About the opportunity
Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities. The Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System is seeking a Lock and Security Specialist (Assistant Locksmith) to install locks, locking devices, and locking systems in wooden and steel doors, replace or service worn security systems, and maintain institution security. Duties also include assisting in maintaining the armory, repairing and servicing weapons and equipment, serving as assistant staff advisor on security devices and firearms, and maintaining institutional security as a primary correctional responsibility.
Salary and benefits
- Salary range of $74,356 to $95,948 per annum
- Representative rate of $81,553 per annum ($39.07 per hour)
Who can apply?
- U.S. Citizenship is required
- Must meet education and/or specialized experience requirements
- Education: Master's degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.D or J.D., if related
- Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, such as maintaining firearms and weapons, repairing locks and locking systems in a correctional facility, or using emergency entry, riot control, and chemical munitions equipment
- Combination of education and experience
- Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements
- Maximum entry age of 36 has been established for original appointment in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307
Required documents
- Resume (limited to 2 pages) including name, contact information, start and end dates in MM/YYYY format, and number of hours worked per week
- SF-50 Form (unredacted latest copy, showing competitive service appointment, tenure group, salary, and length of time in highest grade if applicable)
- Proof of CTAP eligibility, if applicable
- College transcript including School Name, Student Name, Degree, and Date Awarded (if applicable)
- Most recent yearly performance appraisal/evaluation and a list of awards received in the last 5 years
When to apply
- Announcement Opening Date: September 2, 2026
- Closing Date: September 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM (ET)
How to apply
- Click the Apply Online button on USAJOBS
- Answer the questions presented in the application questionnaire
- Attach all necessary supporting documentation
- Submit the application prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date
- Complete any required USA Hire Assessments using the unique assessment access link provided after submission
Additional information
- Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a urinalysis, physical, and background investigation
- All applicants are subject to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit checks
- Applicants not currently working in an institution must complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence in order to be authorized to carry a firearm
- Successful completion of the 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia is required
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Candidates with U.S. citizenship who meet specific education or specialized experience requirements such as repairing locks in a correctional facility or maintaining firearms.
- Individuals seeking an on-site, full-time corrections role based in Lompoc, California.
- Applicants who are comfortable with primary correctional responsibilities including maintaining institution security and firearms.
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must meet a maximum entry age of 36 for original appointment.
- Relocation to Lompoc, California, or local commuting is necessary given the on-site work mode.
- The role requires satisfying a urinalysis, physical, background investigation, NCIC and credit checks, and a three-week training course in Glynco, Georgia.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This paid employment opportunity provides stable federal income and benefits while building specialized security, armory maintenance, and institutional safety skills within the Federal Prison System.
Our take
U.S. citizens with relevant locksmith or correctional experience seeking a secure federal position in California should apply, while those over age 36 or unable to meet strict physical and background checks will find it unsuitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
