Advance Your Career as a Program Specialist at the VA Salt Lake City
Are you a detail-oriented professional looking to merge administrative expertise with a mission-driven career? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a talented Program Specialist to join our team at the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City. This position plays a critical role in the Surgery Service, ensuring our clinical teams have the tools and resources they need to provide world-class care to our nation’s Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Program Specialist, your days will be dynamic and impactful. Key responsibilities include:
- Monitoring medical equipment life cycles and recommending replacements.
- Drafting technical performance work statements and market research for new acquisitions.
- Managing vendor relationships to secure accurate quotes and ensure contract compliance.
- Collaborating with clinical chiefs and legal counsel to resolve procurement issues.
- Performing audits on surgical instrumentation and medical supplies to maintain safety standards.
Requirements
To be eligible, candidates must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess the required specialized experience or educational equivalent (Master’s or Ph.D. for specific grades).
- Meet federal Time-in-Grade requirements if currently or previously employed in the federal sector.
- Complete all mandatory online assessments.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary structure commensurate with experience and grade level.
| Grade Level | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| GS-09/11 | $61,722 - $97,087 |
Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning, and a generous leave policy. Additionally, the role offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment with professional development support.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
- Be Specific: Detail your duties, including the number of hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Formatting: Use PDF files to ensure your documents remain readable and properly formatted.
- Read Carefully: Review the job announcement in its entirety before starting your application to avoid missing key instructions.
If you are passionate about supporting our Veterans and have a background in procurement or program management, we encourage you to apply. Join the VA Salt Lake City team and contribute to a legacy of compassionate, state-of-the-art care.
Why This Program Specialist Job Matters
Join the Veterans Health Administration in Salt Lake City as a Program Specialist and directly influence the quality of care for those who served our nation.
Program Specialist Job Overview
The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Program Specialist to provide essential procurement and administrative support to our Surgery Service. In this pivotal role, you will act as a technical authority for surgical equipment, instrumentation, and service contracts, ensuring that our medical teams have the resources necessary to deliver life-changing, patient-centered care. This position offers a unique balance of professional challenge and the high quality of life associated with the scenic Salt Lake City area.
Requirements for Program Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level)
- Completion of an online application and assessment
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation
- Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination program requirements
- Registration with Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
Preferred Qualifications for Program Specialist
- Proven experience in federal contracting or procurement methods
- Advanced knowledge of healthcare supply and support operations
- Strong technical skills in drafting performance work statements and market research
- Experience in budget management and cost-benefit analysis
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills for stakeholder engagement
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual
- ✓Retirement savings plans (FERS)
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression
- ✓Ad-hoc telework flexibility
💡 How to Apply Program Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Program Specialist Job
- Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
- Draft a concise, maximum two-page resume highlighting relevant experience.
- Submit your application and required documentation through the online portal.
- Complete the required USA Hire competency-based assessments within the specified timeframe.
- Monitor your email for notifications regarding your referral status.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit.
- Quantify your experience by specifying hours worked per week.
- Upload supporting documents (SF-50s, transcripts) in PDF format to preserve formatting.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure all necessary data fields are covered.
- Double-check your application for clarity and completeness before the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of the Program Specialist in the Surgery Service?
You will manage surgical equipment procurement, oversee instrumentation contracts, and serve as a technical liaison between clinical teams and vendors to ensure seamless medical operations.
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, though ad-hoc telework may be authorized.
What documentation is required for current federal employees?
Current or former federal employees must provide their most recent SF-50 and an additional SF-50 confirming one-year time-in-grade eligibility.
Can I work from home?
This is not a virtual position, but ad-hoc telework options may be available.
How are applications evaluated?
Candidates are evaluated based on their resume, questionnaire responses, and performance on the USA Hire assessments.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our military. The Salt Lake City Health Care System is a premier teaching hospital serving 70,000 Veterans across Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. Our facility, located at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, offers an environment of clinical complexity and innovation, making it an ideal workplace for professionals dedicated to excellence.