Advance Your Career: Supervisory Correctional Officer (Lieutenant) at the Federal Bureau of Prisons

Are you a seasoned corrections professional looking to take the next leap into management? The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is currently accepting applications for a Supervisory Correctional Officer (Lieutenant) at our facility in Alderson, West Virginia. This is a vital leadership position designed for those who have a passion for public safety, staff mentorship, and operational integrity. If you are ready to command a shift and influence the culture of a federal institution, this opportunity is for you.

Job Responsibilities

As a Lieutenant, you will serve as a key member of the facility’s leadership team. Your primary responsibilities include:

Operational Leadership: Directing a shift of correctional officers, managing institutional security, and adjusting operations during emergencies.
Mentorship & Development: Providing guidance, training, and performance feedback to correctional staff to maintain high morale and professionalism.
Administrative Oversight: Acting as a liaison between the Captain and subordinate staff to ensure all policies are followed correctly.
Safety and Security: Monitoring inmate programs, conducting facility searches for contraband, and maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols.

Requirements

To be successful, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Training: Successful completion of the "Introduction to Correctional Techniques" course at Glynco, Georgia.
Fitness: Must pass a medical, physical, and background check.
Age Requirement: Entry age for this position is capped at 36 years old.

Comparison of Duties

Task Area	Role Focus
Operations	Managing daily shifts and emergency responses
Leadership	Coaching, training, and evaluating officer performance
Security	Enforcing institutional policies and preventing contraband

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $65,545 to $84,579. Furthermore, to recognize the importance of this role, the Bureau of Prisons is offering a 10% retention incentive to those who meet specific criteria. This makes the position not only rewarding in terms of responsibility but also financially lucrative for qualified candidates.

Benefits

Federal employment with the Bureau of Prisons comes with an industry-leading benefits package, including:

Robust health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer-matched contributions.
Generous paid annual and sick leave.
Opportunities for specialized training and upward mobility within the Department of Justice.

Application Tips

Customize Your Resume: Clearly list your specialized experience, including the number of hours worked per week and specific dates (MM/YYYY).
Check Your Files: Use simple, descriptive names for your uploaded documents (e.g., "Transcripts.pdf") and avoid special characters.
Be Thorough: Complete every section of the online questionnaire. Your assessment score is the first gate to being considered.

The position of Supervisory Correctional Officer (Lieutenant) is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety and health of the federal corrections system. If you are a leader who thrives under pressure and is dedicated to serving the public, apply before the September 9, 2026 deadline to be considered for this exceptional career move.

Why This Supervisory Correctional Officer (Lieutenant) Job Matters

Ready to step into a leadership role where your expertise shapes the future of corrections? Join the Bureau of Prisons as a Correctional Lieutenant and drive safety, morale, and operational excellence in Alderson, WV.

Supervisory Correctional Officer (Lieutenant) Job Overview

The Federal Bureau of Prisons is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Correctional Officer (Lieutenant) to lead operations at our Alderson facility. This pivotal role involves directing a team of officers, managing inmate programs, and maintaining the security of the institution. As a leader on the ground, you will serve as the crucial link between senior command and frontline staff, ensuring that all policies, training, and emergency protocols are executed with precision and professionalism.

Requirements for Supervisory Correctional Officer (Lieutenant)

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Successful completion of the three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training course in Glynco, GA.
Must pass a urinalysis, physical examination, and comprehensive background investigation.
Must be authorized to carry a firearm (involves a qualification inquiry regarding domestic violence convictions).
Subject to geographic relocation to meet agency needs.
Must adhere to a one-year probationary period for supervisory/managerial positions.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Correctional Officer (Lieutenant)

Proven track record of success in high-responsibility posts such as Control Centers, Front/Rear Gates, or Visiting Rooms.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and train lower-graded officers effectively.
Deep understanding and application of Bureau of Prisons regulations and policies.
Expertise in search procedures for inmate housing and working areas to prevent the introduction of contraband.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓10% Retention Incentive for eligible candidates
✓Comprehensive Federal health, dental, and vision insurance
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
✓Paid vacation and sick leave
✓Professional development and training opportunities

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Correctional Officer (Lieutenant) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Correctional Officer (Lieutenant) Job

Create or update your profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your supervisory experience, including hours worked per week and MM/YYYY dates.
Gather supporting documents such as SF-50s, transcripts, and your most recent performance appraisal.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire linked within the announcement.
Submit your application and all required documentation before the closing date of September 9, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and provides clear, quantifiable evidence of your supervisory experience.
Save all documents without special characters in the filenames to prevent upload errors.
Be honest and detailed in your self-assessment; your score may be adjusted if not supported by your resume.
Double-check your SF-50 forms if you are a current or former federal employee to ensure your time-in-grade is verifiable.
Monitor your application status regularly through the portal to catch any notifications or requests for additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum entry age for this position?

In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307, the maximum entry age for original appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution is 36.

What does the salary include?

The base salary ranges from $65,545 to $84,579 per year. Additionally, a 10% retention incentive is available for selectees who meet the specific criteria.

Will I need to relocate?

Yes, as a Supervisory Correctional Officer, you are subject to geographic relocation to meet the operational needs of the agency.

What is the career potential?

This role is graded at a GL-9 level with strong potential for further growth within the Bureau of Prisons.

Is relocation assistance provided?

This position does not include relocation expenses; however, you must be willing to relocate if the agency needs dictate.

Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System

The Bureau of Prisons is a division of the Department of Justice, charged with the humane care and secure confinement of incarcerated individuals. Our mission goes beyond mere security; we prepare individuals for successful reentry into society while ensuring the safety of our staff, the public, and the inmates within our facilities. Working for the BOP means joining a mission-critical team that values integrity, courage, and excellence.