Designing for Dignity: Interior Designer Opportunities at the VA
Are you a creative professional with a passion for functional design and public service? The W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury, North Carolina, is currently hiring for an Interior Designer to help transform its medical facilities. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical design skills to improve the environment for the brave men and women who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you aren't just selecting paint colors—you are managing the lifecycle of healthcare facility design. Your duties include:
- Space Planning: Creating environments that enhance patient flow and clinical productivity.
- Budget Management: Overseeing an annual budget in excess of $600,000.
- Technical Documentation: Developing technical drawings, cost estimates, and finish schedules.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring designs adhere to stringent infection control and security standards.
- Contract Administration: Acting as the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) to oversee vendor installations.
Requirements
To be eligible for this GS-11 position, you must meet strict federal requirements:
- Education: Completion of an interior design degree or at least 30 semester hours in relevant design fields.
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-9 level.
- Documentation: You must provide official transcripts and current/former federal employees must submit SF-50 forms to verify time-in-grade.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $76,343 - $99,252 per year |
| Location | Salisbury, North Carolina |
| Schedule | Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Security Level | Non-sensitive / Low Risk |
Salary and Benefits
Beyond a competitive salary, the VA offers federal employees a robust benefits package, including:
- Health and life insurance options.
- A comprehensive retirement system (FERS).
- Generous paid time off.
- A supportive, mission-driven work environment where your design choices directly benefit patient care.
Application Tips
- Keep it Concise: Your resume must be two pages or less. Use the USAJOBS resume builder to adhere to this strictly.
- Highlight Quantifiable Results: When describing your budget management experience, list the dollar amounts and the scope of projects you led.
- Tailor Your Content: Align your resume keywords with the competencies listed in the job announcement, such as "Budget Administration" and "Contract Administration."
Serving as an Interior Designer for the Salisbury VA is a career move that blends high-level technical work with deep personal satisfaction. If you are ready to take the next step in your design career while making a tangible difference, apply today through the USAJOBS portal.
Q: Is this a remote position?
- A: No, this position requires physical presence at the medical center in Salisbury, NC.
Q: What is the deadline to apply?
- A: All application packages must be submitted by October 30, 2026.
Why This Interior Designer Job Matters
Transform healing environments and enhance the lives of those who served by joining the Salisbury VA Medical Center as an Interior Designer.
Interior Designer Job Overview
The Salisbury W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center is seeking a talented Interior Designer to join their team. This pivotal role involves the comprehensive planning and execution of interior environments, ensuring that medical facilities are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, safe, and conducive to the well-being of Veterans and staff. From initial concept design to final installation, you will manage interior design projects, oversee construction specifications, and ensure all environments meet strict healthcare and accessibility standards.
Requirements for Interior Designer
- U.S. Citizenship
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959
- Completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period
- Undergraduate or graduate degree in interior design, interior architecture, or interior environmental design (or at least 30 semester hours in related coursework)
- Passage of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 level
- Ability to obtain and maintain a background security investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Interior Designer
- Strong proficiency in architectural software and design techniques
- Experience managing multi-site interior design projects and large-scale budgets
- Proven track record in coordinating facility renovations and new construction
- Expertise in healthcare-specific infection control and safety compliance design
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance
- ✓Federal Retirement Program (FERS)
- ✓Paid Annual and Sick Leave
- ✓Opportunities for Professional Development
- ✓Stable Work-Life Balance (Monday-Friday schedule)
💡 How to Apply Interior Designer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Interior Designer Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Gather required documentation, including official transcripts and relevant SF-50 forms.
- Complete the online questionnaire and required assessments.
- Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on October 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Use the official USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all formatting and length requirements.
- Be specific about your work hours; full-time is considered 35-40 hours per week.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
- Ensure all experience includes the month/year start and end dates.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your background—list all relevant technical and design duties clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Interior Designer at the VA do?
You will manage end-to-end design services for medical facilities, including selecting finishes, managing budgets exceeding $600,000, preparing construction documents, and ensuring compliance with healthcare safety regulations.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, this role requires occasional travel to visit off-site facilities, showrooms, and furniture dealers.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No, federal agencies currently limit resumes to a maximum of two pages to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan.
Q: Can I apply without a degree if I have extensive experience?
- A: The position requires either specific coursework in interior design or NCIDQ certification. Please review the full announcement carefully.
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 nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." As an Interior Designer within the Veterans Health Administration, you become an essential part of a multidisciplinary team focused on patient wellness, accessibility, and operational efficiency.