Lead the Future of VA Technology: Supervisory IT Specialist (Policy and Planning)
In an era where digital resilience is synonymous with service excellence, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for a strategic leader to spearhead its technology infrastructure. The role of Supervisory IT Specialist (Policy and Planning) is a critical GS-15 position that serves as a cornerstone for the VA's digital transformation efforts. This position offers the rare opportunity to impact the lives of millions of Veterans by ensuring their digital tools are reliable, secure, and cutting-edge.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory IT Specialist, your influence will be felt across the enterprise. Key responsibilities include:
- Project Leadership: Developing division-wide project plans that align with organizational objectives.
- Performance Optimization: Identifying system performance indicators and implementing improvements to enhance service delivery.
- Strategic Governance: Leading Change Advisory Boards and ensuring program alignment with enterprise priorities.
- Budget Oversight: Managing substantial IT budgets and negotiating critical agreements like SLAs, MOUs, and ISAs.
Requirements
To be successful, candidates must meet rigorous standards, including:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level in the federal government.
- Technical Proficiency: Experience managing hybrid on-premises and cloud environments.
- Documentation: A concise, two-page resume highlighting specific competencies.
- Security: Ability to pass a High Risk (HR) suitability/fitness investigation.
Qualifications Comparison Table
| Criteria | Requirement Detail |
|---|---|
| Grade Level | GS-15 |
| Work Schedule | Full-time, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Education | No substitution allowed |
| Security Clearance | High Risk (HR) Suitability |
| Telework | Ad-hoc only |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $112,890 to $146,757 per year, commensurate with qualifications. Beyond the competitive pay, employees enjoy the comprehensive federal benefits package, which includes federal health insurance, robust retirement contributions, and generous leave policies.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limits: Strict compliance with the two-page resume limit is non-negotiable.
- Be Explicit: Use your resume to map your experience directly to the required competencies, such as problem-solving, oral communication, and customer service.
- Assessments: Take the USA Hire assessment seriously. Ensure you have a quiet environment and the full allotted time to complete it.
This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the mission of the VA. If you possess the leadership skills, technical background, and drive to serve our nation's Veterans, we encourage you to review the full requirements and submit your application package before the July 2026 deadline.
Why This Supervisory It Specialist (Policy And Planning) Job Matters
Shape the future of Veterans Affairs technology as a Supervisory IT Specialist, leading high-stakes infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives in a mission-driven environment.
Supervisory It Specialist (Policy And Planning) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a highly skilled Supervisory IT Specialist (Policy and Planning) to serve within Infrastructure Operations. This leadership role focuses on the design, management, and continuous improvement of large-scale enterprise IT infrastructure. The successful candidate will drive digital transformation by overseeing hybrid cloud and on-premises environments, managing multi-million dollar budgets, and ensuring the highest standards of system availability and security for the Veterans we serve.
Requirements for Supervisory It Specialist (Policy And Planning)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level.
- Must meet Selective Placement Factor: Experience managing hybrid IT environments, leading enterprise incident/change management, and overseeing infrastructure teams.
- Must complete an online assessment.
- Must undergo a background/security investigation (High Risk position).
- Must serve a one-year probationary period.
- Resume must not exceed two pages.
- Must comply with Return to Office (RTO) requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory It Specialist (Policy And Planning)
- Proven track record of managing multi-million dollar IT budgets.
- Extensive experience navigating Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs).
- Expertise in guiding governance through a Change Advisory Board.
- Strong leadership capabilities in managing enterprise-level customer onboarding processes.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance plans
- ✓Life insurance options
- ✓Retirement programs (FERS)
- ✓Paid federal holidays
- ✓Annual leave and sick leave accrual
- ✓Flexible spending accounts
- ✓Professional development opportunities
💡 How to Apply Supervisory It Specialist (Policy And Planning) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory It Specialist (Policy And Planning) Job
- Log in to or create a USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
- Submit your application and required documents before the closing date.
- Complete the required online questionnaire.
- If notified, complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
- Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS profile.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights specific months and years of employment for every role.
- Quantify your accomplishments, especially regarding budget management and team oversight.
- Verify your resume is under 2MB and formatted according to the two-page limit.
- Read the announcement thoroughly to ensure all required supporting documents, such as SF-50s or transcripts, are uploaded.
- Save at least 3 hours for the USA Hire assessments once you receive your access link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely for this position?
No, this is not a remote position. While ad-hoc telework may be authorized, you are required to report to a federal government work site.
Are there educational requirements?
There is no educational substitution allowed for this grade level; you must meet the professional specialized experience requirements.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Per the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes exceeding two pages will be rejected and the applicant will be deemed ineligible.
What is the RTO policy?
*A: Return to Office mandates are currently in effect, and in-person attendance at a government site is required.*
How do I handle reasonable accommodation?
*A: Requests for accommodations regarding the assessment process must be made prior to beginning the test.*
Job from Deputy Assistant Secretary For Information And Technology
The Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. The Infrastructure Operations (IO) division is the engine room of this mission, providing the compute, storage, and networking capacity required to deliver world-class care to Veterans and their families.