Advance Your Career: Secretary (OA) Position with the Army National Guard
Are you looking for a role that combines administrative expertise with a sense of purpose? The Army National Guard in Springfield, Illinois, is currently seeking a highly motivated professional to serve as a Secretary (OA). This position is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and excels at organization and communication.
Job Responsibilities
As the administrative backbone of the office, you will act as the principal assistant to one or more supervisors. Your daily tasks include:
- Complex Scheduling: Managing calendars and setting up high-priority meetings.
- Correspondence Review: Ensuring all outgoing documents meet military policy and grammatical standards.
- Travel Coordination: Managing travel orders, itineraries, and voucher submissions.
- Information Liaison: Acting as the first point of contact for office inquiries, using your judgment to resolve issues independently.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Military Status | Must be a member of the IL National Guard (or willing to join) |
| Security Clearance | Must be eligible to obtain a Secret clearance |
| Education | Qualification via experience only (no education substitution) |
Salary Overview
The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, ranging from $40,736 to $59,031 per year. This role offers the stability of a federal pay scale with the added benefits associated with National Guard service.
Benefits
Joining the National Guard team provides more than just a paycheck. You will gain access to:
- Comprehensive federal health and life insurance.
- Structured retirement planning.
- Opportunities for ongoing training and professional certifications.
Application Tips
Crafting a federal resume is different from a private-sector resume. Focus on the 'who, what, when, where' of your experience. Ensure that you quantify your administrative work—mention how many people you supported, the volume of travel vouchers you processed, and the specific software tools you mastered. Always verify that your NGIL Form 73 is fully completed and signed.
This position is an excellent opportunity to serve your community while growing your administrative skills in a professional, mission-driven environment. If you meet the criteria, submit your application before the closing date to start your career with the Illinois National Guard.
Why This Secretary (Oa) Title 32 Job Matters
Support the operational excellence of the Illinois National Guard—your career in administrative leadership starts here.
Secretary (Oa) Title 32 Job Overview
The Army National Guard is seeking a dedicated Secretary (OA) to serve the Illinois Department of the Army in Springfield. This Title 32 Excepted Service position is integral to unit efficiency, providing essential administrative support and personal assistance to supervisory staff. If you are organized, detail-oriented, and ready to serve your state and nation, this role offers a stable career path with significant professional growth within the military support community.
Requirements for Secretary (Oa) Title 32
- Must be a member of the Illinois National Guard (or willing to become one).
- Must maintain the required military grade (SPC to 1SG).
- Must wear the military uniform as a condition of employment.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must not have a conviction for a qualifying crime of domestic violence (Lautenberg Amendment).
- Ability to work irregular or overtime hours as mission requirements dictate.
Preferred Qualifications for Secretary (Oa) Title 32
- Experience in complex calendar management and meeting coordination.
- Proven track record of reviewing correspondence for accuracy and policy compliance.
- Proficiency in utilizing office automation software to prepare reports and presentations.
- Strong interpersonal skills to manage front-office inquiries independently.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
- ✓Health and life insurance options
- ✓Paid federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for military career advancement
- ✓Stable work-life balance environment
đź’ˇ How to Apply Secretary (Oa) Title 32 Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Secretary (Oa) Title 32 Job
- Ensure you have a current USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a detailed federal resume highlighting administrative experience.
- Complete the online Occupational Questionnaire.
- Gather required documents, including your most recent SF-50 (if applicable) and NGIL Form 73.
- Submit your application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Use your own words—do not copy the position description verbatim, as this will lead to disqualification.
- Include specific dates (Month/Year) and hours worked per week for every job entry.
- Ensure your resume explicitly addresses both the general and specialized experience listed.
- Double-check that all required forms, particularly the NGIL Form 73, are signed and accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be in the military to apply?
Yes, this is a Title 32 Excepted Service position requiring membership in the Illinois National Guard. You must be willing to join if you are not currently a member.
Can I use education to qualify?
No. This specific position requires applicants to meet the qualification criteria through relevant work experience alone.
What if I am not currently in the National Guard?
You can still apply! However, you must be willing and eligible to join the Illinois National Guard prior to your official placement.
How are applications evaluated?
The Human Resources Office will review your submitted documentation against the qualification standards. Top-rated candidates will be referred for a final hiring interview.
Job from Army National Guard Units
The National Guard is the oldest component of the U.S. Armed Forces. Serving both your state and your nation, you will join a legacy of citizens dedicated to the collective defense and emergency response. This position falls under the Department of the Army, operating as a Title 32 Excepted Service role within the Illinois National Guard.
