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Correctional Institution Administrator (Warden)
Department of Justice
Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System
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Summary
This position is located at the United States Penitentiary, Atwater, CA. Under the general direction of the Regional Director, the incumbent serves as the SES Warden providing administrative oversight and direction over programs within the institution.
Learn more about this agency
Summary
This position is located at the United States Penitentiary, Atwater, CA. Under the general direction of the Regional Director, the incumbent serves as the SES Warden providing administrative oversight and direction over programs within the institution.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 06/25/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 25, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Atwater, CA
1 vacancy
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed Yes-Reimbursement is authorized for relocation travel and transportation expenses for this position. Salary $151,661 - $228,000 per year Pay scale & grade
ES ES
Promotion potential ES - 00
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time - Full Time Travel Required Occasional travel - Occasional travel is required for meetings and training.
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status Yes Federal service type This job is in the Senior Executive Service Represented by a union No
Drug test Yes Security clearance Top Secret Position sensitivity and risk High Risk (HR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number SES-2026-0032 Control number 872141100
This job is open to
Help
Federal employees - Competitive service
Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Managements hiring rules and pay scales.
Senior executives
Individuals looking for an executive-level job and who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
Clarification from the agency
Applications will be accepted from qualified, current federal civil services employees. Also eligible are (1) a current/former career SES appointees, (2) alumnus of an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program, or (3) current GS-14 or 15 federal employees who can demonstrate the mandatory technical qualifications for the position.
Duties
Help
As the SES Warden at the United States Penitentiary, Atwater, 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 1,256 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, incumbent is delegated full authority and responsibility for carrying out the directives of the federal courts and the Attorney General. 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).
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Qualifications
The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME-ONLY. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) related to this position within your resume-NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be considered. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. A panel may assess whether you possess the required ECQs and MTQs through resume review, assessment, and/or interview.
MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (MTQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the mandatory technical qualification listed below.
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 an education requirement.
Additional information
You must submit all required information by the closing date. If materials are not received, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available, and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. The materials you send with your application will not be returned. Upon appointment, you are required to complete a Public Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-278. You must provide the information annually after appointment. Veterans Preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service.
The Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) of the selectee who is not a current or former career SES employee (Title 5) must be approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before appointment. In addition, individuals entering the SES for the first time are subject to a one-year probationary period. Applicants who have completed the Candidate Development Program (CDP) and have had their ECQs certified by OPM must provide a copy of their certificate as part of their application.
Candidates must still satisfy the MTQ of the position, but do not need to address the ECQs if you:
Are currently serving under a career SES appointment;
Are eligible for reinstatement into the SES; or
Have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program and been certified by Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Proof of Qualifications Review Board (QRB) certification must be provided.
The selected individual will be subject to further evaluation through a Structured Interview by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB). OPM must review the executive qualifications of each new career appointee to the Senior Executive Service (SES) prior to appointment.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to federal employees: Click Here
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applicants will be evaluated based upon how they have addressed the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) within the resume. The ECQs describe the skills needed to succeed in the Senior Executive Service, and are in addition to the specific MTQ listed above. To assess the executive experience of each candidate, applicants applying for their initial career appointment in the SES must demonstrate, with specific examples, how their experience is relevant to the five ECQS.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs):
ECQ 1 - COMMITMENT TO THE RULE OF LAW AND THE PRINCIPLES OF THE AMERICAN FOUNDING: Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the Rule of Law, and commitment to serve the American people.
ECQ 2 - DRIVING EFFICIENCY: Demonstrated ability to strategically and sufficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
ECQ 3 - MERIT AND COMPETENCE: Demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
ECQ 4 - LEADING PEOPLE: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organizations vision, mission, and goals; To drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture.
ECQ 5 - ACHIEVING RESULTS: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to state goals from superiors.
Additional information on the Executive Core Qualifications can be found at http://www.opm.gov/ses/recruitment/ecq.asp. Please refer to OPMs Guide to the Senior Executive Service Qualifications for more detailed information.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to federal employees: Click Here
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required documents
Required Documents
Help
Failure to provide these documents will result in removal from consideration for this vacancy.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Help
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. NOTE: This position requires the completion of the Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQ) and SES Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). 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: DOJ, Federal Bureau of Prisons 320 First Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20534 E-Mail: BOP-HRM-SES-S@bop.gov Phone: 202-307-0495.
Agency contact information
Senior Executive Service
Phone 202-307-0495 Email BOP-HRM-SES-S@bop.gov Address JUSTICE, BUREAU OF PRISONS
320 First Street, N.W. 7th floor
Washington, District of Columbia 20534
United States
Next steps
Once your completed application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. Your experience/competencies must be clearly reflected in the resume, ECQs, and MTQ, or you may be eliminated from the highly qualified status resulting in non-referral. An SES rating and ranking panel will evaluate your application based on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments and experience. Applicants determined to be highly qualified may undergo an interview and a reference check. If selected, you must be certified by an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board, unless you are a current SES executive or have successfully participated in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program. You must receive certification before you can be appointed to the position. We recommend you preview the ECQs and MTQ outlined in this announcement before you start the application process.
We expect to make a selection within 80 days of the closing date of this announcement.
You will receive email notifications after each step of the application process has been completed. To automatically receive these notifications via email, your USAJOBS profile must be setup to do so. Alternatively, you must log in to your USAJOBS profile to receive application status updates. You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Required Documents
Help
Failure to provide these documents will result in removal from consideration for this vacancy.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Help
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. NOTE: This position requires the completion of the Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQ) and SES Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). 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: DOJ, Federal Bureau of Prisons 320 First Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20534 E-Mail: BOP-HRM-SES-S@bop.gov Phone: 202-307-0495.
Expand Hide how to apply
Agency contact information
Senior Executive Service
Phone 202-307-0495 Email BOP-HRM-SES-S@bop.gov Address JUSTICE, BUREAU OF PRISONS
320 First Street, N.W. 7th floor
Washington, District of Columbia 20534
United States
Next steps
Once your completed application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. Your experience/competencies must be clearly reflected in the resume, ECQs, and MTQ, or you may be eliminated from the highly qualified status resulting in non-referral. An SES rating and ranking panel will evaluate your application based on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments and experience. Applicants determined to be highly qualified may undergo an interview and a reference check. If selected, you must be certified by an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board, unless you are a current SES executive or have successfully participated in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program. You must receive certification before you can be appointed to the position. We recommend you preview the ECQs and MTQ outlined in this announcement before you start the application process.
We expect to make a selection within 80 days of the closing date of this announcement.
You will receive email notifications after each step of the application process has been completed. To automatically receive these notifications via email, your USAJOBS profile must be setup to do so. Alternatively, you must log in to your USAJOBS profile to receive application status updates. You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:
Expand Hide next steps
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System
Why is it Great to Work for the Federal Bureau of Prisons? Do your Career Justice and consider a career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). In addition to being regarded as a family and career-oriented agency, the BOP offers a broad range of exciting career opportunities in a work environment that promotes integrity, diversity, and professional development. With over 38,000 highly motivated individuals, the Federal Bureau of Prisons is one of the most unique agencies in the United States Department of Justice where each employees day-to-day performance makes a difference.
Agency contact information
Senior Executive Service
Phone 202-307-0495 Email BOP-HRM-SES-S@bop.gov Address JUSTICE, BUREAU OF PRISONS
320 First Street, N.W. 7th floor
Washington, District of Columbia 20534
United States
Summary
This position is located at the United States Penitentiary, Atwater, CA. Under the general direction of the Regional Director, the incumbent serves as the SES Warden providing administrative oversight and direction over programs within the institution.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 06/25/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 25, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Atwater, CA
1 vacancy
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed Yes-Reimbursement is authorized for relocation travel and transportation expenses for this position. Salary $151,661 - $228,000 per year Pay scale & grade
ES ES
Promotion potential ES - 00
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time - Full Time Travel Required Occasional travel - Occasional travel is required for meetings and training.
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status Yes Federal service type This job is in the Senior Executive Service Represented by a union No
Drug test Yes Security clearance Top Secret Position sensitivity and risk High Risk (HR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number SES-2026-0032 Control number 872141100
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