Indian Country Federal Correctional Officers of the Bureau of Indian Affairs
(BIA) are responsible for the safety and security of Tribal members housed
in Indian Country jails. Correctional Officers serve a unique role in
the Federal Penal and Judicial Systems. They are responsible for the
safety and security of fellow staff who work, and inmates confined, in Indian
Country jails. Correctional Officers are the only employees in the Federal
system that are responsible for both pre-trial and sentenced offenders and
juveniles. The complexity of our system only serves to produce dedicated,
highly-trained and extraordinary corrections professionals.
- Where do Correctional Officers Work?
- What do Correctional Officers do?
- How do I become a Correctional Officer?
- Are there any special requirements?
- What opportunities exist for training and career advancement?
- What benefits do Correctional Officers earn?
1. Where do Correctional Officers Work?
Correctional Officer positions are located nationwide on reservations in:
North Dakota; South Dakota; Montana; Washington; Arizona; Nevada; Utah; Colorado;
and, Wyoming.
2. What do Correctional Officers do?
Correctional Officers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of Indian
Country jails with responsibilities ranging from: transportation of prisoners;
in-take and release processing; inmate monitoring; and, compliance with conditions
of confinement. Strong communication skills and the ability to deal
with an ever-changing environment are critical to being a successful Officer. Frequent
interaction and contact with other Federal and Tribal law enforcement agencies
and officers, the Tribal judicial system, Tribal governments, State and local
agencies and the general public are necessary for successful job performance.
Some skills that may make you well suited to this position are: sympathetic
attitude towards others; ability to be persuasive; ability to make tough decisions
especially under stress; and, sound reasoning. You may have developed
these skills via your employment or volunteerism as a: counselor; parole/probation
officer; firefighter; emergency medical technician; teacher; or, security guard. However,
we encourage you to review the job announcement and respond to any announcement
for which you feel you qualify.
3. How do I become a Correctional Officer?
Our positions are announced by the Office of Personnel Management on the
USAJobs website. Follow the instructions on the job announcement to
apply. Entry level positions are at the GL-4 or GL-5 level depending
on the applicant’s education and experience. Previous law enforcement
experience is helpful.
In accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25 U.S.C., Section
472), preference for this position is given to qualified Indian candidates.
4. Are there any special requirements?
This position is covered by 5 U.S.C. 3307, and a maximum entry age of 37
has been established for initial appointment to this position unless you
have prior Federal law enforcement coverage.
Positive adjudication of a background investigation is a pre-requisite of the
position.
5. What opportunities exist for training and career advancement?
Completion of the eight week Basic Correctional Officer Training Program at
the Indian Police Academy (IPA) in Artesia, New Mexico or an IPA-approved academy
is required.
There are also positions in the Division of Corrections with progressively
more responsibility such as: Lead Correctional Officers; Supervisory
Correctional Officers; Correctional Program Officers; the Chief of Corrections;
and, the Associate Director of Corrections. Any available position
in the Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Corrections will be posted
on USAJobs.
6. What benefits do Correctional Officers earn?
Correctional Officers enjoy all of the benefits of Federal employment. Premium
pay is earned when work is required for extended shifts, nights and
holidays. Annual leave is accrued at the rate of 13 to 26 days
per year, based on length of service. Benefits also include 13
days of paid sick leave per year; basic life insurance coverage and
low-cost options for additional coverage; and opportunities to participate
in a variety of reasonable priced group health insurance plans. There
are also 10 paid Federal holidays each year.
