Become a Chief of Staff with the National Nuclear Security Administration

Are you ready to take your career to the next level within one of the most critical sectors of the federal government? The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is currently accepting applications for a Chief of Staff position at the Savannah River Field Office (SRFO) in Aiken, South Carolina. This role offers an incredible opportunity for a dedicated leader to shape the administrative landscape and support national security initiatives.

Job Responsibilities

As the Chief of Staff, your primary objective is to facilitate the accomplishment of the SRFO's mission. You will act as the right hand to the Field Office Manager, managing a wide range of internal office support functions. Key responsibilities include:

Program Oversight: Managing awards, conference logistics, and administrative data calls.
Strategic Coordination: Serving as a liaison between the NNSA, DOE, and local facilities, ensuring that all communications and operations are aligned with agency goals.
Financial Management: Assisting with budget obligations, expenditure schedules, and identifying potential fiscal imbalances.
Team Leadership: Building high-performing teams, fostering a positive workplace culture, and managing administrative staff performance.
Employee Concerns: Acting as the Employee Concerns Program (ECP) Manager to ensure confidential and prompt resolution of staff issues.

Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate exceptional professional qualifications. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the next lower pay band (equivalent to GS-13).
Clearance: Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Q-level security clearance.
Drug Testing: Subject to a mandatory pre-employment drug test.
Documentation: Must provide two forms of ID for HSPD-12 security compliance.

Salary and Benefits Comparison

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$125,776 – $201,205 per year
Employment Type	Full-Time, Excepted Service
Work Schedule	Typical Business Hours
Security Clearance	Q Access Authorization

Working for the federal government comes with unparalleled benefits, including robust retirement plans, health insurance, and generous paid time off. Additionally, this position may offer recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified individuals.

Application Tips

Securing a role with the NNSA requires a precise application package. Here are three expert tips:

Respect the Page Limit: The resume requirement is strictly two pages. If you exceed this, the agency will only review the first two pages.
Tailor Your Content: Do not simply say 'see resume.' Use the space in your application to specifically describe how your previous work matches the required competencies.
Include Proper Documentation: Ensure your SF-50 forms are included, as these are critical for verifying your service status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the closing date for this position? A: The application window closes on July 21, 2026.

Q: Is relocation assistance available? A: A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, depending on agency policy.

Q: How do I track my application status? A: You can view the status of your application at any time by logging into your USAJOBS account.

The Chief of Staff position at the Savannah River Field Office is more than just a job; it is a position of influence. By managing the internal operations of the SRFO, you become a silent guardian of the agency's mission efficiency. If you are a leader with a commitment to excellence, we encourage you to apply and contribute to the future of national security.

Why This Chief Of Staff Job Matters

Elevate your federal career by serving as a pivotal leader within the National Nuclear Security Administration, where your strategic oversight will directly support national security missions.

Chief Of Staff Job Overview

The Savannah River Field Office (SRFO) is seeking a highly skilled and motivated professional to serve as Chief of Staff. In this vital role, you will act as a key advisor and operational anchor, facilitating the mission of the SRFO by providing executive-level support, coordinating cross-functional projects, and overseeing administrative management systems. You will work closely with the Field Office Manager and deputy leadership to ensure organizational goals are met with precision and transparency.

Requirements for Chief Of Staff

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Must obtain and maintain a Q-level security clearance.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Subject to a favorable suitability determination and potential financial disclosure.
Must comply with Selective Service registration requirements (males born after Dec 31, 1959).
Must provide two forms of identification for HSPD-12 compliance.
Completion of a two-year trial period may be required.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the EN-03, NN/NQ-03, or GS-13 level.

Preferred Qualifications for Chief Of Staff

Demonstrated experience in developing federal budget requests and justifications.
Proven track record in leading special projects and managing administrative support teams.
Expertise in applying consistent business management tools and processes across an organization.
Strong proficiency in employee relations, workforce planning, and organizational process improvement.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary range based on experience.
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Federal retirement benefits, including pension and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Paid federal holidays and generous leave accrual.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
✓Opportunities for telework and flexible work arrangements.

💡 How to Apply Chief Of Staff Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Chief Of Staff Job

Log in to your Login.gov account via the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages, detailing relevant experience and accomplishments.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including your most recent SF-50 and two latest performance appraisals.
Submit your final application package before the closing date of July 21, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; additional pages will not be reviewed.
Do not use phrases like 'see resume' in your application; provide specific examples of your competencies.
Ensure your SF-50 includes your pay plan, grade, and tenure code to verify eligibility.
Review your application for completeness before hitting submit, as you cannot update it after the closing date.
Use the resume builder or attach a document that clearly highlights your specialized experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a security clearance required for this position?

Yes, this role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Q-level security clearance.

Can I submit more than two pages for my resume?

No. The system will only review the first two pages of your resume to determine your qualifications.

Is education a substitute for the required experience?

No, education cannot be substituted for the specialized experience required for this role.

Job from National Nuclear Security Administration

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. It is tasked with enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. The Savannah River Field Office plays a vital role in this mission, overseeing diverse programs that require expert coordination, fiscal oversight, and strategic administrative management.