Become a Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor with the Federal Bureau of Prisons
Are you a seasoned maintenance professional looking to apply your leadership skills in a unique, mission-critical environment? The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is currently seeking a motivated Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor (General Foreman) for our facility in Texarkana, Texas. This role is more than just a job; it is a vital part of the Department of Justiceβs efforts to ensure public safety and foster a secure environment.
Job Responsibilities
The Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor oversees the comprehensive repair and maintenance of housing units and institutional infrastructure. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing civilian journeyman supervisors and a diverse inmate workforce.
- Coordinating complex trade practices to ensure facilities remain operational.
- Rotating through different zones of the institution, including both inside and outside the perimeter.
- Enforcing strict security protocols while completing technical work.
- Suggesting and implementing innovative repair methods to improve efficiency.
Comparison of Key Supervisory Expectations
| Skill Requirement | General Foreman Role | Standard Supervisory Role |
|---|---|---|
| Workforce Type | Civilian & Inmate | Civilian Only |
| Security Context | High-Security Environment | Standard Office/Site |
| Core Priority | Physical Security & Repair | Project Management |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must demonstrate strong leadership and technical aptitude. Key requirements include:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship.
- Successful passage of a background check, physical, and drug screening.
- Must meet the screen-out criteria regarding supervisory ability and aptitude for working with prisoners.
- Successful completion of the 3-week introductory training course at Glynco, Georgia.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly rate ranging from $42.69 to $49.79. The representative rate for this role is approximately $92,746 annually, reflecting the high level of responsibility inherent in supervising institutional maintenance operations.
Benefits
Joining the Bureau of Prisons provides federal employees with a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- Federal retirement planning and pension benefits.
- Consistent professional development and training.
- The opportunity to contribute to a meaningful mission alongside dedicated colleagues.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of selection:
- Keep it Concise: Your resume must be no longer than two pages.
- Be Specific: Use clear dates and hours per week for all previous experience.
- Use the Questionnaire: Your online assessment scores are critical, so take your time answering every question carefully.
- Formatting: Use standard, readable fonts and ensure all supporting documents are named clearly without special symbols.
Serving as a Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor in the Federal Bureau of Prisons is a challenging yet rewarding career path. If you are a leader who thrives in complex environments and wants to contribute to public safety, apply before the August 21, 2026, deadline to be considered.
Why This Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor (General Foreman) Job Matters
Take command of facility operations and lead a dedicated team in a mission-critical environment. Join the Bureau of Prisons as a Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor in Texarkana.
Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor (General Foreman) Job Overview
The Federal Bureau of Prisons is seeking a skilled Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor (General Foreman) to oversee the construction, repair, and ongoing maintenance of institutional facilities in Texarkana, Texas. This leadership role involves managing civilian journeyman supervisors and an inmate workforce, ensuring all physical infrastructure remains secure and functional. As an integral part of the correctional team, the incumbent is responsible for both trade excellence and the security of the institution, ensuring that safety protocols are prioritized in all tasks.
Requirements for Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor (General Foreman)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must meet the 'Barely Acceptable' level on screen-out elements for supervision and working with prisoners
- Ability to plan, organize, and lead trade workflows
- Must complete a one-year supervisory probationary period
- Must pass a physical examination, urinalysis, and background investigation
- Must complete the three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training in Glynco, Georgia
- Resume must be limited to exactly two pages
Preferred Qualifications for Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor (General Foreman)
- Demonstrated ingenuity in applying new maintenance and repair methods
- Strong aptitude for working effectively within a correctional facility setting
- Proven experience supervising civilian and inmate workforces
- Exceptional stress tolerance in high-security, dynamic environments
- Ability to communicate complex trade-related tasks to diverse groups
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βCompetitive hourly federal compensation
- βComprehensive federal benefits package
- βProfessional training and career development
- βStable federal employment within the Department of Justice
- βOpportunities for advancement within the Federal Prison System
π‘ How to Apply Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor (General Foreman) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor (General Foreman) Job
- Register or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Document all experience with start/end dates (MM/YYYY) and hours worked per week.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire linked in the announcement.
- Upload all required supporting documents, such as SF-50 forms and performance appraisals.
- Submit your application before the closing date of August 21, 2026.
π‘ General Tips
- Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Use a clear, sans-serif font like Lato or Arial to maintain professional readability.
- Clearly document your supervisory experience and ability to work with an inmate population.
- Double-check that your supporting documents are saved without special characters in the filename.
- Contact the Consolidated Staffing Unit early if you encounter any technical issues with the portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.
What is the age limit for this position?
Per 5 U.S.C. 3307, there is a maximum entry age of 36 for original appointments to Bureau of Prisons institutions.
Is prior federal experience required?
While this position is open to internal agency candidates and those in career transition programs, requirements are based on trade proficiency and supervisory capability regardless of specific federal tenure.
What is the maximum entry age?
For initial appointments to Bureau of Prisons institutions, the maximum entry age is 36.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, relocation is not offered for this specific vacancy.
Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System
The Bureau of Prisons is responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates. Our mission is to prepare individuals for successful reentry into society while maintaining the safety of our facilities. Employees are the backbone of this mission, working together to keep institutions operational and secure. As a supervisor in this agency, your work directly influences the safety and efficiency of the entire institution.
