Launch Your Federal Career: Become a Unit Secretary with the Bureau of Prisons
Are you looking for a stable career in public service that rewards attention to detail and organizational excellence? The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is currently hiring for Unit Secretary positions at various correctional facilities across the United States. This role offers more than just a job; it provides a pathway into federal law enforcement support where your contributions directly influence the daily operations of a secure facility.
Job Responsibilities
As a Unit Secretary, you serve as the central administrative hub for your assigned unit. Your day-to-day duties will include:
- Operations Support: Handling routine inquiries for staff, inmates, and visitors.
- Administrative Management: Reviewing correspondence, maintaining office records, and preparing technical reports.
- Scheduling: Coordinating meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements.
- Security Compliance: Maintaining institutional security, which is a shared responsibility of all staff members regardless of their primary job duties.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Age | Maximum entry age of 36 |
| Suitability | Must pass drug testing and background investigations |
| Training | Must attend and complete 3-week training in Glynco, GA |
Salary and Benefits
The pay scale for this position ranges from $50,241 to $83,257 per year, depending on the specific location's locality pay and the grade level (GS-05 to GS-06). Beyond the salary, employees receive a robust federal benefits package, including health insurance, the Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent), and generous leave accrual.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Keep your resume under two pages. Ensure it contains clear start/end dates and hours worked per week for every role.
- Documentation: Upload legible copies of all required transcripts or federal forms (SF-50) at the time of application.
- Assessment: Prepare for the USA Hire assessment. If selected to complete it, do so immediately, as the 48-hour deadline is strict.
If you are ready to serve your country in a challenging and rewarding environment, the Unit Secretary position with the Bureau of Prisons is an excellent starting point. By managing the administrative backbone of our facilities, you help foster a safe and professional environment for all. Apply today and take the next step in your federal journey.
Why This Secretary (Unit Secretary) Job Matters
Launch your federal career with the Bureau of Prisons: Secure a vital administrative role that keeps our institutions running safely and efficiently.
Secretary (Unit Secretary) Job Overview
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is seeking dedicated professionals to join our team as Unit Secretaries across multiple locations nationwide. In this critical administrative role, you will be the backbone of our unit operations, providing essential technical and organizational support that facilitates the safe and humane management of correctional facilities. You will interact with staff, visitors, and inmates, ensuring that office procedures function smoothly while contributing to the overall mission of public safety and offender rehabilitation.
Requirements for Secretary (Unit Secretary)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Maximum entry age of 36 for original appointment (with exceptions for veterans).
- Must pass a pre-employment interview, physical, and background investigation.
- Must be able to pass a drug screening (urinalysis).
- Successful completion of a three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training course in Glynco, Georgia.
- Ability to satisfy requirements for a security clearance.
- Must meet specialized experience or education requirements by the closing date of 09/30/2027.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Secretary (Unit Secretary)
- Prior experience in office automation and document management.
- Proven ability to handle routine public inquiries and customer service requests.
- Experience in scheduling, calendar management, and travel coordination.
- Technical proficiency with personal computers and office software suites.
- Ability to edit and compose complex reports, correspondence, and memoranda.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay adjustments.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- ✓Generous leave policies, including annual and sick leave.
- ✓Paid federal holidays.
- ✓Life insurance benefits.
- ✓Potential for Cost-of-Living Allowances (COLA) in specific non-foreign areas like Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
💡 How to Apply Secretary (Unit Secretary) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Secretary (Unit Secretary) Job
- Review the full announcement and required documentation lists.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, including hours worked per week and detailed duties.
- Apply online via the USAJOBS portal.
- Submit all necessary documents, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
- Complete the mandatory online USA Hire assessment after receiving the link via email.
- Track your application status through your USAJOBS account dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every job listed.
- Do not use special characters (%, #, @) in your saved file names.
- Submit your application well before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on the closing date.
- If you are a veteran, include your DD-214 and any required SF-15 documentation at the time of application.
- Take advantage of the practice resources provided in the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit for this position?
The maximum entry age for original appointment is 36. Qualified veterans may be exempt from this requirement.
Do I have to live in a specific area?
This position is open at multiple locations across the U.S. You will apply to specific locations or the general inventory.
Is the USA Hire assessment mandatory?
Yes, if notified after your initial application, you must complete the online assessment within 48 hours to remain under consideration.
Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System
The Federal Bureau of Prisons is responsible for protecting society by confining offenders in safe, humane, and secure environments. As a model of public administration, the BOP offers a structured, professional environment where employees are valued for their integrity and dedication to the rule of law. Working for the BOP means joining a workforce committed to the core values of correctional excellence.