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Bureau of Prisons / Federal Prison System

Correctional Institution Administrator (Complex Warden)

Bureau of Prisons / Federal Prison System See More Job Openings by This EmployerArrow
  • Full Time
  • $151,661 - $228,000/year
  • Lompoc, CA
September 11, 2026

Job Description

This position is located at the Federal Correctional Complex, Lompoc, CA. Under the general direction of the Regional Director, the incumbent serves as the SES Complex Warden providing administrative oversight and direction over programs within the institution.

Duties

As the SES Complex Warden at the Federal Correctional Complex, Lompoc, CA, the incumbent is responsible for the overall management of a federal prison, the mission of which is the safekeeping, care, protection, discipline, programming, and release of more than 3119 inmates charged with or convicted of offenses against the United States. Many of these inmates have complex sentences and have compiled serious records of institution misconduct which indicate they require stringent security measures.

Under the general direction of the Regional Director, the incumbent is delegated full authority and responsibility for carrying out the directives of the federal courts and the Attorney General.

The incumbent is responsible for all administrative functions of the institution, including planning and coordinating all programs related to security, discipline, etc., and developmental issues with regard to federal inmates. To receive serious consideration, applicants for this position must demonstrate successful performance and creative leadership in senior management position(s).

Salary
  • $151,661 - $228,000/year
Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship
  • You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position.
  • You will be required to travel occasionally for training and operational purposes.
  • You must submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result before you can be appointed into this position.
  • After appointment, you will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
  • In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307, a maximum entry age of 36 has been established for initial appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution.
  • You must satisfactorily complete (or have previously completed) the 3-week Introduction to Correctional Training Techniques Program at Glynco, Georgia.

Qualifications

This position uses a resume-only application process. To meet the minimum qualification requirements, your resume must clearly demonstrate possession of the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) relevant to the position. The resume must not exceed two pages; resumes longer than two pages will not be considered. Your resume should include specific examples of experience, education, and accomplishments that reflect the required qualifications. If your resume does not provide sufficient evidence that you meet these qualifications, you may not receive further consideration. A panel may evaluate whether you meet the ECQs and MTQs through resume review, assessment, and/or interview.

MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
To be qualified for this position, applicants must be able to show progressively responsible experience in a correctional environment which has demonstrated the ability to perform supervisory or administrative duties such as training subordinates in the specific duties related to their function in the institution, coordinating and directing operations and programs in a correctional setting or at the national level, evaluating performance of institution operations and the effectiveness of programs in relation to the inmate population. This experience must have been gained through the direction or assistance in the direction, of an entire correctional program or major phase of a correctional program.

Education This position does not have any education requirements. Other Information You must submit all required materials by the closing date of this announcement. If any required documents are missing, your application will be evaluated solely on the information received, which may result in reduced consideration or an ineligible determination. Application materials will not be returned. Upon appointment, you will be required to complete a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278) and must update this report annually thereafter. Veterans' Preference does not apply to Senior Executive Service positions. The Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) for any selectee who is not a current or former career SES employee under Title 5 must be certified by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) prior to appointment. Individuals entering the SES for the first time are subject to a one-year probationary period. Applicants who have completed an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) and received ECQ certification must provide a copy of their certification as part of their application package. Candidates must still meet the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) for the position, however, you do not need to address the ECQs if you meet any of the following criteria: You are currently serving under a career SES appointment You are eligible for reinstatement into the SES You have completed an OPM-approved CDP and received Qualifications Review Board (QRB) certification. Proof of QRB certification must be provided. The selected candidate may undergo additional evaluation through a structured interview conducted by the OPM QRB. OPM must review and approve the executive qualifications of all new career SES appointees prior to appointment. Required Documents

  1. Resume: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience. Your employment history must be documented in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date.
  2. Provide certification of OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program, (for graduates of SES Candidate Development Programs).
  3. You MUST submit a copy of your latest yearly performance appraisal/evaluation.
  4. Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) Form which reflects the most recent position, title, series and grade; competitive service appointment; tenure group; status or SES reinstatement eligibility.
  5. All applicants must address the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) within the two (2) page resume.
Failure to provide these documents will result in removal from consideration for this vacancy.

How to Apply

You must apply through the online application system at www.USAJOBS.gov. Follow the prompts to register, answer a few questions and submit all required documents. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your application not being considered for employment.

All required supporting documentation MUST be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

Required supporting documentation must be submitted via USAJOBS (uploaded).

Contact for Assistance in Applying On-Line: BOP-HRM-SES-S@bop.gov



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