Launch Your Career as a Supervisory Correctional Officer with the BIA
Are you a seasoned corrections professional looking to transition into a leadership role? The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is currently seeking highly motivated individuals to serve as Supervisory Correctional Officers across locations in Montana and Wyoming. This role is pivotal in maintaining the security, safety, and operational efficiency of detention facilities serving tribal communities.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Correctional Officer, your daily impact is significant. You will be responsible for:
- Providing direct supervision and guidance to a team of correctional officers.
- Administering security programs to maintain the safety of the institution.
- Conducting daily inspections of facility security, safety, and sanitation measures.
- Investigating and responding to inmate violations, such as contraband, disturbances, or assaults.
- Managing the secure transport and escort of inmates for community services and court appearances.
Comparison of Requirements
| Feature | Requirement Detail |
|---|---|
| Grade Level | GL-09 |
| Experience Needed | 1 Year of specialized (GL-08 level) |
| Physical Standards | Moderate to arduous; specific vision/hearing thresholds |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Travel | Occasional travel required |
Requirements for Success
To be considered, candidates must demonstrate a strong background in correctional operations. You need one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GL-08 grade level. This experience must show that you have served in a mentor or leadership capacity, guiding other officers in policy implementation and detention management. Additionally, you must be physically capable of performing the duties of the position, including walking and standing for long periods, and meet the necessary mental and emotional stability standards for high-pressure environments.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $65,545 to $84,579 per year. Beyond the base salary, employees benefit from a robust federal total compensation package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and potential leave accrual benefits for those with prior uniformed or federal service experience.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. The HR team will only review the first two pages.
- Be Detailed: Clearly define your dates of employment (mm/yy), hours worked per week, and a breakdown of your duties.
- Verify Eligibility: If you are claiming Indian Preference, ensure BIA Form 4432 is completed and attached before submission.
Can I work remotely?
No, this role is on-site at detention facilities.
This is a unique opportunity to lead, mentor, and protect within the BIA. If you are prepared to elevate your career and contribute to public safety in tribal communities, review the official announcement and apply before August 20, 2026.
Why This Supervisory Correctional Officer Job Matters
Take the lead in public safety and correctional leadership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs—a role where your supervision directly impacts community security and tribal justice.
Supervisory Correctional Officer Job Overview
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Correctional Officer to oversee security operations across multiple locations in Montana and Wyoming. This vital leadership role involves managing detention staff, ensuring facility safety, and maintaining the highest standards of correctional operations. You will play a key part in protecting both the inmate population and the public, serving as a first-line supervisor committed to excellence in justice and institutional security.
Requirements for Supervisory Correctional Officer
- One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GL-08 level.
- Proven history as a mentor or lead for lower-graded correctional officers.
- Direct experience in policy implementation and detention facility management.
- Physical ability to perform moderate to arduous exertion, including walking and standing.
- Must meet specific medical standards regarding vision, hearing, and manual dexterity.
- Demonstrated emotional and mental stability required for high-stakes environments.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Correctional Officer
- Advanced leadership capabilities within a correctional or law enforcement environment.
- Strong technical competence in detention security protocols.
- Demonstrated written and oral communication skills suitable for administrative and reporting tasks.
- Experience with Indian Preference eligibility (BIA-4432 form).
- Current or former federal law enforcement experience meeting secondary coverage requirements.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure.
- ✓Opportunities for annual leave accrual credit for prior non-Federal or uniformed service experience.
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Potential for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) authorization.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Correctional Officer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Correctional Officer Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
- Prepare a detailed resume (maximum 2 pages) highlighting your relevant leadership experience and dates of service.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Gather supporting documents, including BIA Form 4432 (if claiming Indian Preference) and military documentation (DD-214) if applicable.
- Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS portal by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
- Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the 2-page limit; extra pages will not be reviewed.
- Be specific about your duties, including hours worked per week and supervisor contact information.
- Submit all required documents at once, as the agency will not solicit missing information.
- If claiming Indian Preference, ensure Form BIA-4432 is correctly completed and attached.
- Complete your application well before the deadline to account for potential technical delays or document scans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Supervisory Correctional Officer?
You will serve as a first-line supervisor, managing security programs, inspecting facilities for safety and sanitation, and overseeing the care and transportation of inmates.
Can non-Indian applicants apply for this position?
Yes, while the BIA gives preference to qualified Indian candidates, non-Indian applicants will be considered if no qualified Indian Preference eligibles are available.
Is a probationary period required?
Yes, first-time supervisors must complete a one-year supervisory probationary period.
Do I need a specific security clearance?
Yes, this position requires a Moderate Risk (MR) suitability determination and passing a drug test.
Job from Interior, Bureau Of Indian Affairs
The Bureau of Indian Affairs, part of the Department of the Interior, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for American Indians and Alaska Natives. With a mission rooted in promoting economic opportunity and protecting trust assets, the BIA provides a diverse range of services, including law enforcement and detention operations. Joining the BIA means becoming part of a community that values self-governance, safety, and service to 575 federally recognized tribes.