Become a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist with the Federal Bureau of Prisons

Are you a dedicated safety professional looking to make a measurable impact on workplace standards and public safety? The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is currently hiring for a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist in Kings, New York. This unique position offers the chance to work in a challenging, fast-paced environment where your expertise directly contributes to the security and wellbeing of staff and inmates alike.

Job Responsibilities

As a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist, your primary objective is to maintain rigorous safety and environmental compliance. Key duties include:

Facility Inspections: Conducting regular surveys to identify hazardous conditions and documenting findings for the Safety Administrator.
Incident Investigation: Leading investigations into accidents, gathering witness statements, and securing evidence to prevent future occurrences.
Training & Education: Developing and presenting comprehensive safety training for both correctional staff and the inmate population.
Reporting: Preparing detailed reports on accident costs, injuries, and corrective procedural recommendations.
Institutional Security: Maintaining security protocols as a core component of your daily routine in a correctional facility.

Requirements

To qualify, you must possess the following:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Education	Degree in safety, health, or related science (or equivalent experience)
Experience	At least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level
Training	Must complete the 3-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' in Glynco, GA
Screening	Must pass physical, background, and credit checks

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $75,162 to $96,989 per year. Additionally, eligible selectees may receive an 18% retention incentive, making this a highly attractive career path for safety professionals. As a federal employee, you will also gain access to comprehensive health insurance, retirement planning (FERS), and opportunities for career advancement.

How to Apply

Prepare your documents: Ensure you have a two-page resume, transcripts, and any necessary veteran preference documents (e.g., DD-214).
Submit Online: Navigate to the official application site provided by the Department of Justice.
Complete Assessments: Be prepared to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if notified.
Final Review: Double-check your application for accuracy. Remember, the deadline is November 10, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the maximum age limit for this job? A: The entry age limit is generally 36. However, exceptions exist for preference-eligible veterans and those with prior federal law enforcement service.

Q: Do I need a specific degree? A: You need a degree in safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene, or a closely related field. Alternatively, specific specialized experience can substitute for certain educational requirements.

Q: Is there training involved? A: Yes, all new employees are required to successfully complete the intensive three-week Introduction to Correctional Techniques training.

If you are ready to combine your safety expertise with a mission-driven career, this position with the Federal Bureau of Prisons is an excellent choice. By applying, you are contributing to a safer environment for those who work and live within the federal correctional system. Don’t wait—ensure your application is submitted before the deadline to be considered for this high-impact role.

Why This Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist) Job Matters

Protect lives and ensure justice: Join the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist in Kings, New York.

Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist) Job Overview

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist. In this vital role, you will perform essential inspections, manage hazardous industrial operations, and deliver critical safety training to staff and inmates. You will operate within a unique correctional environment where security and safety go hand in hand, helping to maintain a humane and orderly institution.

Requirements for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist)

U.S. Citizenship
Must meet the maximum entry age requirement of 36 for original appointment (with exceptions for qualified veterans or prior federal law enforcement)
Successful completion of a pre-employment panel interview, physical, and background investigation
Ability to pass a urinalysis and credit/criminal background check
Completion of the three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training at Glynco, Georgia
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Possession of specialized experience or qualifying education in safety, industrial hygiene, or related fields

Preferred Qualifications for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist)

Professional experience conducting industrial safety inspections
Demonstrated ability to analyze accident trends and develop corrective procedures
Experience providing safety training in a complex work environment
Strong report-writing and incident investigation skills

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓18% Retention Incentive (for qualifying candidates)
✓Federal Employee Health Benefits
✓Retirement Plans (FERS)
✓Career Advancement Opportunities
✓Stable Federal Employment

💡 How to Apply Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist) Job

Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
Review all requirements and gather necessary documentation (transcripts, SF-50, etc.).
Click the Apply Online link and complete the mandatory questionnaires.
Submit your application and required supporting documents before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on the closing date.
Complete any required USA Hire Assessments if prompted via email.
Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is limited to two pages for standard applications.
Use standard file names for your attachments, avoiding special characters like % or @.
Include specific start/end dates (MM/YYYY) and hours worked per week for all experience.
Double-check that all uploaded transcripts clearly show your school name, degree, and date awarded.
Be prepared for the USA Hire Assessments by reviewing the provided online resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a maximum age limit for this position?

Yes, there is a maximum entry age of 36 for initial appointment to a Bureau of Prisons institution, though certain exemptions exist for veterans and those with prior federal law enforcement experience.

What if I am a current Public Health Service officer?

You may apply either by submitting a direct application to the Consolidated Staffing Unit or by utilizing competitive examining procedures as outlined in the official announcement.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this position requires on-site presence at the correctional facility to perform essential safety and security duties.

Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System

The Federal Bureau of Prisons, a division of the U.S. Department of Justice, is responsible for the secure confinement of federal inmates. Unlike typical office-based safety roles, this position is embedded within a correctional environment. Employees in this agency are, first and foremost, correctional professionals. Every role at the BOP is centered on fostering a humane, safe, and secure environment, ultimately preparing individuals for successful reentry into society.