Become an Inventory Management Specialist with the Defense Logistics Agency

In the world of global defense, supply chain disruptions can have direct, critical consequences on military preparedness and national security. The flow of parts, equipment, and resources to our service members must remain seamless, responsive, and highly efficient. To maintain this level of excellence, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) relies on dedicated professionals who bridge the gap between complex industrial supply chains and front-line operators.

Currently, the DLA is seeking a skilled and proactive professional to step into the role of Inventory Management Specialist (Customer Support Specialist) in Kinston, North Carolina. This GS-11 position offers a highly rewarding career path for individuals experienced in supply systems, analytical problem solving, and customer service. If you are looking to apply your logistics expertise in a mission-focused environment while enjoying federal benefits, competitive compensation, and professional development opportunities, this position could be your ideal next career move.

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About the Agency: The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)

As the Department of Defense’s (DoD) combat logistics support agency, the Defense Logistics Agency manages the global supply chain for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, and several other federal agencies. Active in both times of peace and conflict, the DLA ensures that critical components reach their destination safely, on budget, and on schedule.

Working for the DLA means contributing to a massive, global mission that supports humanitarian aid efforts, emergency responses, and national defense operations. The agency fosters a culture of collaboration, operational integrity, and continuous improvement, offering employees specialized training, pathways for certification, and robust opportunities for career advancement.

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Job Responsibilities

As an Inventory Management Specialist serving as a Customer Support Specialist, you will act as the direct face of the agency to industrial partners and defense customers. This is not a passive monitoring job; it requires active problem-solving, deep analysis of data systems, and constant communication across multiple supply channels.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Serving as the Single Point of Contact: Acting as the main representative for industrial customers on a wide array of inquiries relating to both DLA-managed and non-managed inventory items.
• Managing and Resolving Backorders: Monitoring automated backorder reports to isolate, identify, and resolve systemic delays and delivery issues that threaten customer deadlines.
• Optimizing Order Flow: Investigating and releasing Sales Orders that have become stalled or restricted within the agency's automated logistics databases.
• Expediting Key Deliveries: Applying DLA’s established expedite policies and supply chain rules to prioritize critical, high-impact orders.
• Tracking Stock Transfer Orders (STOs): Coordinating the research and tracking of transfer and replenishment operations to resolve backorders and expedite delayed contracts.
• Formulating Alternative Solutions: Working directly with military service representatives to find alternative supply sources or modify sales orders as operations dictate.
• Analyzing Performance Indicators: Gathering, reviewing, and summarizing supply metrics to evaluate whether agency program milestones and customer expectations are being met.
• Leading Stakeholder Meetings: Hosting forums and collaborative meetings designed to share ideas, collect feedback, and implement process improvements for DLA's client-facing operations.

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Requirements and Qualifications

To qualify for this GS-11 Inventory Management Specialist position, candidates must meet specific criteria regarding specialized experience, educational background, or a combination of both.

Specialized Experience

Applicants must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the federal service, military, or private sector. Your resume must clearly demonstrate this experience by highlighting:

• Analysis and evaluation of the operational efficiency of supply programs.
• Deep customer support engagement, including independent resolution of complex issues.
• Successful handling of supply variables such as material availability, external programmatic relationships, and cost/benefit dynamics.
• Creating or executing policy guidance on supply procedures, equipment usage, and control methods for lower-level operational departments.

Educational Substitutions and Combinations

Candidates who do not possess the required year of specialized experience can qualify by demonstrating advanced educational credentials, or a combination of experience and post-high school education.

Qualification Method	Experience Required	Educational Requirement
Specialized Experience Path	1 year equivalent to GS-09.	Not required.
Education Substitution Path	None.	3 years of progressively higher-level graduate study leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
Combination Path	A calculated percentage of the required GS-09 level experience.	A calculated percentage of graduate-level education (beyond the master's degree level) to equal 100% total.

Critical Conditions of Employment

• Acquisition Certification: The selectee must earn the DoD Acquisition Life Cycle Logistics (L) Foundational Certification within agency-defined timeframes and complete 80 Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every two years.
• Drug Testing: This is a testing-designated position. Applicants will undergo a pre-employment drug screening (urinalysis) and will be subject to random drug tests during employment.
• Security Clearance: Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Moderate Risk Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS) security clearance.

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Salary Overview and Pay Scale

This position is classified under the Federal General Schedule (GS) system at the GS-11 grade.

• Salary Range: $74,678 to $97,087 per year.
• Locality Pay: The salary range reflects the localized pay table for the Kinston, North Carolina area.

Within the GS-11 grade, there are ten steps. Generally, new federal employees enter at Step 1, with structured periodic step increases occurring over time, provided their performance remains fully successful.

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Benefits

Working for the federal government provides robust benefits that extend far beyond baseline salaries. DLA employees receive a comprehensive compensation package designed to support their financial health, physical well-being, and work-life balance:

• Flexible Work Options: This position is eligible for regular telework based on supervisor approval and agency operational needs.
• Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program with a wide selection of plans and substantial government contributions.
• Retirement Programs: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which features a defined benefit pension alongside the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Accrual of annual leave (for vacation and personal use), sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays annually.
• Paid Family Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child.
• Employee Wellness: Comprehensive physical health resources, access to employee assistance programs, and continuous professional training opportunities.

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Application Tips for Success

Applying for a federal job is significantly different from applying for a corporate or private-sector position. To ensure your application is reviewed and not automatically screened out, keep the following essential tips in mind:

1. The Strict Two-Page Resume Limit

Crucial Policy: Your resume must not exceed exactly two (2) pages. If your resume is even slightly over the two-page limit, you will be disqualified and removed from consideration. Keep your formatting tight, clear, and direct. Avoid excessive padding or fluff.

2. Formulating and Uploading Your Resume

• Convert your document to a standard PDF under 5MB to preserve margins (0.5 inches is recommended) and font sizing (at least 10-point for body text).
• Include specific details for each job entry: exact employment dates (month/year), average hours worked per week, your job title, and detailed bullet points linking your experience to the specialized qualifications of this announcement.

3. Submit All Required Documents

Ensure you attach your complete application package before the closing date of September 11, 2026. This includes:

• Your maximum two-page resume.
• Academic transcripts (if you are using graduate education to qualify).
• Proof of eligibility documents if claiming special status (e.g., DD-214 for Veterans, military spouse orders, or SF-50 forms for current or former federal employees).

4. Prepare for the USA Hire Assessments

Once you submit your initial application, you may be prompted to complete online assessments through the USA Hire system. Set aside at least three continuous, quiet hours to complete these tests. This assessment must be finished within 48 hours of the job announcement's closing date.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the exact application deadline? A: Your entire application package, including all required documents, must be submitted online by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on September 11, 2026.

Q: Can I use my graduate school transcripts to qualify? A: Yes, you can substitute specialized experience with education if you have completed three years of progressively higher-level graduate study leading to a Ph.D. or an equivalent doctoral degree. You must upload legible, official or unofficial transcripts with your application to prove eligibility.

Q: Is telework actually allowed in this position? A: Yes. This role is coded as telework-eligible. While the position requires a physical presence in Kinston, North Carolina, hybrid work schedules combining telework and in-office days are routinely coordinated in accordance with agency policy.

Q: How does the DLA select candidates for interviews? A: Candidates who meet the basic qualifications and score well on the required assessments will be referred to the hiring manager. If chosen for an interview, DLA utilizes Behavior-Based Interviewing (BBI) techniques, which focus on past behaviors to predict future performance.

Q: What happens if I miss the 48-hour USA Hire assessment window? A: If you fail to complete the required online assessments within 48 hours of the vacancy closing date, your application will be marked as incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration.

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Serving as an Inventory Management Specialist with the Defense Logistics Agency is more than just a typical supply chain job—it is an opportunity to perform critical, mission-driven work in service of national security. Offering a GS-11 salary range of $74,678 to $97,087, outstanding benefits, telework flexibility, and robust career growth, this Kinston, North Carolina role is the ideal place to take your logistics career to the next level.

Ensure your federal resume is tailored, proofread, and kept strictly under the two-page limit, and submit your application today to join the Nation's Logistics Combat Support Agency.