Advance Your Career: Secretary (Office Automation) at the Salem VA Medical Center
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a dedicated and organized professional to fill the role of Secretary (Office Automation) at the Salem VA Medical Center. If you are an administrative expert looking to play a critical role in an organization dedicated to caring for those who have served our country, this is an excellent opportunity to grow within the federal service.
Job Responsibilities
As an executive secretary, you will act as the right hand to the Associate Director. Your daily tasks will include:
- Schedule Management: Exercising full control over the supervisor’s calendar and making high-level commitments.
- Correspondence: Drafting, reviewing, and approving official memoranda and reports.
- Liaison Services: Serving as a primary point of contact between executive management and internal/external stakeholders.
- Policy Implementation: Establishing and maintaining office procedures for clerical staff.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-8 position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Time-in-Grade: If you are a current/former federal employee, you must demonstrate one year of service at the GS-7 level.
- Experience: One year of specialized administrative experience in an executive office setting.
- Compliance: Participation in the annual influenza vaccination program.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $55,882 - $72,644 per year |
| Job Series | 0318 (Secretary) |
| Grade Level | GS-8 |
| Work Schedule | Full-time, Mon-Fri 7:45am - 4:30pm |
Application Tips
- Two-Page Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
- Documentation: Include all relevant SF-50 forms to prove time-in-grade.
- Clarity: Avoid ambiguity; be specific about your duties and hours worked in previous roles.
This role offers a stable career path with the federal government in a beautiful Virginia location. If you possess the administrative precision and professional drive to support executive leadership, we encourage you to review the application details and submit your package before the September 8, 2026, deadline.
Why This Secretary (Office Automation) Job Matters
Elevate your career as a vital member of the Executive Office team at the Salem VA Medical Center—where your administrative expertise directly impacts the care of those who served our nation.
Secretary (Office Automation) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly organized and professional Secretary (Office Automation) to provide comprehensive administrative support to the Associate Director at the Salem VA Medical Center in Virginia. This role is essential to the efficient operation of the executive leadership team, requiring a candidate who excels in multitasking, schedule management, and professional communication within a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Requirements for Secretary (Office Automation)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must be able to pass a background and security investigation.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
- Participation in the annual influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
- Current or former federal employees must provide an SF-50 demonstrating one-year time-in-grade eligibility at the GS-7 level.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level.
Preferred Qualifications for Secretary (Office Automation)
- Proven experience providing high-level administrative support to executive management.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and manage complex calendars with complete autonomy.
- Expertise in drafting professional correspondence, reports, and memoranda.
- Strong interpersonal skills for serving as a liaison between management and staff.
- Proficiency in utilizing office automation technology to streamline administrative procedures.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive Federal Salary
- âś“Health and Life Insurance options
- âś“Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- âś“Paid vacation and federal holidays
- âś“Sick leave accrual
- âś“Opportunities for professional development
đź’ˇ How to Apply Secretary (Office Automation) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Secretary (Office Automation) Job
- Log in or create an account on the official federal jobs portal.
- Review the full job announcement and required document list thoroughly.
- Prepare your resume according to the specific two-page limit requirement.
- Complete the online questionnaire and attach all necessary supporting documentation, including SF-50s if applicable.
- Submit your application package by the closing date of September 8, 2026.
- Monitor your email for a notification regarding mandatory online assessments.
- Complete any required assessments within the provided timeframe.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting and page counts remain consistent.
- Focus your resume on results-oriented language and align your skills with the specific duties listed.
- Ensure your resume clearly states the hours worked per week for all previous positions.
- Use the provided resume builder to stay within the strict two-page limit.
- Check your application status regularly through the online portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this secretarial role?
This position provides direct executive support to the Associate Director, managing complex scheduling, correspondence, and office policies for the Executive Office.
Is telework available for this position?
No, this is an on-site, non-virtual position located at the Salem VA Medical Center.
Are there any specific resume requirements?
Yes, federal agencies now enforce a strict two-page limit for resumes. Ensure your resume is concise and highlights your most relevant experience.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. At the Salem VA Medical Center, located in the scenic Roanoke Valley, staff members are committed to providing compassionate, whole-health care to our nation's Veterans. Joining this team means working in an environment that values professional excellence, integrity, and service.