Crafting Healing Environments: Become an Interior Designer at the VA

Are you an interior designer with a passion for creating spaces that serve a higher purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking an Interior Designer (Intermittent) to join the Facilities Management Service at the Loma Linda VA Healthcare System. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical design expertise to a healthcare environment dedicated to the health and well-being of our nation's heroes.

Job Responsibilities

As an Interior Designer, you will serve as a technical expert within the Projects Section. You will handle multiple, urgent design projects across the healthcare system's million-square-foot campus and its affiliated clinics. Key responsibilities include:

Design & Planning: Developing interior layouts, color schemes, and furniture specifications that optimize the patient experience.
Compliance: Ensuring all designs meet ADA guidelines, OSHA regulations, and building codes.
Project Management: Managing vendor relations, developing cost estimates, and supervising construction or installation projects.
Signage Systems: Monitoring and maintaining the facility's directional graphics to ensure a clear, intuitive environment for patients.
Strategic Coordination: Collaborating with clinical, engineering, and administrative teams to coordinate space activation and office reconfigurations.

Comparison: Standard Interior Design vs. Healthcare Interior Design

Feature	Standard Interior Design	Healthcare Interior Design (VA)
Primary Goal	Aesthetics/Brand	Patient Healing/Functional Safety
Regulations	Building Codes	Strict Clinical/ADA/OSHA/Infection Control
Stakeholders	Clients/Homeowners	Patients, Staff, Veterans, Admin
Project Scope	Decor/Layout	Structural/Electrical/Clinical Flow

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet several federal requirements by the closing date of 11/06/2026. These include:

U.S. Citizenship: Required for all federal applicants.
Professional Experience: You must demonstrate one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level (or equivalent) in interior design, including space planning and construction oversight.
Education: If using education to qualify, you must possess a Ph.D. or 3 years of graduate-level study in a relevant interior design field.
Physical Requirements: You must be comfortable working in construction environments, which requires agility and the use of PPE.

Salary Overview

The salary for this position is established by the federal General Schedule (GS) scale, specifically at the GS-11 level. The current pay range for this position is $87,061 to $113,185 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

Federal employment with the VA offers more than just a salary. Benefits include access to high-quality health insurance, life insurance options, a robust retirement plan including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and generous leave accrual policies. You are also joining an agency that values professional growth and internal promotion.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires strict attention to detail. Follow these tips to strengthen your application:

Respect the Page Limit: Federal resumes are capped at two pages. Keep your content concise and focus on your most relevant results.
Quantify Your Experience: Clearly state your duties, including hours worked per week and specific month/year start and end dates.
Use the Resume Builder: This tool helps format your document according to federal standards.
Attach Everything: Don't forget your SF-50s, transcripts, or DD-214s if you are a veteran.

If you are an interior designer looking to combine your creative talent with a meaningful mission, this role at the Loma Linda VA Healthcare System is an exceptional opportunity. You will not just be designing spaces; you will be creating the environment where veterans receive the care they deserve. Apply today to begin your federal career journey.

Why This Interior Designer (Intermittent) Job Matters

Transform healing environments through design. Join the Veterans Health Administration as an Interior Designer and directly impact the comfort, safety, and well-being of our nation's heroes.

Interior Designer (Intermittent) Job Overview

The Loma Linda VA Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Interior Designer to join their Facilities Management Service. In this intermittent role, you will be instrumental in creating therapeutic environments of care for veterans, visitors, and staff. You will manage complex design projects—from initial space planning and material selection to overseeing construction and installation—ensuring all designs meet stringent healthcare standards, accessibility requirements, and budget constraints.

Requirements for Interior Designer (Intermittent)

U.S. Citizenship
Must be able to pass a background/security investigation
Current federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the GS-09 level)
Must be able to physically inspect construction sites, including accessing unfinished buildings
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
Possession of a valid, REAL ID-compliant identification
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959

Preferred Qualifications for Interior Designer (Intermittent)

Proven specialized experience in the design and alteration of interior spaces in a professional or healthcare setting
Advanced knowledge of building codes, ADA guidelines, and OSHA regulations
Expertise in interior space planning, furniture selection, and directional graphics
Experience managing projects, developing cost estimates, and serving as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)
Demonstrated ability to coordinate with cross-functional teams including engineering, IT, and logistics

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style investment account)
✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual
✓Opportunities for professional development and training

💡 How to Apply Interior Designer (Intermittent) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Interior Designer (Intermittent) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Complete the online application and assessment questionnaire.
Attach all required documents, such as transcripts, SF-50s, or DD-214 forms.
Submit your application by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Monitor your email for a link to the USA Hire assessments if required.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page formatting limit.
Clearly state the number of hours worked per week for every position listed on your resume.
Ensure your resume uses a clean, sans-serif font and is saved as a PDF.
Double-check your SF-50s to ensure they clearly demonstrate your time-in-grade eligibility.
Set aside dedicated time to complete the USA Hire assessment in one session if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'intermittent' mean for this position?

Intermittent employment is a non-full-time work schedule, typically working up to 32 hours per week, allowing for a flexible, on-call, or project-based workflow.

Can I use education to qualify for this role?

Yes, you may qualify through a combination of education (Ph.D. or 3 years of graduate study in interior design) and specialized experience.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an on-site position based in Loma Linda, California, requiring active participation in construction site visits and facility inspections.

What is an intermittent work schedule?

This role is designed for flexibility, with a maximum of 32 hours per week, allowing you to manage design projects as needed by the facility.

Can I apply if I don't have healthcare design experience?

Yes, provided you have the required specialized interior design experience and can demonstrate knowledge of project management and technical design standards.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Providing care to millions of veterans, the VHA is committed to a "Whole Health" approach—an innovative model that empowers veterans to take charge of their health in a supportive and healing environment. Working with the Loma Linda VA means joining a mission-driven team dedicated to honoring those who have served.