Become a Vocational Training Instructor with the Federal Bureau of Prisons

Are you an experienced custodial professional looking to transition into an educational role? The Federal Bureau of Prisons is currently seeking a highly motivated Training Instructor to lead our Custodial Services vocational program at our facility in Brooklyn, New York. This role is perfect for professionals who want to combine their trade expertise with a mission of public service and inmate rehabilitation.

Job Responsibilities

As a Training Instructor, your day-to-day will involve:

Curriculum Development: Selecting and crafting engaging lesson plans focused on custodial and environmental services.
Classroom Instruction: Directly teaching vocational and apprenticeship courses.
Program Coordination: Serving as a coordinator for occupational training, ensuring all programs meet Department of Labor and institutional standards.
Security Oversight: Maintaining the safety and security of the institution is a primary responsibility that precedes all other daily duties.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-09/11 position, you must meet the following baseline requirements:

Education: A Master’s degree or higher (or equivalent graduate study) is required depending on the grade level.
Certification: You must hold a current, valid custodial certification (e.g., ISSA, CMI, CCT, CCS, or GBAC).
Work Experience: At least two to three years of recent experience in commercial cleaning or facilities custodial operations.
Background Check: All candidates must pass a thorough background investigation, physical, and drug test.

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive federal salary range based on the General Schedule (GS) scale.

Pay Grade	Salary Range (Annual)
GS-09 to GS-11	$75,162 - $114,413

Benefits

Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health insurance plans.
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), similar to a 401(k) with government matching.
Generous paid time off, including federal holidays and sick leave.
Long-term career development and training programs.

Application Tips

Read carefully: The announcement has specific requirements for the 'Selective Factor.' Make sure your resume explicitly states your certification and years of experience.
Resume limits: Keep your resume to a strict 2-page limit. Extra length may disqualify you.
Formatting: Use clear headers and sans-serif fonts to ensure your experience is easy for HR personnel to scan.

If you have a passion for trade instruction and want to contribute to a secure and rehabilitative environment, apply for the Training Instructor position in Brooklyn today. This is your opportunity to leverage your custodial expertise to create meaningful change.

Why This Training Instructor (Vocational Training Instructor - Custodial Services) Job Matters

Launch a meaningful career where you change lives: Join the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a Vocational Training Instructor and lead our Custodial Services programs in Brooklyn.

Training Instructor (Vocational Training Instructor - Custodial Services) Job Overview

The Federal Bureau of Prisons is seeking a dedicated Training Instructor for its Brooklyn facility to lead vocational and custodial services training. In this critical role, you will develop curriculum, provide hands-on instruction, and prepare incarcerated individuals for successful reentry into society. As an employee of the Bureau of Prisons, your mission focuses on public safety and inmate rehabilitation, requiring you to balance instructional excellence with the security needs of a correctional institution.

Requirements for Training Instructor (Vocational Training Instructor - Custodial Services)

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must meet Selective Service requirements.
Must pass a pre-employment background investigation, urinalysis, and physical exam.
Must complete the three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training in Glynco, GA.
For GS-09: Master’s degree, two years of progressive graduate education, or one year of specialized experience.
For GS-11: Ph.D. degree, three years of progressive graduate education, or one year of specialized experience.
Must possess a current, valid custodial services or cleaning industry credential (e.g., ISSA, CMI, CCT, CCS, or GBAC).
Minimum of two years (GS-09) or three years (GS-11) of verifiable experience in custodial or environmental services.

Preferred Qualifications for Training Instructor (Vocational Training Instructor - Custodial Services)

Experience in developing individualized learning plans for adult learners.
Proven background in curriculum design for vocational trades.
Demonstrated ability to instruct students from diverse backgrounds.
Experience coordinating apprenticeship or Department of Labor-aligned training programs.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance options
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Retirement savings program (TSP)
✓Paid vacation and federal holidays
✓Structured career advancement opportunities

💡 How to Apply Training Instructor (Vocational Training Instructor - Custodial Services) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Training Instructor (Vocational Training Instructor - Custodial Services) Job

Register for a profile on the official USAJOBS portal.
Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare a resume limited to exactly 2 pages.
Gather and upload required documentation, including transcripts and certification proof.
Submit your application and complete the online questionnaire by the closing date.
Complete the required USA Hire assessment if prompted via email.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes start/end dates in MM/YYYY format and hours worked per week for every position.
Clearly address the 'Selective Factor' credentials in your resume to avoid automatic disqualification.
Upload all supporting documents at the time of initial application.
Use a professional, easy-to-read font like Lato or Arial.
Double-check that all uploaded files are named clearly (e.g., 'Transcripts', 'Certification') without special characters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a teaching license required for this position?

No, a state teaching license is not explicitly required, but you must hold a valid industry-recognized custodial credential such as ISSA or CMI.

What is the maximum age limit for this position?

There is a maximum entry age of 36 for original appointments in Bureau of Prisons institutions, though exceptions may apply for preference-eligible veterans.

How long will the hiring process take?

The agency anticipates making a final job offer within 80 days after the announcement closes.

Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is a cornerstone of the Department of Justice, dedicated to protecting society by confining offenders in controlled, secure environments. Beyond security, we focus on the successful reentry of inmates into the community by providing them with the necessary vocational and educational skills to thrive upon their release. By joining our team, you become a vital part of this mission, directly influencing the lives of those we serve.