency in technical practices, use of measuring instruments, and reading blueprints.
Security: Aptitude for working safely around prisoners.
Training: Successful completion of the "Introduction to Correctional Techniques" course in Glynco, Georgia, is required post-hire.

Comparison Table: Qualifications

Requirement	Criteria
Citizenship	United States
Resume Limit	2 Pages Max
Physical/Medical	Required Pre-Employment
Security Clearance	Background Investigation
Age Limitation	Max Entry Age 36 (w/ exceptions)

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $37.19 to $43.39. This rate reflects the high level of technical skill and the supervisory nature of the role within a secure federal facility.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a comprehensive benefits package that is difficult to match in the private sector. Benefits include:

Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Health: Robust health insurance options tailored to family needs.
Leave: Generous accrual of paid vacation, sick time, and federal holidays.
Stability: Career advancement opportunities within the Department of Justice.

Application Tips

Applying for federal positions requires strict attention to detail. Follow these tips to improve your standing:

Resume Formatting: Do not exceed two pages. Use standard fonts like Arial or Lato.
Detailed History: Include exact dates (MM/YYYY) and hours worked per week for every position listed.
Assessments: Be honest but thorough in your self-assessment questions, as these scores determine your ranking.
Documents: Clearly label your PDFs (e.g., DD-214.pdf) and ensure they are legible.

This position is more than a maintenance job—it is a vital service role. By ensuring the facility's infrastructure operates at peak performance, you contribute directly to the mission of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. If you possess the leadership skills and technical expertise, apply today to start your federal career.

Why This Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Supervisor (Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Foreman) Job Matters

Take charge of critical infrastructure as a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Supervisor in the Federal Bureau of Prisons—where your technical expertise secures public safety.

Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Supervisor (Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Foreman) Job Overview

The Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, is seeking a skilled Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Foreman to lead maintenance and operations in Kelly Township, Pennsylvania. In this role, you will oversee essential utility systems, including steam boilers, water treatment, electrical distribution, and HVAC equipment, while managing an inmate crew. You will ensure the operational efficiency of the facility's physical plant while upholding the strict security protocols essential to a federal correctional environment.

Requirements for Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Supervisor (Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Foreman)

U.S. Citizenship
Ability to supervise (Screen-out element)
Aptitude for work with prisoners (Screen-out element)
Must meet the 'Barely Acceptable' level on all assessment screen-outs
Must pass a background investigation, urinalysis, and physical
Maximum entry age of 36 applies for original appointments, with exceptions for qualified veterans or those with prior federal LEO coverage

Preferred Qualifications for Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Supervisor (Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Foreman)

Demonstrated experience in operating and maintaining high-voltage electrical distribution and switchgear
Advanced proficiency in repairing industrial steel piping and expansion systems
Strong ability to interpret complex blueprints, technical specifications, and instructional manuals
Proven expertise in the maintenance of water filtration and sewage monitoring systems

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance options
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent) with government matching
✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave
✓Life insurance coverage options
✓Ongoing professional development and required training

💡 How to Apply Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Supervisor (Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Foreman) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Supervisor (Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Foreman) Job

Register for a profile on USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire honestly to reflect your experience.
Upload required documentation, including SF-50s or DD-214s if claiming preference.
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to 2 pages; longer resumes will be disqualified.
Clearly document your experience in MM/YYYY format with hours worked per week.
Use a sans-serif font like Arial or Helvetica for maximum readability.
Save files with descriptive names like 'DD-214' or 'SF-50' to avoid errors.
If claiming Veterans Preference, ensure your documentation is complete before uploading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position requires a background investigation and clearance based on the needs of the Bureau of Prisons.

What happens if I forget to submit my DD-214?

Failure to provide required supporting documentation at the time of application will result in the loss of claimed preference eligibility.

Do I need to be a law enforcement officer to apply?

While this role is in the Bureau of Prisons, it is a specialized trade supervisory position. However, it requires a correctional mindset and mandatory attendance at an 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training course.

Can I apply if I am over 36?

The maximum entry age is 36, but qualified veterans and those with prior federal law enforcement coverage may be eligible for an age waiver.

What if I have never worked in a prison?

No previous correctional experience is required, but you must pass an assessment of your aptitude for working with prisoners.

Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates. BOP staff members do more than just manage facilities; they provide a secure environment that prioritizes public safety and prepares individuals for successful reentry into society. As an employee of the BOP, you become part of a specialized team dedicated to institutional integrity and operational excellence.