Become an Inventory Management Specialist at the Defense Information Systems Agency

In the modern military landscape, keeping track of high-tech assets, communication systems, and physical infrastructure is just as important as tactical execution on the battlefield. The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is searching for a highly capable, detail-oriented Inventory Management Specialist (GS-12) to serve as an Accountable Property Officer (APO). This is a unique opportunity to directly support national security by ensuring our military and administrative leadership have the physical tools and systems required to communicate securely across the globe.

Whether you are an established civil servant looking for a career advancement or a transitioning military veteran with deep logistics expertise, this GS-12 position offers a challenging and rewarding career path. Operating in key strategic hubs—such as Fort Meade, Maryland, and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia—this position is at the center of the Department of Defense's asset tracking operations.

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About the Agency: The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)

DISA is a premier combat support agency of the Department of Defense (DoD). The agency provides secure, reliable, and state-of-the-art information technology, communications, and computing support to the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and military forces worldwide.

At its core, DISA enables global command and control. From video teleconferencing systems that link international leaders to secure data transmissions utilized by active-duty service members, DISA ensures our nation's defense network remains operational 24/7. Working at DISA means being at the forefront of cybersecurity, global infrastructure, and logistics management. The agency prides itself on offering robust training opportunities, career development, and top-tier 'people programs' aimed at balancing mission success with quality of life for its civilian workforce.

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Job Responsibilities

As an Inventory Management Specialist (GS-12) within the Property Management Branch of the National Capital Region, you will step into the critical role of Accountable Property Officer (APO). In this capacity, you are the final line of defense against waste, fraud, and system inefficiencies. Your daily work will ensure that physical items—ranging from delicate enterprise routing systems to standard computer hardware—are tracked, accounted for, and systematically updated.

Your primary duties will include:

• System Integration & Data Linking: Coordinate, research, and provide instructions on linking financial records with property accountability data. You will utilize specialized databases, such as the Enterprise Logistics Management System (ELMS), to bridge the gap between procurement activities and actual inventory.
• Developing Policy and SOPs: Formulate, write, and implement property management regulations, warehouse instructions, and Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs). You will monitor compliance with these directives across various DISA sectors to ensure unity of action.
• Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement: Leverage your logistics and property management experience to audit existing processes. You will assess the quality, efficiency, and safety of property storage and handling, continuously seeking ways to streamline the logistical pipeline.
• Annual Inventories and reporting: Oversee major accountability functions. This includes executing annual physical inventories of Property, Plant, and Equipment (PPE), preparing accurate accountability reports, organizing material transfers between offices, and resolving discrepancies.

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Requirements

This position requires an experienced candidate who can operate independently under pressure. To qualify for the GS-12 grade level, you must meet the following criteria:

Time-in-Grade and Citizenship

• U.S. Citizenship: All applicants must be citizens of the United States.
• Time-in-Grade: Current or former federal employees must have held a position at the GS-11 level (or equivalent) for at least 52 weeks in the preceding year.

Specialized Experience

Candidates must show at least one full year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or higher. This experience must clearly demonstrate the ability to perform the duties of an APO. Examples of qualifying experience include:

• Utilizing enterprise-level property accountability software to execute, track, and monitor inventories.
• Collaborating with diverse military and civilian stakeholders to resolve complex supply chain, billing, or equipment tracking issues.
• Drafting, editing, or issuing formal property manuals, warehouse guidelines, or SOPs.

Note: Educational substitutions are not permitted at the GS-12 grade level. Qualifications must be demonstrated solely through professional work experience.

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Salary Overview

The base salary for this position ranges from $89,508 to $133,142 per year, depending on the selected candidate's experience level, qualifications, and the specific locality pay of the assigned duty station.

This announcement is open to multiple locations across the United States. Below is a comparison of the primary duty stations where this position can be filled:

Location	Primary Site / Region	Locality & Cost Considerations	Telework Availability
Arlington, Virginia	The Pentagon (NCR)	High locality adjustment / DC Metro	Yes (Ad-Hoc/Regular)
Fort Meade, Maryland	DISA HQ Campus	High locality adjustment / Baltimore Area	Yes (Ad-Hoc/Regular)
Denver, Colorado	Buckley Space Force Base area	Moderate-High Denver Locality	Yes (Ad-Hoc/Regular)
Columbus, Ohio	Defense Supply Center Columbus	Standard Midwest Locality	Yes (Ad-Hoc/Regular)
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania	Letterkenny Army Depot area	Lower Cost of Living Locality	Yes (Ad-Hoc/Regular)
Ford Island, Hawaii	JBPHH / Indo-Pacific Region	High Cost of Living / COLA Adjustments	Yes (Ad-Hoc/Regular)

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Benefits

Choosing a career with the Federal Government, and specifically DISA, comes with a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support your long-term financial, physical, and personal well-being:

• Health and Wellness: Access to premier health insurance plans (FEHB), dental and vision coverage (FEDVIP), and life insurance (FEGLI).
• Retirement Security: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to a 5% agency matching contribution.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid annual leave (accrued based on years of service), separate sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays per year.
• Flexible Work Options: Eligible for structured telework programs, allowing you to balance office responsibilities with remote productivity.
• Incentives: Based on agency needs and funding, selected candidates may be authorized for recruitment, relocation, or retention bonuses.

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Application Tips for Success

Federal hiring is a highly structured process. To maximize your chances of being referred to the hiring manager, keep these expert strategies in mind:

1. Strict Resume Limits: DISA enforces a strict two-page maximum for resumes under this announcement. If your resume is longer than two pages, only the first two pages will be read and evaluated. Ensure your most important logistics achievements and GS-11 equivalent experience are presented clearly on the first page.
2. Detail is Key: For every position on your resume, you must include the job title, detailed duty statements, start and end dates (Month/Year), your GS grade (if applicable), and your weekly hours (e.g., 40 hours per week).
3. Prepare for USA Hire: After submitting your initial application, you will be notified via email to complete the USA Hire Assessment. This computer-based evaluation measures critical competencies like attention to detail, teamwork, learning speed, and problem-solving. Set aside at least 3 hours of quiet, uninterrupted time to take these assessments, as your score will be locked in for one year.
4. Avoid Prohibited Content: Do not include sensitive info (SSNs, photos, age, marital status, or digitally signed/encrypted files) on your resume, as this can lead to automatic disqualification.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who is eligible to apply for this vacancy?

This position is open to various hiring paths, including current and former competitive service federal employees, qualified veterans, military spouses, and individuals eligible under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP).

Q: What is the security clearance requirement?

Because you will be working with critical Department of Defense logistics systems and potentially operating within secure spaces like the Pentagon, you must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Q: Will relocation expenses be paid?

Relocation or moving incentives may be authorized at the discretion of the hiring agency. Be sure to indicate your interest in relocation benefits during the questionnaire process.

Q: Am I subject to call-back duty?

Yes, as a key asset coordinator, the employee is subject to emergency recall or call-back during off-shift hours, 7 days a week, if required by upper management to support urgent mission requirements.

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Managing property accountability within the Department of Defense is a high-visibility, high-impact career. As an Inventory Management Specialist at DISA, your work directly translates to operational readiness for military commanders worldwide. With competitive pay, an exceptional benefits package, and multiple strategic duty stations across the United States, this GS-12 role is a premiere opportunity for logistics professionals looking to make a difference in national defense.