Launch Your Federal Career as a Time & Leave Clerk
Are you a detail-oriented professional looking to support a mission-driven organization? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a Time & Leave Clerk to join the Nursing Service at the VA Northern California Health Care System in Mather AFB, California. This role is a vital component of the administrative team, ensuring that those who care for our nation's Veterans are supported by accurate payroll, scheduling, and leave administration.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will perform essential clerical and administrative duties to support the nursing staff. You will work directly with over 250 employees, ensuring that their time records are managed correctly and according to federal regulations.
Key duties include:
- Managing complex timekeeping systems and software.
- Processing overtime, compensatory time, and premium pay requests.
- Providing guidance to managers and supervisors on timekeeping policies.
- Coordinating with clinical units to annotate schedule changes.
- Training employees on the use of timekeeping software.
- Handling general office support tasks, such as ordering supplies and data validation.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must meet several federal employment criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Time-in-Grade: If you are a current or former federal employee, you must demonstrate 52 weeks of experience at the GS-4 level.
- Assessment: Completion of an online questionnaire is mandatory.
- Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
- Background Check: All selected candidates must clear a background investigation.
Comparison: Qualification Paths
| Path | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1 year of specialized experience at the GS-4 level. |
| Education | 4 years of education above high school. |
| Combination | A mix of specialized experience and education beyond the second year of undergraduate studies. |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $45,155 to $58,702 per year. Federal employees also enjoy a robust benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning, and opportunities for annual leave accrual based on prior federal or military service.
Application Tips
- Respect the Page Limit: Federal agencies have transitioned to a two-page resume limit. Ensure yours is under this limit to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Be Specific: Do not leave HR to guess your qualifications. Use result-oriented language to explain how your past roles prepared you for this position.
- Upload the Right SF-50s: If applying as a current federal employee, ensure your SF-50 clearly proves your time-in-grade.
The Time & Leave Clerk position is a fantastic opportunity to start or continue a federal career within the VHA. By providing high-quality administrative support, you ensure that our healthcare heroes can focus on what matters most: the health and well-being of our Veterans. Apply by November 4, 2026, to be considered.
Why This Time & Leave Clerk Job Matters
Launch your career in federal healthcare administration and directly support the vital work of the VA Northern California Health Care System.
Time & Leave Clerk Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a diligent and detail-oriented Time & Leave Clerk to join the Nursing Service at the VA Mather Medical Center. In this essential administrative role, you will play a critical part in maintaining the operational efficiency of a Level 1a complexity healthcare facility, serving over 250 staff members by ensuring accurate timekeeping, scheduling, and leave administration.
Requirements for Time & Leave Clerk
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements if a current or former federal employee
- Must complete an online assessment as part of the application
- Subject to a background/security investigation
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Must be able to provide acceptable identification for employment verification
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service
Preferred Qualifications for Time & Leave Clerk
- At least one year of specialized experience in timekeeping procedures
- Ability to interpret and apply regulatory policy to administrative tasks
- Strong proficiency in timekeeping software and office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Experience in training others on software or administrative processes
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal employee benefits package
- ✓Credit for annual leave accrual based on prior experience
- ✓Professional development opportunities within the VA
- ✓Contribution to the mission of serving Veterans
💡 How to Apply Time & Leave Clerk Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Time & Leave Clerk Job
- Create or log into a USAJOBS account
- Complete the occupational questionnaire
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less
- Upload required documents, including SF-50s and transcripts
- Submit the application package by the closing date of 11/04/2026
- Monitor email for status notifications
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is formatted as a PDF and does not exceed two pages to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan.
- Use concise, results-focused language when describing your past duties.
- Clearly highlight your timekeeping or relevant administrative experience to help HR recruiters assess your qualifications.
- If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure your DD-214 is legible and correctly attached.
- Review your SF-50s to ensure they clearly demonstrate your time-in-grade eligibility if applying as a current federal employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the resume length requirement?
Per the Merit Hiring Plan, all resumes must be two pages or less. Submitting a longer resume will result in ineligibility.
Is a background check required?
Yes, this position is subject to a background and security investigation as part of the hiring process.
Can I substitute education for experience?
Yes, you may qualify with 4 years of education beyond high school, or a combination of education and specialized experience.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite position located at the VA Mather Medical Center.
What if I have prior military service?
Veterans preference is applicable. Be sure to include your DD-214 with your application package.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing care to Veterans across the country, the VHA is committed to President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working at the VA Northern California Health Care System (VANCHCS) means becoming part of a Level 1a complexity healthcare system that values integrity, commitment, and excellence.