Launch Your Career at the Naval Research Laboratory: Administrative Officer
Are you looking for a challenging role where your administrative expertise directly impacts national security? The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is currently hiring for an Administrative Officer position at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in the District of Columbia. This role offers the perfect blend of financial oversight, policy development, and organizational management.
Job Responsibilities
The Administrative Officer will serve within the Systems Directorate, taking on a variety of high-impact duties, including:
- Financial Oversight: Managing direct and indirect budgets within the Navy Working Capital Fund.
- Operational Strategy: Designing and implementing streamlined processes to optimize program resources.
- Leadership: Mentoring staff, overseeing hiring actions, and managing disciplinary or award-based personnel actions.
- Compliance: Ensuring all organizational activities adhere to federal safety and equal opportunity regulations.
Core Competencies Comparison
| Competency | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Financial Management | Budget execution and NWCF monitoring |
| Problem Solving | Analyzing complex organizational issues |
| Interpersonal Skills | Building stakeholder partnerships |
| Adaptability | Developing policies for unique scenarios |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must demonstrate a solid foundation of experience. You must have at least one year of specialized experience at the NO-02 or GS 05-10 level. Your resume must clearly highlight your experience in managing cost centers, interpreting regulatory policy, and managing administrative work plans. Candidates may also qualify through advanced education, such as a Ph.D. or three years of graduate-level study.
Salary Overview & Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $84,655 to $134,659 per year. Beyond the base salary, federal employees enjoy an industry-leading benefits package:
- Health and Wellness: Access to comprehensive medical and life insurance plans.
- Retirement: Inclusion in the federal retirement system with Thrift Savings Plan options.
- Professional Growth: Consistent opportunities for training and development within the Department of the Navy.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Since the resume limit is strictly two pages, prioritize clear, accomplishments-based bullet points. Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure you don't miss any critical data fields like pay plan, series, or grade. If you are claiming veteran's preference, ensure your DD-214 is uploaded correctly. Finally, do not wait until the final hour to submit, as technical issues could prevent you from meeting the closing deadline.
If you are a dedicated professional ready to apply your administrative and financial skills in a high-stakes environment, this position at the Naval Research Laboratory is an exceptional opportunity. Ensure your application is thorough, submit before the deadline, and prepare for the assessment process to put your best foot forward in your federal career journey.
Why This Administrative Officer Job Matters
Launch a high-impact career supporting naval innovation at the prestigious Naval Research Laboratory.
Administrative Officer Job Overview
The Office of Naval Research is seeking a detail-oriented Administrative Officer to join the Systems Directorate at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. This role is pivotal in managing complex organizational programs, executing budgetary strategies within a Working Capital Fund environment, and providing essential operational leadership to ensure mission success.
Requirements for Administrative Officer
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the NO-02 pay band or GS 05-10 grade level.
- Proven experience in financial management within a Navy Working Capital Fund (NWCF) environment.
- Ability to develop and apply policies for budget and accounting in a revolving fund setting.
- Experience managing administrative programs such as performance appraisals, hiring, and disciplinary actions.
- Proficiency in analyzing organizational problems and recommending data-driven improvements.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Commitment to compliance with safety and equal opportunity regulations.
Preferred Qualifications for Administrative Officer
- Advanced degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in a relevant field.
- Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree.
- Proven track record of building collaborative partnerships across diverse teams.
- Experience in technical advisory and mentorship roles within a large organization.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- ✓Extensive professional development and training opportunities
- ✓Paid vacation and federal holidays
- ✓Support for work-life balance through civilian career programs
💡 How to Apply Administrative Officer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Administrative Officer Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement and gather all required documentation.
- Prepare a resume restricted to a maximum of 2 pages, ensuring all experience is clearly documented.
- Create or update your account on the official application portal.
- Complete the online questionnaire and attach necessary supporting files (e.g., transcripts, SF-50s, DD-214).
- Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on the closing date.
- Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the required USA Hire competency-based assessments.
- Complete all assessments within 48 hours of notification.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all mandatory employment details are included.
- Be specific about your roles, including hours worked per week and exact dates of service.
- Double-check that your resume explicitly addresses the four core specialized experience points listed in the job summary.
- Redact sensitive personal information like your SSN from supporting documents, but have the originals ready for the onboarding process.
- Test your internet connection and set aside two hours of uninterrupted time for the USA Hire assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key focus of this position?
The Administrative Officer manages budgetary and administrative programs within the Systems Directorate, specifically focusing on Navy Working Capital Fund operations and organizational policy development.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a Secret security clearance and is classified as a noncritical-sensitive/moderate-risk role.
Can I substitute education for experience?
Yes, a Ph.D. or three full years of graduate-level education may be used in lieu of specialized experience if criteria are met.
Are there limits on the resume length?
Yes, resumes submitted for this position are strictly limited to two pages.
What is the primary duty location?
This role is based at the Naval Research Laboratory in the District of Columbia.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Please consult the specific vacancy announcement on USAJOBS for the most current telework posture regarding this role.
How will I be evaluated?
Candidates are evaluated based on their resume, questionnaire responses, and a mandatory USA Hire competency assessment.
Job from Office Of Naval Research
The Department of the Navy provides a dynamic and forward-thinking environment where civilian talent works side-by-side with military personnel. The Naval Research Laboratory serves as the corporate research laboratory for the Navy and Marine Corps, conducting a broad spectrum of scientific and technical research. Working here means your contributions support the future of naval technology and mission-readiness.