Launch Your Federal Career: Administrative Officer at the Columbia VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to those who have served our nation. A key component of this mission is the administrative infrastructure that supports our frontline healthcare services. The Columbia VA Health Care System is currently hiring an Administrative Officer to join the Community Relations and Engagement (CR&E) team. This role is a perfect opportunity for a detail-oriented professional looking to contribute to the efficiency and success of a vital federal healthcare facility.
Job Responsibilities
As an Administrative Officer, your primary goal is to assist the Chief of CR&E in ensuring that service line operations run smoothly. Your day-to-day duties will include:
- Budget Management: Formulating and executing budgets while ensuring all financial reports are accurate.
- Operational Support: Analyzing program data to solve problems and suggest improvements.
- Procurement: Managing service requests, purchasing supplies, and acting as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).
- Personnel Administration: Acting as a liaison for HR matters, including onboarding, performance plans, and staff recruitment.
Qualifications and Requirements
This position is open to current federal employees who meet the specific Time-in-Grade requirements for the GS-11 level. Applicants must demonstrate one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level or possess a qualifying advanced degree.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Experience | 1 Year of specialized experience at GS-09 level |
| Education | Ph.D. or 3 years of graduate study substitute |
| Location | Must work on-site in Columbia, SC |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $74,678 to $97,087 annually, commensurate with experience and federal pay scales. Employees also enjoy the extensive benefits package afforded to federal workers, including:
- Exceptional health insurance plans.
- Federal retirement savings via the TSP.
- Generous leave and vacation policies.
Application Tips
- Resume Length: Ensure your resume does not exceed two pages.
- Documentation: Provide accurate, dated SF-50s to prove your time-in-grade.
- Clarity: Use the language from the job description to describe your experience.
This role offers a unique blend of administrative challenges and a rewarding mission. If you are ready to use your skills to support our Veterans, apply through the USAJOBS portal before the July 24, 2026, deadline.
Why This Administrative Officer Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on those who served—join the Columbia VA Health Care System as an Administrative Officer and champion excellence in veteran care.
Administrative Officer Job Overview
The Columbia VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Administrative Officer to join the Community Relations and Engagement (CR&E) service line. In this pivotal role, you will assist the Chief of CR&E in the day-to-day operations that support high-quality healthcare for our nation's veterans. You will be responsible for a wide range of functions, including program management, budget oversight, procurement, and personnel administration, ensuring that our facility meets its performance goals and maintains the highest standards of service.
Requirements for Administrative Officer
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must meet specialized experience requirements or educational equivalent by the closing date.
- Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements (52 weeks at the GS-09 level for federal employees).
- Must register with the Selective Service if male and born after 12/31/1959.
- Must complete an online assessment during the application process.
- Must be able to successfully complete a background/security investigation.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Preferred Qualifications for Administrative Officer
- Demonstrated experience in program budget formulation and execution.
- Proven ability to manage procurement requests and act as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).
- Strong background in personnel administration and human resources liaison functions.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to manage high-priority projects.
- Ability to analyze program operations and recommend effective administrative improvements.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and advancement opportunities.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid time off, federal holidays, and sick leave.
- ✓Access to veteran-focused career development and support programs.
💡 How to Apply Administrative Officer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Administrative Officer Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your duties, hours worked per week, and dates of employment.
- Review the job announcement and required documents section thoroughly.
- Complete the online questionnaire and attach all required documentation (including SF-50s).
- Submit your application package prior to the deadline on 07/24/2026.
- Monitor your email for a unique link to the mandatory USA Hire Assessments.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is limited to two pages to comply with federal merit hiring plans.
- Be specific about your job duties and include the number of hours worked per week.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and page count limits.
- Double-check your SF-50 documentation to ensure it clearly demonstrates your one-year time-in-grade eligibility.
- Utilize the USAJOBS resume builder if you need assistance formatting your experience correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the educational substitution for this role?
You may qualify with a Ph.D., three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education, or an LL.M. if related to the position.
Is telework available for this position?
No, this is not a virtual position and requires on-site attendance at the Columbia VA facility.
What are the physical requirements for this job?
There are no specific physical requirements for this position that cannot be performed with reasonable accommodation.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Providing comprehensive care to millions of Veterans, the VA relies on dedicated administrators to manage the complex logistics, budgets, and personnel operations that make this care possible. Working at the Columbia VA means joining a mission-driven team dedicated to compassionate service.