Lead the Future of Military Readiness: Supervisory Personnel Psychologist Opportunity
The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking an elite professional to step into the role of Supervisory Personnel Psychologist within the Defense Human Resources Activity. This position offers the rare opportunity to serve as the Director of the Defense Testing and Assessment Center (DTAC), where your work in psychometrics and assessment strategy will directly influence the quality and readiness of the Uniformed Services. If you are an expert in item response theory and program management, this GS-15 leadership role is your next career milestone.
Job Responsibilities
As the Director of the DTAC, you will manage a high-stakes environment where precision and scientific integrity are paramount. Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic Leadership: Providing vision for the organization's programs, personnel, and resources.
- Program Oversight: Directing all research and development for military assessments, including the ASVAB and language testing.
- Budget Management: Overseeing an annual budget exceeding $45 million.
- Advisory Role: Serving as the principal technical advisor to the DPAC Director and senior leadership.
- Representation: Representing the Department of Defense in scientific forums and professional societies.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Grade Level | GS-15 |
| Degree Required | Major in Psychology |
| Specialized Exp. | 1 Year at GS-14 level |
| Security Clearance | Secret |
| Resume Length | Maximum 2 Pages |
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must demonstrate substantial expertise in personnel psychology. You must provide official or unofficial transcripts to support your educational claims. Furthermore, your resume must clearly demonstrate a one-year history at the GS-14 equivalent level, specifically showcasing your experience in large-scale testing and psychometric research.
Salary and Benefits
This position is classified under the GS-15 pay scale, with a base annual salary range of $169,279 to $197,200, depending on performance and qualifications. Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package that includes:
- Comprehensive Healthcare: Multiple plan options tailored to your needs.
- Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) including a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave accrual and federal holidays.
Application Tips
Submit a concise, two-page resume that explicitly addresses the core competencies mentioned in the job description: financial management, leadership, and psychology. Ensure all transcripts are included, as failure to provide these will result in immediate disqualification. Use the USAJOBS resume builder if you are unsure how to structure your professional history for a federal panel.
This role is not just a job; it is a commitment to national security through the scientific rigor of personnel assessment. If you possess the experience to lead complex testing organizations and the vision to refine psychometric standards, we encourage you to submit your application package before the August 3, 2026, deadline.
Why This Supervisory Personnel Psychologist Job Matters
Lead the future of military assessment as a Supervisory Personnel Psychologist, shaping the testing strategies that define the readiness of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Supervisory Personnel Psychologist Job Overview
The Defense Human Resources Activity is seeking a high-level expert in psychometrics to serve as the Director of the Defense Testing and Assessment Center (DTAC). This GS-15 leadership role is responsible for the strategic management of critical military personnel testing programs, including the ASVAB, and oversees a significant operational budget to ensure the validity and efficacy of force assessment tools.
Requirements for Supervisory Personnel Psychologist
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 0180 Psychology series.
- Possess a degree with a major or equivalent in psychology.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 federal grade level.
- Maintain eligibility for a Secret security clearance.
- Submission of transcripts to verify educational attainment.
- Resume must not exceed the two-page limit.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Personnel Psychologist
- Recognized expert in personnel psychology, psychometrics, and computerized adaptive testing.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex programs with multi-million dollar annual budgets.
- Proven track record of high-level, original research in test development with documented publications.
- Extensive experience in supervising senior-level technical and professional staff.
- Ability to provide expert technical advisory services to senior SES-level leadership.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Generous retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Eligibility for federal life insurance and long-term care insurance programs.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Personnel Psychologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Personnel Psychologist Job
- Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages and covers your relevant work history and technical expertise.
- Obtain unofficial transcripts documenting your degree in psychology.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided USA Staffing link.
- Upload all required documentation, including SF-50 and veterans' documents if applicable.
- Submit your application package by the closing date of August 3, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; documents exceeding this will be disqualified.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details the hours worked per week and dates of employment to prove specialized experience.
- Use a legible font like Lato or Calibri in at least 10-point size for your body text.
- Save all documents as PDFs to ensure proper formatting and readability.
- Verify that your SF-50 is your most recent version to ensure accurate processing of your tenure and grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use education to substitute for the required specialized experience?
No, at the GS-15 level, specialized experience is mandatory and cannot be substituted solely by education.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework, though specific arrangements should be discussed with the hiring manager.
Job from Defense Human Resources Activity
The Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) is a field activity under the Office of the Secretary of Defense. It is responsible for providing high-level support for military personnel programs, human resources data analytics, and operational readiness. By joining the Defense Personnel Analytics Center (DPAC), you will work alongside senior defense officials to ensure that the personnel systems supporting our nation's military remain the most advanced in the world.