Launch Your Career as a Facility Operations Specialist with the Bureau of Prisons
Are you a seasoned leader with a passion for infrastructure and maintenance? The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is currently hiring a Facility Operations Specialist to oversee critical maintenance, construction, and operational tasks in Loretto, Pennsylvania. This role is a vital component of the federal correctional system, ensuring that facilities remain secure, safe, and efficient.
Job Responsibilities
As a Facility Operations Specialist, you are the cornerstone of the institution’s physical integrity. Your daily duties will include:
- Leadership: Supervising maintenance staff and coordinating with subordinate supervisors to manage daily repairs and long-term projects.
- Operational Planning: Developing strategies for preventive maintenance to minimize costs and improve resource utilization.
- Budget Management: Overseeing significant operational and facility project budgets to ensure funds are expended effectively.
- Project Oversight: Monitoring construction activities and ensuring all work meets agency standards and federal regulations.
- Security: Maintaining institutional security, which remains a priority for all employees in this setting.
Requirements
You must meet specific criteria to be eligible for this high-level role. Below is a snapshot of the core requirements:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Education/Experience | Specific degree in engineering/business or equivalent specialized experience |
| Training | Completion of 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' in Georgia |
| Background | Ability to pass rigorous background and drug screening |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a robust compensation package for the right professional.
- Salary Range: $92,543 – $120,309 per year.
- Relocation Incentive: A 25% relocation incentive is available for qualifying candidates, making this an attractive opportunity for those looking to relocate to Pennsylvania.
- Federal Benefits: Employees enjoy excellent health insurance options, life insurance, a generous retirement plan (FERS), and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with matching benefits.
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your application is comprehensive. Your resume must clearly define the number of hours worked per week and specific duties performed in past roles. Because this is a competitive federal position, highlighting your leadership experience and your ability to resolve technical problems will strengthen your assessment score.
If you have a strong background in facility management and are looking for a role that offers both personal challenge and national service, this position with the Bureau of Prisons is an ideal match. Apply through USAJOBS before the November 3, 2026, deadline to be considered for this career-defining opportunity.
Why This Facility Operations Specialist (Facility Manager) Job Matters
Take command of complex facility operations and drive organizational success in a critical security environment with the Bureau of Prisons.
Facility Operations Specialist (Facility Manager) Job Overview
The Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons, is seeking a highly skilled Facility Operations Specialist to join their team in Loretto, Pennsylvania. In this high-impact role, you will be responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair, and construction operations of an entire correctional facility. You will lead teams, manage large budgets, and ensure that all facility systems meet strict safety, security, and operational standards. This position is ideal for a hands-on leader who is dedicated to maintaining high-functioning infrastructure while ensuring the security and safety of the institution.
Requirements for Facility Operations Specialist (Facility Manager)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must complete a one-year probationary period for supervisory/managerial roles.
- Must be able to pass a background investigation, credit check, and drug test (urinalysis).
- Must be willing to undergo a physical examination.
- Must attend and successfully complete the 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training in Glynco, Georgia.
- Must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.
- Must meet time-in-grade requirements if currently a federal employee.
- Must have the ability to relocate if required by agency needs.
Preferred Qualifications for Facility Operations Specialist (Facility Manager)
- Experience managing maintenance programs for large-scale institutional, medical, or military complexes.
- Proven track record of supervising staff, including labor relations and EEO requirements.
- Strong technical expertise in construction standards, materials, and cost estimation.
- Proficiency in developing preventive maintenance schedules and long-term facility planning.
- Demonstrated ability to manage operational budgets and oversee private contractor performance.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with annual increases.
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- ✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
- ✓25% relocation incentive for eligible candidates.
💡 How to Apply Facility Operations Specialist (Facility Manager) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Facility Operations Specialist (Facility Manager) Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that specifically lists months/years of employment and hours worked per week.
- Gather your most recent performance appraisal, SF-50 (if federal employee), and academic transcripts.
- Complete the online application questionnaire through the USAJOBS portal.
- Upload all required documentation as legible files without special characters in the filenames.
- Submit your application before the closing date of November 3, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and clearly demonstrates your specialized experience in the required format.
- When detailing your experience, emphasize your leadership in resolving technical or personnel-related problems.
- Double-check that all uploaded files, such as transcripts and performance evaluations, are legible and follow the naming conventions.
- Submit early to avoid technical issues as the closing date approaches.
- Tailor your responses to the online assessment to match the specific competencies requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?
No, this role requires on-site presence at the correctional facility in Loretto, Pennsylvania, and is not eligible for remote work or telework.
What is the maximum age for entry into this position?
Per 5 U.S.C. 3307, the maximum entry age for an original appointment to a Bureau of Prisons institution is 36.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a background investigation and security clearance protocols as a condition of employment.
What if I don't have a degree?
You may qualify through specialized experience equivalent to the grade level. Review the job announcement for specific examples of qualifying work experience.
Is travel required?
This position involves localized management but includes training requirements in Glynco, Georgia.
Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System
The Federal Bureau of Prisons is a division of the U.S. Department of Justice. The agency’s mission is to protect society by confining offenders in controlled, safe, and humane environments. Employees of the BOP contribute to public safety by helping prepare individuals for successful reentry into their communities, working in a professional, mission-driven environment.