Launch Your Federal Career: Become a Transportation Assistant with the VA

Are you highly organized, detail-oriented, and looking to make a meaningful impact? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Saint Louis, Missouri, is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Transportation Assistant. This role is a fantastic opportunity to work within the Financial Management Service while supporting the essential travel operations that keep our healthcare teams moving.

Job Responsibilities

As a Transportation Assistant, you are the backbone of travel operations. Your core responsibilities include:

Serving as the primary subject matter expert for Temporary Duty (TDY) travel.
Researching and implementing the most cost-effective travel solutions for staff and interviewees.
Reviewing itineraries and expenses to ensure total compliance with Federal Travel Regulations (FTR).
Managing and maintaining profiles within the Electronic Travel System (ETS).
Providing training and guidance to employees regarding travel procedures and policies.
Coordinating with external agencies and stakeholders to resolve travel-related conflicts.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent.
Compliance: Must undergo a background check and comply with vaccination programs.
Documentation: You must provide all requested documentation, including SF-50s if you have previous federal experience.

Feature	Requirement Detail
Salary Range	$46,561 – $60,529
Job Series	2102 (Transportation Clerk/Assistant)
Location	Saint Louis, MO
Schedule	Full-Time (Monday-Friday)

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary package alongside the stability of the federal civil service. Beyond the base salary, employees benefit from:

Federal Health Insurance: Access to top-tier medical, dental, and vision plans.
Retirement Security: Eligibility for the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, plus 11 paid federal holidays per year.

Application Tips

To stand out, your application must be precise. The VHA uses strict criteria for evaluating resumes:

Keep it Concise: Your resume must be no more than two pages. Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you remain compliant.
Be Specific: Use concrete examples of your experience. Do not leave room for assumptions.
Double-Check Requirements: Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates one year of time-in-grade if you are a current federal employee.
Proofread: Small errors can impact your ranking. Ensure your document is readable and professional.

If you have a knack for logistics and a passion for supporting the VA mission, this role offers a path to a stable, rewarding career. Take the first step today by preparing your application and joining our dedicated team in Saint Louis.

Why This Transportation Assistant Job Matters

Join the Veterans Health Administration in Saint Louis and play a vital role in supporting those who served our nation by managing essential travel operations.

Transportation Assistant Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a detail-oriented Transportation Assistant to join the Accounting Section of the Financial Management Service in Saint Louis, MO. In this role, you will serve as a subject matter expert for travel policies, ensuring that our veterans and staff have seamless, cost-effective travel experiences while maintaining strict compliance with federal regulations.

Requirements for Transportation Assistant

U.S. Citizenship
Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements if a current or former federal employee
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level
Registration with Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
Ability to pass a background/security investigation
Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Transportation Assistant

Extensive working knowledge of Federal Travel Regulations (FTR)
Proficiency in VA financial and travel management systems
Strong interpersonal skills for communicating with diverse stakeholders
Experience in data research, documentation, and reporting
Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory guidelines independently

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Federal retirement programs (FERS/CSRS)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual
✓Paid federal holidays
✓Professional development and training opportunities

💡 How to Apply Transportation Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Transportation Assistant Job

Create or update your account on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Gather necessary documentation, including SF-50s if currently or previously employed by the federal government.
Complete the online application and questionnaire before the closing date.
Monitor your email for notifications regarding potential online assessments.
Track your application status via your USAJOBS account.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly lists your job titles, duties, and hours worked per week.
Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and stay within the two-page limit.
Address all competencies highlighted in the announcement in your resume narrative.
Submit your application well before the 11:59 PM ET deadline to avoid technical issues.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder if you need help meeting formatting requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the key responsibility of the Transportation Assistant?

You will serve as the point of contact for Temporary Duty (TDY) travel, helping to determine cost-effective travel arrangements, processing travel documentation, and ensuring compliance with federal travel regulations.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite position located in Saint Louis, Missouri.

What if I have a disability that prevents me from taking the online assessment?

You may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process by following the instructions provided in the job announcement.

Is the influenza vaccination mandatory?

Yes, as a condition of employment with the VHA, all Health Care Personnel must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program or obtain a formal exemption.

Can I work from home?

This position is an onsite role in Saint Louis; it is not eligible for full-time virtual work.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. The VHA is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, and your work in this role directly supports the clinicians and staff who provide life-changing care to our nation's Veterans.