Launch Your Administrative Career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Estill, SC

Are you seeking a career that combines administrative excellence with public service? The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is currently hiring for a Secretary (Associate Warden’s Secretary) in Estill, South Carolina. This role is essential to the day-to-day operations of the institution, providing critical support to leadership while maintaining the security standards of a federal facility.

Job Responsibilities

As the Secretary to the Associate Warden, you will serve as the first point of contact for the office. Your primary responsibilities include:

Visitor Management: Receiving guests and determining the nature of their requests to ensure efficient and appropriate assistance.
Executive Support: Maintaining the Warden’s calendar, scheduling appointments, and ensuring the Warden is briefed before meetings.
Document Preparation: Drafting, proofing, and finalizing official reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
Security Integration: Ensuring all administrative tasks are performed in alignment with the institution’s security policies. At a correctional facility, your security responsibilities are your highest priority.

Comparison: Standard Office vs. Correctional Office

Feature	Standard Corporate Office	Correctional Institution Office
Primary Goal	Profit/Service Delivery	Security/Public Safety
Environment	Traditional Office Space	High-Security Facility
Dress Code	Professional Business	Professional/Uniformed Standards
Communication	Internal/Client-Facing	Internal/High-Level Security Coordination

Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet specific federal criteria, including:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Age Requirement: There is a maximum entry age of 36 for original appointments to BOP institutions (exceptions exist for veterans).
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level is required.
Background: Candidates must successfully pass a thorough background check, credit check, and physical assessment.
Training: You must attend and pass the mandatory three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training in Glynco, GA.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $57,188 to $72,328 per year. Beyond the competitive compensation, federal employment offers a suite of benefits designed to support you and your family, including:

Federal health insurance plans.
A robust retirement package (FERS and the Thrift Savings Plan).
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Job stability in a government environment.

Application Tips for Success

Detailed Resumes: Federal resumes are different from private sector resumes. Ensure you include the number of hours worked per week and the specific start and end dates (MM/YYYY) for all jobs.
Assessment Preparation: The USA Hire assessment is a critical gatekeeper. Visit the OPM website to review practice questions and understand the competency-based format.
Documentation: Do not miss the deadline. If you claim veteran's preference, include your DD-214 or SF-15 immediately. Missing documents are the most common reason for disqualification.

This is an outstanding opportunity to start or advance a career in federal service. If you are highly organized, handle high-pressure situations with grace, and want to support a vital mission, apply for the Associate Warden’s Secretary position at the Federal Bureau of Prisons today.

Why This Secretary (Associate Wardens Secretary) Job Matters

Launch your federal career in corrections as a vital administrative partner, ensuring security and operational excellence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Estill, South Carolina.

Secretary (Associate Wardens Secretary) Job Overview

The Federal Bureau of Prisons is seeking a dedicated and organized professional to serve as Secretary to the Associate Warden. This pivotal role supports the institution’s mission by managing executive schedules, facilitating internal communications, and overseeing sensitive documentation. As a corrections professional, you will perform essential administrative duties while contributing to a safe, secure, and humane environment for both staff and incarcerated individuals.

Requirements for Secretary (Associate Wardens Secretary)

U.S. Citizenship
Must be 36 years of age or younger at the time of appointment (unless eligible for veteran preference or previous federal law enforcement coverage).
Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation, physical examination, and urinalysis.
Must be able to pass a credit check and a check against the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
Successful completion of the three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training course in Glynco, Georgia.
One year of specialized experience at the equivalent of the next lower grade level.
Completion of required USA Hire Assessments.

Preferred Qualifications for Secretary (Associate Wardens Secretary)

Strong proficiency in calendar management and scheduling for senior executive leadership.
Proven experience in handling high-volume correspondence and confidential filing systems.
Demonstrated ability to serve as a professional liaison between internal departments and external visitors.
Experience managing congressional or high-level organizational response files.
Exceptional attention to detail in proofreading and preparing formal reports and memoranda.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Federal retirement savings plan (Thrift Savings Plan)
✓Paid annual and sick leave
✓Federal pension program (FERS)
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Life insurance and flexible spending accounts

💡 How to Apply Secretary (Associate Wardens Secretary) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Secretary (Associate Wardens Secretary) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement carefully to ensure you meet all requirements.
Prepare a resume that clearly outlines your experience with start/end dates (MM/YYYY) and hours worked per week.
Log in to USAJOBS to create or update your profile and application.
Complete the online application questionnaire and upload all required documents (transcripts, SF-50, or veteran documentation).
Submit your application package by the closing date of September 15, 2026.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the required USA Hire Assessments.
Complete the assessment within the timeframe provided.

💡 General Tips

Your resume is your primary tool; ensure it explicitly details how your experience matches the duties described.
Avoid using special characters like % or # when naming your document files.
If you are a veteran, include your DD-214 and any other required preference documentation at the time of application; these cannot be added later.
Set aside at least two hours of uninterrupted time to complete the USA Hire Assessments.
Use the 'Track this application' feature in USAJOBS to stay updated on your status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of an Associate Warden’s Secretary?

You act as the administrative backbone for the Associate Warden, managing schedules, greeting visitors, preparing formal reports, and maintaining institutional records while ensuring strict security protocols are followed.

Is training required for this position?

Yes. All new employees in the Federal Bureau of Prisons must complete the 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training, which is a three-week course held in Glynco, Georgia.

What is the maximum entry age for this role?

The maximum entry age is 36. However, qualified preference-eligible veterans and those with prior federal law enforcement coverage may be exempt from this requirement.

Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System

The Bureau of Prisons is a branch of the U.S. Department of Justice tasked with managing the federal prison system. Our staff are more than just employees; they are corrections professionals dedicated to fostering a humane, safe, and secure environment. Our mission focuses on public safety and the successful reentry of individuals into the community, an objective supported by the organized and precise work of our administrative staff.