Advance Your Career: Administrative Officer at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center

Are you a detail-oriented professional looking to merge your administrative expertise with a meaningful mission? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring an Administrative Officer at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. This is a unique opportunity to support the management of primary care and mental health services, ensuring our nation’s heroes receive the care they have earned.

Job Responsibilities

As an Administrative Officer, you will serve as a key advisor to the Associate Chief Nurse. Your daily duties will include:

Coordinating facility-wide administrative functions for primary care and mental health services.
Analyzing organizational problems and recommending system-wide improvements.
Managing procurement requests and acting as a liaison for contract-related activities.
Overseeing workforce resource planning and personnel documentation.
Preparing trend reports and briefing management on operational status.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal requirements:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.
Documentation: Submission of an SF-50 verifying Time-in-Grade (if applicable) and academic transcripts if using education to qualify.
Assessments: Completion of the online USA Hire assessment is mandatory.

Salary and Grade Overview

This position is structured within the General Schedule (GS) pay scale with promotion potential.

Level	Grade	Salary Range
Entry/Mid	GS-7 to GS-9	$50,460 - $80,243

Benefits

Working for the VA comes with the robust benefits package afforded to federal employees, including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance.
Federal pension plans and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Generous leave accrual (annual and sick).
Professional training and growth opportunities.

Application Tips

Resume Length: Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages to remain eligible.
Be Specific: Quantify your achievements and clearly list your duties and hours worked per week.
Formatting: Use clear, sans-serif fonts and save your documents as PDFs to maintain readability.

This role offers a stable and rewarding pathway into federal administration. If you are ready to apply your skills in a facility that values service and excellence, submit your application by August 17, 2026.

Why This Administrative Officer Job Matters

Launch your federal career as an Administrative Officer with the Department of Veterans Affairs and make a tangible impact on the lives of those who served our nation.

Administrative Officer Job Overview

The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Administrative Officer to join the Cape Girardeau Health Care Center team. In this pivotal role, you will serve as a primary administrative advisor, providing essential management support for Primary Care and Mental Health services. You will act as a key liaison to the Associate Chief Nurse, coordinating facility-wide administrative functions, procurement requests, and workforce resource planning to ensure our Veterans receive the high-quality care they deserve.

Requirements for Administrative Officer

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Must complete an online assessment.
Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must be able to pass a background and security investigation.
Must fulfill a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for all health care personnel.
Must possess one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GS-5 for GS-7; GS-7 for GS-9).
Current federal employees must meet 52-week Time-in-Grade requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Administrative Officer

Experience in process improvement and change management principles.
Ability to interpret and implement complex organizational policies and procedures.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SharePoint, TEAMS, and Outlook.
Demonstrated experience in budget/procurement activities or as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).
Strong verbal and written communication skills for briefings and reporting.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS)
✓Paid annual and sick leave
✓Flexible spending accounts
✓Life insurance programs
✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression

💡 How to Apply Administrative Officer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Administrative Officer Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
Prepare your federal resume, ensuring it is two pages or less.
Upload required documents, including SF-50s and academic transcripts.
Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
Submit your application package by the closing date of August 17, 2026.
Complete the required USA Hire Assessments if prompted via email.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your format complies with the new two-page limit.
Be specific in your resume—include job titles, start/end dates (month/year), and hours worked per week.
Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates your one-year time-in-grade eligibility.
Save your resume and supporting documents as PDFs to preserve formatting.
Set aside at least three hours of uninterrupted time for the USA Hire Assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the promotion potential for this position?

This position has a promotion potential to the GS-9 grade level. Selection at a lower grade does not guarantee automatic promotion; it is contingent upon meeting all regulatory and performance requirements.

Is telework available?

Yes, this position is authorized for ad-hoc telework, though it is not a virtual position and requires presence at the facility.

What documentation is required for federal experience?

You must provide an SF-50 that clearly documents your time-in-grade. Award-related SF-50s are typically insufficient; provide a promotion or within-grade increase SF-50 from at least one year ago.

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: No, relocation/recruitment incentives and PCS are not authorized for this position.*

Can I update my application after submission?

*A: Yes, you may edit your application record via USAJOBS until the closing date.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality health care to those who have served in our military. Beyond clinical care, the VA fulfills a "Fourth Mission," which involves supporting national preparedness and emergency management. By joining the John J. Pershing team, you become part of a supportive community in the "Gateway to the Ozarks," known for its scenic beauty and low cost of living.