Launch Your Career: Safety & Occupational Health Specialist in Memphis
Are you ready to combine your technical safety expertise with a mission of national importance? The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is currently seeking a motivated Safety & Occupational Health Specialist to join their team in Memphis, Tennessee. This role is critical to maintaining a safe, secure, and humane environment for both staff and the inmate population.
Job Responsibilities
The Safety & Occupational Health Specialist serves as a key advisor and inspector within the institution. Your primary duties include:
- Inspections: Conducting thorough safety and environmental audits of the facility to ensure compliance with federal standards.
- Reporting: Documenting findings and recommending actionable strategies to the Environmental and Safety Compliance Administrator.
- Training: Developing and leading safety classes for staff and inmates, including specialized training in firefighting and environmental protection.
- Investigations: Assisting in mishap investigations, securing evidence, and analyzing data to prevent future accidents.
- Security: While safety is your primary focus, all BOP staff share the fundamental responsibility of maintaining institutional security.
Requirements
Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate their qualifications through education or experience. Key requirements include:
Grade Level Comparison
| Feature | GL-07 | GL-09 |
|---|---|---|
| Education | 1 Year Graduate or S.A.A | Master's/Equivalent or 2 Years Graduate |
| Experience | 1 Year Specialized | 1 Year Specialized |
| Potential | Up to Grade 9 | Up to Grade 9 |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $57,188 to $82,301 annually. Federal employment also comes with a comprehensive benefits package that supports both your career and your personal life:
- Health Coverage: Access to high-quality health insurance plans.
- Retirement: Defined benefit pension plans and the Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, including vacation and sick time.
- Stability: Federal career tenure and structured advancement opportunities.
How to Apply
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Ensure you read the entire announcement on the official USAJOBS platform. You will be required to submit a tailored resume (maximum 2 pages), official transcripts, and relevant veteran preference documentation. Do not miss the closing date of November 12, 2026.
If you have the passion to protect others and the technical skill to manage complex safety environments, this role in Memphis is a perfect fit. Start your application today to contribute to the mission of the Department of Justice.
Why This Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist) Job Matters
Protect lives, ensure security, and champion workplace safety within the federal correctional system in Memphis.
Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist) Job Overview
The Bureau of Prisons is seeking a dedicated Safety & Occupational Health Specialist to join our team in Memphis, Tennessee. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in fostering a secure and healthy environment for both staff and the inmate population. This position blends technical safety oversight with the mission-critical responsibilities of the Federal Prison System, requiring candidates who can manage complex compliance inspections while maintaining the highest standards of institutional security.
Requirements for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must be able to pass a background investigation, urinalysis, and credit check.
- Must complete the three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training in Glynco, Georgia.
- Must meet the maximum entry age requirement of 36 for original appointment (with exceptions for veterans and prior federal law enforcement).
- Must hold a degree in safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene, or a closely related field, OR have equivalent specialized experience.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain required security clearances.
Preferred Qualifications for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist)
- Master’s degree or higher in a safety-related field.
- Experience in industrial hygiene or occupational health hazard evaluation.
- Proven background in conducting complex safety inspections and accident investigations.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver safety training to diverse populations.
- Superior Academic Achievement (GPA 3.0 or higher) for entry-level candidates.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Generous retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Professional development and training programs.
- ✓Opportunities for career advancement within the Department of Justice.
💡 How to Apply Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist) Job
- Complete your profile on the official federal job application portal.
- Carefully review the entire vacancy announcement to ensure all requirements are met.
- Prepare your resume, ensuring it includes start/end dates (MM/YYYY) and hours worked per week.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents, including transcripts and SF-50 forms if applicable.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire when prompted.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is limited to two pages to meet formatting standards.
- Use clear labels for uploaded files (e.g., 'Transcripts_Name') and avoid special characters in filenames.
- Double-check your responses to the online assessment; overstating qualifications can lead to disqualification.
- If claiming veterans' preference, ensure your DD-214 is uploaded and clear.
- Contact HR immediately if you require a reasonable accommodation for the assessment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum entry age for this position?
The maximum entry age is 36 for original appointment to a Bureau of Prisons institution, though qualified veterans may be exempt.
Is travel required for this role?
Yes, some travel may be required as part of the duties or training associated with the Federal Prison System.
Do I need to be a federal employee to apply?
No, this position is open to the public as well as career transition candidates.
Do I need a specific degree?
Yes, a major in a safety-related field or 24 semester hours of qualifying coursework (e.g., engineering, physics, industrial hygiene) is required.
Is there an age limit?
Generally, yes, the entry age for BOP institutions is 36. However, veterans' preference eligibles may receive an exemption.
Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice, is responsible for the custody and care of individuals incarcerated in federal facilities. Beyond security, the agency prioritizes the safety and well-being of its workforce and the individuals under its care, focusing on successful reentry into society. Employees play a fundamental role in ensuring the integrity and safety of these institutions.