Advance Your Career as an Administrative Officer with the VA in Houston

Are you a detail-oriented professional looking to make a meaningful impact on healthcare delivery? The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas, is currently seeking a highly motivated Administrative Officer to join our team. This role is pivotal in supporting the Eye Care Line, which includes Optometry, Ophthalmology, and surgical services. If you possess a strong background in administrative procedures, human resources coordination, and procurement, this is an excellent opportunity to serve those who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

The Administrative Officer acts as a primary liaison between Human Resources and the Eye Care Line executive team. Your duties will include:

Personnel Management: Initiating and organizing staffing actions, position management, and ePerformance tracking.
Procurement: Serving as the Primary Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for eye care clinics and operating rooms.
Process Improvement: Analyzing workflow and clinical data to recommend improvements in operational effectiveness.
Data Reporting: Researching, compiling, and analyzing complex data for briefings and reports.
Patient Advocacy: Handling critical correspondence, including White House Hotline and OIG complaints.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Education/Experience	Equivalent of a Master’s degree or 1 year of specialized experience
Time-In-Grade	Must have served 52 weeks at the GS-7 level for current federal employees
Background Check	Must be able to pass a non-sensitive/low-risk investigation
Vaccination	Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza program

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $71,181 to $92,541 per year. In addition to competitive pay, federal employees are eligible for an extensive benefits package, including:

Health and Life insurance plans.
Federal retirement pension benefits (FERS).
Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style savings) with government matching.
Generous paid leave, including federal holidays, annual leave, and sick time.

Application Tips for Success

Mind the Page Limit: Federal agencies now enforce a strict two-page limit on resumes. Please ensure yours is concise and relevant.
Be Specific: Quantify your experience. Avoid vague statements and focus on results-oriented language.
Upload Correct Documents: Ensure you upload your most recent SF-50 and any necessary transcripts to prove eligibility.
Save as PDF: Uploading your resume as a PDF ensures that your formatting remains intact during the review process.

Do I need to be a veteran to apply?

No, this position is open to qualified applicants who meet the federal eligibility requirements, though veterans’ preference may be applied if applicable.

The role of Administrative Officer is essential to the continued success of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. If you are a proactive leader with a passion for process and organization, we encourage you to apply. Start your journey today and help us support the heroes who have served our nation.

Why This Administrative Officer Job Matters

Join the Veterans Health Administration in Houston and advance your administrative career by supporting those who have served our nation.

Administrative Officer Job Overview

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Administrative Officer to support the Eye Care Line. In this critical role, you will bridge the gap between human resources and clinical operations, managing personnel administration, procurement, and data-driven process improvements. You will be instrumental in ensuring the efficiency of our Optometry, Ophthalmology, and surgical support teams, ultimately enhancing the quality of care for over 151,000 Veterans in the southeast Texas area.

Requirements for Administrative Officer

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements (52 weeks at GS-7 level for federal employees).
Must pass a background and security investigation.
Must complete a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must be willing to participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must provide valid, REAL ID compliant identification for onboarding.

Preferred Qualifications for Administrative Officer

Experience in human resources or personnel management (recruitment, staffing, or position management).
Background in procurement and contract administration, particularly as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR).
Proven ability to analyze administrative processes and recommend operational improvements.
Experience managing data, creating visual briefings (charts/graphs), and supporting clinical staff with information flow.
Master’s degree or 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a related field.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Life insurance and long-term care insurance programs.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) benefits.
✓Paid federal holidays, vacation time, and sick leave.
✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

💡 How to Apply Administrative Officer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Administrative Officer Job

Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Gather supporting documents, including SF-50s and transcripts.
Complete the initial online application and questionnaire.
Submit your application through the USAJOBS portal by the closing date.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the required USA Hire assessment if notified.
Track your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Your resume must be exactly two pages or less; longer resumes will result in immediate disqualification.
Clearly document your work experience, including exact job titles, dates (month/year), and hours worked per week.
Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder for the best results in formatting.
Submit your application as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Tailor your resume language to match the specific competencies and duties listed in the announcement.
Set aside at least three hours to complete the USA Hire assessments once invited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite position located at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas.

What is the page limit for the resume?

Per new federal guidelines, resumes must be no longer than two pages to be considered eligible.

Are there any specific vaccination requirements?

Yes, all Veterans Health Administration personnel are required to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program, unless a medical or religious exemption is granted.

What does the hiring process look like?

Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed for minimum qualifications. Referred candidates may be invited for an interview and asked to provide additional documentation.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have borne the battle and for their families and survivors. At the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, we serve as the primary health care provider for over 151,000 Veterans in the southeast Texas region. Houston provides a vibrant backdrop for your career, offering a unique blend of world-class arts, business growth, and culinary excellence.