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Maximum Security Prison Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MD · On-site

$92K/yr

GRADE ASTD20 LOCATION OF POSITION Howard County Patuxent Institution 7555 Waterloo Road Jessup, MD 20794 POSITION DUTIES Patuxent Institution is a maximum-security state prison designed to provide ...

... is a maximum-security state prison designed to provide remediation programs and services to male and female incarcerated individuals based upon current best practices. The PSCS Social Worker I ...

MD · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

GRADE ASTD17 LOCATION OF POSITION Howard County 7555 Waterloo Road Jessup, MD 20794 POSITION DUTIES Patuxent Institution is a maximum-security state prison designed to provide remediation programs ...

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Maximum Security Prison information

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$28K

$67.7K

$162K

How much do maximum security prison jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for maximum security prison in the United States is $67,675.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $81,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Maximum Security Prison vs Correctional Officer?

AspectMaximum Security PrisonCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, security training, background checkHigh school diploma, security training, background check
Work EnvironmentHigh-security facility with dangerous inmatesInside prison, supervising inmates
Industry UsageCorrectional facilities, law enforcementCorrectional facilities, law enforcement
Job RoleOversees inmate behavior, maintains securitySupervises inmates, enforces rules

While a Maximum Security Prison is a facility designed to house the most dangerous inmates, a Correctional Officer is a professional who works inside such prisons to maintain security and supervise inmates. The roles are interconnected, with correctional officers being essential staff within maximum security prisons.

What are some common challenges faced by correctional officers working in a maximum security prison, and how can these challenges be managed?

Correctional officers in maximum security prisons often face challenges such as managing high-risk inmates, maintaining strict security protocols, and responding to emergency situations. The work environment can be high-pressure and requires constant vigilance, effective communication, and teamwork to ensure safety for both staff and inmates. Officers can manage these challenges by participating in ongoing training, following established procedures, and relying on support from their colleagues and supervisors. Building strong situational awareness and stress management skills is also essential for success in this demanding role.

What is a Maximum Security Prison job?

A Maximum Security Prison job involves working in a highly secure correctional facility that houses the most dangerous and high-risk inmates. Employees in these facilities include correctional officers, security personnel, medical staff, and administrative workers who ensure safety, enforce rules, and manage rehabilitation programs. These roles require strong discipline, situational awareness, and the ability to handle potentially dangerous situations. Training and certifications are often needed, and the work environment is highly structured to maintain order and security.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Maximum Security Prison Correctional Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Maximum Security Prison Correctional Officer, you need strong observational skills, sound judgment, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional training provided by correctional institutions. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance technology, incident reporting software, and sometimes certifications in crisis intervention are typically required. Excellent communication, emotional resilience, and conflict de-escalation skills help officers effectively manage inmate interactions and high-stress situations. These skills are vital for maintaining safety, order, and security in a challenging correctional environment.

What is a maximum security prison?

A maximum security prison is a type of correctional facility designed to house the most dangerous and high-risk inmates. These prisons have strict security measures, including high walls, armed guards, surveillance systems, and limited inmate movement to prevent escapes and maintain order. Inmates in maximum security prisons typically have committed serious crimes or pose significant threats to staff, other inmates, or themselves. The environment is highly controlled, with limited privileges and frequent monitoring to ensure safety for everyone involved.
More about Maximum Security Prison jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Maximum Security Prison jobs? The most popular types of Maximum Security Prison jobs are:
Infographic showing various Maximum Security Prison job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Full Time, 17% Temporary, and 66% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,675 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Materials Handler Supervisor (Warehouse Worker Foreman - UNICOR)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System

Oakdale, LA • On-site, Remote

$33.96 - $39.63/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 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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Functions as a Warehouse Worker Foreman in the institution's Federal Prison Industries (FPI) warehouse operation at a Federal Bureau of Prisons' facility.
Supervises inmate workers who are responsible for receiving, storing, shipment, and issue of a wide variety of supplies, materials, equipment and commodities required in the operation of the FPI factory.
Responsible for inventory control of FPI's raw materials and finished goods.
Determines sequences for loading materials and organizing incoming shipments for maximum space utilization, safety considerations, and damage protection.
Orders, transports, ships and stocks a wide variety of specialized materials used in the warehouse and factory operations.
Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution. The staff correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship is Required.
  • See Special Conditions of Employment Section.

Career Transition Programs (CTAP): 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 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.

NOTE: Applicants claiming CTAP eligibility must complete all assessment questions to be rated under the established ranking criteria.
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: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
Qualifications
To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements.
Applicants must have had sufficient training and experience to show their ability to perform the duties of the position.
Qualifications will be determined by comparing your application to the responses to the Applicant Assessment Questions against the guidelines found in the Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations, WS-6907 series.
To qualify for this position, you MUST meet the Barely Acceptable level on both screen-out elements (Ability to supervise) and (Aptitude for work with prisoners); receive at least one half of the total possible points; AND you must furnish detailed information on your resume to support your assessment responses to demonstrate that you clearly possess the experience and skills to successfully perform the duties of this position. Failure to specifically identify skills in this field may result in your score being lowered or in being found ineligible for this vacancy.
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.**
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.
The representative rate for this position is $73,838 per annum ($35.38 per hour).
Special Conditions of Employment Section:
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.
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.
The addresses listed on the USAJOBS account/resume must be the primary residence at the time of application. You may be required to provide proof of residence.
Additional selections may be made if vacancies occur within the life of the certificate.
Although competitive and non-competitive applications are being accepted, the selecting official may elect to have only one group reviewed.
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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.