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Federal Prison Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Federal Prison information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$26.8K

$53.7K

$79.6K

How much do federal prison jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal prison in Springfield, MO is $53,731.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,700.00 and $61,400.00 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 Springfield, MO?

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

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Federal Prison jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Federal Prison job openings:

Infographic showing various Federal Prison job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,731 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Practical Nurse (Licensed Practical Nurse)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System

Springfield, MO โ€ข On-site, Remote

$57K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Summary
Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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Provides a range of standard patient care under the guidance of a Supervisory Clinical Nurse.
Assists with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Provides first aid and assists with providing emergency medical care to inmates injured in fights and/or accidents.
Administers and documents medications accurately according to policy/procedure and physician orders.
Assigned to rotating shifts and patient care units.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:
  1. Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria;
  2. Be rated well-qualified for the position, scoring at least half of the total possible points for the vacancy KSAs or competencies; and
  3. Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility:
    • A copy of the agency notice (i.e., separation notice or agency RIF letter),
    • Most recent performance appraisal, and
    • Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location.
    • See USAJOBS' Career Transition Programs for more information.

EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: U.S Department of Justice - Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Key Requirements:
  • U.S. Citizenship is Required.
  • See Special Conditions of Employment Section.
  • Selective Service Requirement

Qualifications
To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements.
Basic Requirements:
Licensure: Candidates must be currently licensed to practice as practical or vocational nurses in a State or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia, or must have applied for a license to practice. Applications of candidates possessing a license must be accompanied by a certified or photostatic copy of the license, a notarized statement attesting to the fact, or a citation of the license number and State issuing it.
AND
Additional Requirements:
Education/Training:
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.
OR
Experience:
You must have at least one year of nursing experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. Qualifying experience includes nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures, performing such duties as:
  • Experience providing pre-and post-operative patient care.
  • Experience administering treatments and/or medications, EKG's, etc., and observing, recording, and reporting changes in behavior of mentally ill patients.
  • Experience providing reassurance and encouragement to mentally ill patients.
  • Experience assisting surgeons and registered nurses in operating room activities, including passing instruments, mainaining sterile conditions, and draping and positioning patients.
  • Experience setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus.

If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application**
Education
ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.
Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.
Additional information
In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307, a maximum entry age of 36 has been established for original appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution.
If you are above the maximum entry age and have prior federal law enforcement coverage, you MUST submit an SF-50 to verify prior coverage.
Qualified Preference Eligible Veterans may be exempt from meeting the maximum age. Please refer to the Required Documents Section for the appropriate documentation to submit to validate veteran eligibility.
Special Conditions of Employment Section:
Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation.
All applicants are subject to and must satisfactorily pass all screening requirements in relation to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit check.
All applicants not currently working in an institution will be required to 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.
Additional selections may be made if vacancies occur within the life of the certificate.
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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
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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.
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.