Become a Program Specialist with the Veterans Health Administration in Richmond
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to those who have served our nation. As a Program Specialist at the Richmond VA Medical Center, you will play a vital role in supporting the clinical research programs that drive medical breakthroughs for Veterans. This position offers a unique chance to combine administrative excellence with a mission-driven environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Program Specialist, you will manage the essential operations behind research programs. Key duties include:
- Financial Management: Forecasting budgets and managing accounts for various research investigators.
- Procurement: Ordering specialized equipment and maintaining inventory.
- Regulatory Oversight: Ensuring research projects meet federal mandates and AAALAC accreditation standards.
- Operational Support: Assisting with the hiring process for research staff and submitting contract packets.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $78,009 - $101,417 |
| Grade Level | GS-11 |
| Location | Richmond, Virginia |
| Telework | Available |
| Closing Date | 09/08/2026 |
Requirements
Applicants must be current employees of the Richmond VA Medical Center and meet the time-in-grade requirement of one year at the GS-9 level. A formal background investigation is required, and all employees must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive federal salary range starting at $78,009 and moving up to $101,417 annually. In addition to salary, employees receive a robust federal benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, federal retirement programs, and generous paid time off.
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your resume is concise and results-focused. Since there is a two-page limit, prioritize your most relevant achievements. Always verify your SF-50 documents to ensure they prove your time-in-grade clearly.
Serving as a Program Specialist at the Richmond VA Medical Center is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on research that improves Veteran lives. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a new professional challenge, submit your application today.
Why This Program Specialist Job Matters
Elevate your career in clinical research administration by joining the Veterans Health Administration team in Richmond, where your expertise directly empowers life-changing care for our nation’s heroes.
Program Specialist Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Program Specialist to provide essential administrative and operational support to the Associate Chief of Staff for Research at the Richmond VA Medical Center. This role is pivotal in managing the technical and financial aspects of the facility's research programs, ensuring that all activities adhere to federal regulations and high-level accreditation standards. You will serve as a key point of contact for clinical researchers, helping to streamline operations, manage budgets, and oversee the procurement of vital research equipment and contracts.
Requirements for Program Specialist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must be a current employee of the Richmond, VA Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
- Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements (52 weeks at the GS-9 level).
- Must provide an SF-50 demonstrating time-in-grade eligibility.
- Must be registered with the Selective Service if male and born after 12/31/1959.
- Must complete a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- Must be able to pass a background/security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Program Specialist
- Professional experience with federal medical research program requirements.
- Demonstrated ability in budget maintenance and financial forecasting for research accounts.
- Hands-on experience submitting actionable contract packets for award.
- Possession of a Contract Officer Representative (COR) certification.
- Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of graduate education.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Generous paid time off, including sick and annual leave.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits, including pension and Thrift Savings Plan.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development within the VA.
- ✓Telework eligibility for flexible working arrangements.
- ✓Access to a supportive work environment focused on core VA values.
💡 How to Apply Program Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Program Specialist Job
- Create or log into your account on the official USAJOBS platform.
- Review the job announcement and confirm eligibility as a current Richmond VA employee.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages in length.
- Upload required documents, including your most recent SF-50 and relevant transcripts.
- Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package before the deadline of 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/08/2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume highlights specific, results-oriented achievements rather than just duties.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve your formatting and page count.
- If using education to qualify, ensure your transcript is clearly readable.
- Double-check that your SF-50s clearly reflect your time-in-grade; award-related SF-50s are typically not sufficient.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page limit requirement.
- Apply well in advance of the deadline to troubleshoot any technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position open to the public?
No, this specific vacancy is limited to current employees of the Richmond, VA Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
What is the maximum length allowed for my resume?
Per the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes must be two pages or fewer. Any submissions exceeding this limit will not be considered.
Can I use volunteer experience to qualify?
Yes, relevant volunteer experience, including work through programs like Peace Corps or AmeriCorps, can be counted if it is clearly documented.
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: No, relocation incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*
How will I know if my application was received?
*A: You will receive an email confirmation upon successful submission, and you can track your status through your USAJOBS account.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. We pride ourselves on our 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.