Actively Recruiting: District Law Enforcement and Security Manager with the Department of Veterans Affairs
The Department of Veterans Affairs is currently accepting applications for the crucial role of District Law Enforcement and Security Manager (GS-14) within the Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary for Operations, Security, and Preparedness. Operating as a premier supervisory professional in federal public safety, this manager acts as a primary advisor on tactical operations, regulatory enforcement, and protective services across a multi-state region.
This position presents an unparalleled career opportunity for experienced law enforcement professionals ready to lead extensive structural operations, safeguard vital clinical environments, and provide strategic security direction to Veteran Affairs Medical Centers and surrounding locations.
About the Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
The mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is guided by President Abraham Lincoln's timeless pledge: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan." The VA executes this sacred trust through three primary structures: the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA).
The Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary for Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP) serves as the backbone of the VA's physical security infrastructure. By coordinating modern protective strategies and managing highly-trained security details, OSP ensures that VA personnel, physical structures, and millions of visiting veterans remain safe. Joining this office means placing your skills in service of those who protected our country.
Job Responsibilities
As the District Law Enforcement and Security Manager for Region 3, District 2, the selectee will be charged with a wide array of demanding leadership and administrative functions. The role is designed for a professional capable of managing both the strategic and operational requirements of federal physical security.
Primary Responsibilities Include:
- Operational Leadership & Advisory Services: Act as the principal advisor to regional executives, including VHA Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) Directors, VBA Regional Directors, and NCA Memorial Integrated Service Network (MISN) Directors. Manage and guide regional VA Police Chiefs on all complex security matters.
- Administrative Investigations: Manage and oversee challenging white-collar crime investigations. This includes assessing potential administrative infractions, fraud, civil rights violations, or allegations of excessive force among tactical personnel, generating analytical reports, and making corrective recommendations.
- Security Audits & Policy Evaluation: Drive change management by systematically integrating new, progressive security methodologies across medical centers, outpatient clinics, benefits offices, and regional national cemeteries. Evaluate field performance to ensure total regulatory compliance.
- Resource Coordination & Networking: Direct regional budget parameters, asset allotments, and tactical distributions. Partner closely with other federal, state, local, and private law enforcement bodies to ensure robust information sharing and joint readiness.
Requirements and Qualifications
This position is a GS-14 level role requiring an advanced foundation of physical preparedness, tactical expertise, and extensive supervisory history. Candidates must meet all requirements before the closing date of the job opportunity announcement.
Core Prerequisites
- Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
- Time-In-Grade: Current or former federal employees must have spent a minimum of 52 weeks at the GS-13 level or equivalent.
- Experience Requirements: Applicants must possess at least three years of active law enforcement experience alongside a minimum of one year of supervisory experience.
- Tactical Readiness & Certification: Selectees must maintain high proficiency with firearms, passing semi-annual weapons testing and carrying an authorized firearm during shifts.
- Physical Demands: The role demands significant physical agility. Duties include performing structural safety audits in confined building layouts (e.g., crawlspaces) and retaining the strength to physically defend staff, patients, or the public from threat.
Salary Overview
The District Law Enforcement and Security Manager role is classified under the General Schedule (GS) system at the GS-14 grade level. The base annual salary ranges from $125,776 to $163,514. Final compensation may vary based on geographic location and the corresponding local cost-of-living adjustments.
Competency & Operational Comparison Matrix
| Focus Area | GS-14 District Manager Expectation | Typical Field Level Duty (GS-12/13) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Command | Regional multi-site command (VAMC, VBA, NCA) | Facility-specific localized command |
| Advisory Scope | Direct consultant to VISN, VBA, and MISN Regional Directors | Consultant to local Medical Center Directors |
| Investigation Scale | Complex white-collar, systemic audits, policy abuse | Operational incidents, localized crimes |
| Weapons Proficiency | Mandatory semi-annual qualification, active field duty | Facility-level routine carry and training |
| Policy Control | Regional alignment, strategic development, standard execution | Implementation of established guidelines |
Employee Benefits
Working for the Department of Veterans Affairs brings an array of premium federal benefits designed to foster career longevity, health, and work-life balance:
- Comprehensive Healthcare: Select from various premium federal health insurance options, dental programs, and vision care packages.
- Secure Retirement: FERS pension plan, supplemented by the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
- Generous Time Off: Earn structured annual leave, standard sick leave, and observe all designated federal holidays.
- Flexible Working Options: Benefit from potential telework arrangements and compressed/flexible work shifts tailored to maintain continuity of operations.
Application Tips
Navigating the federal hiring process requires attention to detail. Follow these professional tips to maximize your rating and eligibility:
- Observe the Two-Page Resume Rule: Under the latest federal merit hiring plans, resumes must be strictly two pages or fewer in length. Any document exceeding this limit will trigger an immediate ineligible rating. Use a clean sans-serif font (such as Arial or Calibri) and 0.5-inch margins to make the best use of space.
- Provide Complete Employment Records: Ensure your resume highlights the exact job titles, dates (including months and years), exact hours worked per week, and corresponding GS grades for any federal service.
- Include Your SF-50 Documentation: Current and former federal employees must upload their most recent SF-50 to substantiate their Time-in-Grade eligibility at the GS-13 level.
- Prepare for the Supervisory Assessment: You will be required to take the online Supervisory Situational Judgment Test (SSJT). Set aside approximately 45 minutes in a quiet environment to complete this assessment, as your results will impact your referral status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is this a virtual or 100% remote work position?
No. This is not a virtual position. The selectee must report to one of the designated VA Medical Centers or Healthcare System offices listed in the active recruitment announcement.
Q2: Is drug testing required prior to employment?
Yes. Because this is a testing-designated position, all selected candidates are subject to urinalysis screening for illegal substance use prior to formal appointment. Continuous random testing may be conducted throughout employment.
Q3: What areas does the local commuting zone cover?
The local commuting area is defined as a driving radius of 50 miles from the regional facilities located in Fort Wayne (IN), Indianapolis (IN), Lexington (KY), Louisville (KY), Johnson City (TN), Memphis (TN), and Nashville (TN).
The role of District Law Enforcement and Security Manager with the Department of Veterans Affairs is an exceptional platform for a dedicated tactical leader. If you possess a robust foundation in security administration, a history of administrative investigative competence, and a desire to support the vital mission of caring for America's veterans, compile your materials and apply before the August 13, 2026 deadline.
Why This District Law Enforcement And Security Manager Job Matters
Take the helm of a sophisticated, multi-state security network and lead the protective forces dedicated to safeguarding our nation's veterans and healthcare infrastructure.
District Law Enforcement And Security Manager Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a highly qualified and decisive leader to serve as the District Law Enforcement and Security Manager (GS-14) for Region 3, District 2. Operating under the Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary for Operations, Security, and Preparedness, this senior official provides executive-level direction, policy guidance, and operational oversight to VA Police Chiefs across a large geographical district. The selectee will manage complex protective programs, oversee sensitive internal investigations, and advise top regional executives to maintain the integrity and safety of medical centers, benefits offices, and national cemeteries.
Requirements for District Law Enforcement And Security Manager
- United States Citizenship is required.
- Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements (52 weeks at the GS-13 level or equivalent) by the closing date.
- Possession of a valid driver's license (must be REAL ID compliant by May 7, 2025).
- Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation, suitability adjudication, and drug screening.
- Must demonstrate exceptional proficiency in firearms handling and pass a semi-annual weapons qualification test.
- Required to carry a duty firearm and standard-issue law enforcement tactical gear.
- Must complete and pass an annual physical and psychological examination.
- Ability to fulfill demanding physical duties, including conducting security surveys in tight, confined spaces and defending against physical attacks.
- Must successfully complete a supervisory probationary period (typically 1 to 2 years) if not already met.
Preferred Qualifications for District Law Enforcement And Security Manager
- Prior experience supervising administrative staff and law enforcement supervisors in a regional or multi-site framework.
- Proven background in leading highly complex, sensitive, or white-collar investigations.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement agency-wide security policies, performance metrics, and operational guidelines.
- Experienced in managing large regional budgets, asset distribution, and staffing configurations.
- Strong record of coordinating joint operations and sharing intelligence with federal, state, and municipal law enforcement entities.
- Exemplary background in preparing and delivering executive briefings to agency administrators.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βCompetitive salary under the federal General Schedule (GS-14) system.
- βComprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- βParticipation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.
- βGenerous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- βTelework opportunities depending on operational demand and coordinator approval.
- βFlexible and compressed work schedules may be available.
- βEmployee assistance programs and wellness resources.
π‘ How to Apply District Law Enforcement And Security Manager Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for District Law Enforcement And Security Manager Job
- Log in to your USAJobs account or register for a new profile.
- Ensure your primary resume is updated and does not exceed the mandatory two-page limit.
- Gather your supporting documents, including your most recent SF-50 (proving time-in-grade eligibility), transcripts (if applicable), and performance ratings.
- Click the 'Apply Online' link in the USAJobs listing to access the USA Staffing application portal.
- Complete the specialized occupational questionnaire thoroughly.
- Take the required online assessment, including the Supervisory Situational Judgment Test (SSJT).
- Submit your complete application package before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the closing date (August 13, 2026).
π‘ General Tips
- Format your resume to be highly readable, prioritizing sans-serif fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Roboto at a 10-point minimum, with 0.5-inch margins.
- Strictly adhere to the two-page maximum resume length. Resumes exceeding this limit will trigger automatic disqualification.
- Detail your law enforcement and supervisory experience explicitly, showing the exact hours worked per week and exact employment dates.
- If you are a current or former federal employee, upload multiple SF-50 forms if necessary to verify a full 52 weeks of service at the GS-13 grade level.
- Budget roughly 45 minutes to complete the Supervisory Situational Judgment Test (SSJT), ensuring you are in a quiet environment free from distractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the physical location requirement for this position?
The selected candidate must report to one of the approved VA Medical Center or Healthcare System locations listed in the announcement, within Region 3 District 2.
Are there specific physical demands for this role?
Yes. The manager must perform physically strenuous tasks, such as conducting security surveys within restricted crawl spaces, and must remain prepared to engage in physical self-defense and pass annual physical and psychological evaluations.
Is telework available for this executive role?
Telework may be authorized depending on administrative preferences and operational needs, but this is not a virtual position and requires on-site command presence.
External Resources
- β USAJobs Job Announcement
- β OPM Qualification Standards
- β OPM Career Transition Guide
- β US Department of Education Accreditation Database
- β USCIS Form I-9 Acceptable Documents
- β USAJobs Resume Page Limit FAQ
- β OPM Two-Page Resume Applicant Guidance
- β USAJobs Help Center: How to Apply
- β Feds Hire Vets: Veteran's Preference Guide
- β VA Careers Benefits Overview
- β Agency Contact Email
