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Federal Prison Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Correctional Lieutenant

Smyrna, DE ยท On-site

$78K/yr

Maintains control of inmates while escorting individuals or groups within the prison. * Keeps ... The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State ...

Federal Prison information

See Delaware salary details

$29.5K

$59.1K

$87.6K

How much do federal prison jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal prison in Delaware is $59,126.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $67,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are federal prisons?

Federal prisons are correctional facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in the United States. They house individuals who have been convicted of violating federal laws, as opposed to state laws. Federal prisons vary in security levels, from minimum to high security, and are located throughout the country. Inmates may be incarcerated for offenses such as drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, or other federal crimes. These facilities provide incarceration, rehabilitation, and various programs to inmates.

What are federal prison jobs?

Federal prison jobs include a wide variety of positions focused on overseeing and providing services to inmates. Aside from the well-known correctional officer and guard positions, federal prisons also employ dentists, nurses, psychologists, physicians, secretaries, electronic technicians, and many other professionals. What all of these careers have in common is that they're government jobs, so you must uphold the expectations of justice, respond to orders from a court, and otherwise provide a high standard of care and service for each inmate. Outside of the government, some federal prison workers come from non-profit organizations. For example, you can find prison chaplain positions through religious non-profit groups.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal correctional officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Correctional Officer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and knowledge of security procedures. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting software, and emergency response protocols is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, stress management, and conflict-resolution abilities help officers handle challenging situations and maintain safety. These skills ensure the security of the facility, the well-being of inmates and staff, and the effective enforcement of regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by correctional officers working in federal prisons?

Correctional officers in federal prisons often encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, ensuring safety and security within the facility, and maintaining professionalism under stressful conditions. They may also face emotionally demanding situations, including conflict resolution and responding to emergencies. Building effective communication skills and teamwork with other officers and staff is essential to handle these challenges and foster a safe environment for both inmates and personnel.

What is the difference between Federal Prison vs Correctional Officer?

AspectFederal PrisonCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; background check; security clearanceHigh school diploma or GED; training certification; background check
Work EnvironmentSecure federal facility housing inmatesSupervises inmates within correctional facilities
Employer & IndustryFederal Bureau of PrisonsFederal, state, or private correctional facilities
Job RoleOversees inmate management, security, and facility operationsMonitors inmate behavior, enforces rules, and maintains safety

While a Federal Prison is a secure facility operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a Correctional Officer is the professional responsible for supervising inmates within such facilities. Correctional Officers work inside federal prisons to ensure safety, security, and order. The roles are closely linked, with correctional officers being essential staff within federal prisons.

How to work in a federal prison?

To work in a federal prison, candidates typically need to apply through the Federal Bureau of Prisons, meet specific eligibility requirements, pass background checks, and complete required training. Positions may include correctional officer, administrative staff, or healthcare worker, often requiring relevant certifications or experience. Applicants should be prepared for a structured environment and shift work, including nights and weekends.

What are popular job titles related to Federal Prison jobs in Delaware?

For Federal Prison jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Federal Prison job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,126 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Prison Education, Adult Education Instructor (Groves High School Level) at Howard R Young Correction

Delaware Schools Consortium

Dover, DE โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Position Type:
Specialized Schools /Programs/Adult Education
Date Posted:
8/12/2026
Location:
Delaware Department of Education
Closing Date:
08/26/2026
District:
Delaware Department of Education
Title of Position: Prison Education, Adult Education Instructor (Groves High School Level) at Howard R. Young Correctional Institute (HRYCI)
Reports to: Teacher/Supervisor at Level 5 Prison
Description of Position: The Groves High School Prison Education Teacher position is responsible for delivering Groves Adult Education services that satisfy Delaware's high school graduation requirements to Level 5 residents while also preparing them for successful reentry into the community.
Major Responsibilities:
  • Provide individualized academic instruction that addresses the unique educational needs of adult residents.
  • Implement the Delaware Department of Education Adult Education curriculum that leads to the attainment of a high school diploma within a quality educational delivery system.
  • Model "best practices" based on current research in the field of Adult Education.
  • Maintain data and complete federal and state reports for assigned learners.
  • Participate on IEP teams as needed.
  • Ensure that federal and/or state policies and procedures are followed in the classroom including but are not limited to WIOA - Title II, Perkins/Vocational, ADA/504 and /or IDEA.
  • Integrate re-entry information and academic instruction to prepare students for a successful transition to their communities.
  • Work cooperatively with the Department of Correction to promote adult education opportunities upon the request of the Teacher/Supervisor, Prison Education.
  • Function as part of an adult education services team to transition inmates into the community

Essential Qualifications and Skills
Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university required.
  • Must possess current Delaware Licensure (14 DE Admin Code 1500-Professional Standards Board).
  • Must possess current Delaware Certification in at least one content area on the secondary level (14 DE Admin Code 1500 - Professional Standards Board).

Experience:
  • Minimum of three (3) years (full-time) academic teaching, experience in adult education and/or correctional settings preferred.
  • Experience working in adult and/or correctional setting preferred.

Skills:
  • Must have excellent oral and written communication, facilitation and organizational skills, as well as excellent listening and synthesizing skills.
  • Strong interpersonal, collaborative, and negotiating skills.
  • Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Ability to perform responsibilities with minimal supervision.
  • Capable of setting priorities and working in collaboration with others and working under pressure.
  • Be able to proactively problem-solve with professionalism.
  • Must be experienced in exercising discretion and confidentiality in all professional duties.

Salary:
Salary Range: $71,534.26 - $151.721.79 annually. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's education and experience in accordance with the Department of Education's compensation policy. The position includes a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, participation in the state retirement program, annual, sick, and personal leave, and supplemental benefits options. Direct deposit of payroll checks is a condition of state employment, and employees are paid on a lag pay schedule with the first payment made after approximately one month of employment.
Notes:
Offer of employment will be contingent on the results of a Department of Correction (DOC) criminal background check and successful completion of DOC training. This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. The employee should expect to perform any other related activities needed to deliver the position's key duties and responsibilities and follow any other instructions as defined by his/her supervisor.
The Delaware Department of Education is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment practices or educational programs, services or activities based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran's status or any other legally protected category. Inquiries should be directed to the Human Resource Office, 401 Federal Street, Suite 2, Dover, DE 19901. Phone: 302-735-4030.

Delaware Schools Consortium logo

About Delaware Schools Consortium

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Delaware Schools Consortium (DSC), located in Dover, DE, US, is an organization in the education industry. The company, accessible via its official website at joindelawareschools.org, serves as a hub for public and charter schools across Delaware, sharing resources, knowledge, and opportunities. Founded on the notion of unified leadership and common values, DSC's mission is to foster cooperation and collaboration among schools, facilitating the growth of the education sector in the region. The consortium represents a wide range of institutions, from primary and secondary schools to vocational colleges. Its achievements include promoting educational advancement in the region, aiding in the allocation of resources, and supporting countless teachers, administrators, and students on their educational journeys.

Industry

Education

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dover, DE, US

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