Launch Your Career as a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist
Are you a detail-oriented professional looking to merge your safety expertise with a mission-driven career? The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is currently hiring a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist in El Reno, Oklahoma. This unique position plays a vital role in ensuring that a federal correctional facility remains secure, compliant, and healthy for both staff and inmates.
Job Responsibilities
As a Safety Specialist, you will be on the front lines of operational integrity. Key duties include:
- Facility Inspections: Conducting regular safety and environmental audits to identify hazards.
- Policy Enforcement: Ensuring the facility remains in full compliance with BOP and federal safety policies.
- Training: Developing and delivering training modules on firefighting, occupational safety, and environmental protection.
- Investigation: Leading investigations into accidents, documenting physical evidence, and recommending measures to prevent future incidents.
- Reporting: Writing clear, factual reports for management review.
Requirements
To be eligible for this role, you must meet strict federal criteria:
- Education: Completion of specific coursework in safety, industrial hygiene, engineering, or related fields.
- Experience: Professional experience in safety management or inspection-related roles.
- Character: A clean background check and drug screening are mandatory.
- Physical Fitness: Ability to undergo the required medical and physical screening processes.
Grade Level Comparison
| Feature | GL-07 | GL-09 |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Requirement | 1 Year Specialized | 1 Year Specialized (Higher Level) |
| Education Substitution | 1 Year Graduate | Master's/2 Years Graduate |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $57,188 to $82,301 per year. Beyond the pay, you gain access to the federal employment benefits package, which includes:
- Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- Paid time off (vacation and sick leave)
- Career advancement opportunities within the Department of Justice
Application Tips
Applying for a federal role requires precision.
- Tailor your Resume: Highlight your safety-specific accomplishments using quantifiable metrics.
- Documentation: Have your transcripts and SF-50 (if a current/former federal employee) ready in PDF format.
- Assessments: Do not underestimate the USA Hire assessments; use the provided practice links to familiarize yourself with the format.
Joining the Federal Bureau of Prisons is more than just a job; it is a commitment to public safety and institutional excellence. If you have the drive to maintain safe standards in a complex environment, we encourage you to apply by November 12, 2026. Take the next step in your career today.
Why This Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist) Job Matters
Make a tangible impact on institutional safety and staff wellness in a dynamic correctional environment.
Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist) Job Overview
The Federal Bureau of Prisons is seeking a dedicated Safety and Occupational Health Specialist to join our team in El Reno, Oklahoma. This role is pivotal in maintaining a secure, safe environment by ensuring strict adherence to environmental and occupational health policies. You will work directly with staff and the inmate population to minimize hazards, conduct rigorous facility inspections, and foster a culture of safety-first operations within a federal correctional institution.
Requirements for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist)
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Must pass a comprehensive background investigation, physical examination, and urinalysis.
- Completion of the 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training course in Glynco, Georgia.
- Maximum entry age requirement of 36 for initial appointment (with exceptions for qualified preference-eligible veterans and those with prior federal law enforcement coverage).
- Ability to satisfy all screening requirements regarding domestic violence convictions to carry a firearm.
Preferred Qualifications for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist (Safety Specialist)
- A degree in a relevant field such as safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene, toxicology, or engineering.
- At least 24 semester hours of specialized study in safety-related disciplines.
- Practical experience conducting workplace hazard inspections and risk assessments.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver safety training programs.
- Experience in accident investigation, trend analysis, and providing corrective recommendations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Professional development and ongoing training opportunities
- ✓Stable career path 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
- Navigate to the official job posting and register your profile.
- Upload all necessary documents, including transcripts and SF-50 forms, before the closing date.
- Complete the online application questionnaire thoroughly.
- Participate in the required USA Hire competency assessments if prompted via email.
- Monitor your application status through your online dashboard until final notification.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly lists the number of hours worked per week for every position.
- Double-check that all uploaded transcripts are legible and include your name and the school's name.
- Avoid using special characters like % or # in your document filenames.
- Prepare for the assessments by reviewing resources provided by the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center.
- Submit your package well before the 11:59 PM ET deadline to account for potential technical delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of this position?
You will be responsible for conducting inspections, promoting safety policies, training staff and inmates, and investigating accidents to maintain the security and health standards of the institution.
Is travel required for this position?
The position includes a travel code, implying that some travel may be required, including the initial mandatory training at Glynco, Georgia.
Can my education be used to qualify for the position?
Yes, if you meet the specific credit hour requirements in safety or related fields, education can be used to qualify for GL-07 or GL-09 positions.
Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System
The Bureau of Prisons, a branch of the U.S. Department of Justice, is responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates. Our mission extends beyond incarceration; we strive to protect society by providing secure facilities and preparing individuals for successful reentry into the community. Our safety professionals are the backbone of this environment, ensuring that the facility operates without unnecessary risk.