Become a Key Player in the U.S. Attorney's Office: Secretary (OA) Position

Are you seeking a high-impact administrative role where your organizational skills directly support the pursuit of justice? The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts is seeking a dedicated and professional Secretary (Office Automation) to join our team in Boston. This role is more than just an office job—it is a vital support function for the federal legal team representing 6.8 million residents.

Job Responsibilities

As a Secretary (OA), you will act as the right hand to the U.S. Attorney and the First Assistant U.S. Attorney. Your daily tasks will include:

Administrative Oversight: Managing the high-volume schedule of executive leadership.
Communication Gatekeeping: Screening calls and visitors to ensure leadership can focus on high-priority legal matters.
Document Excellence: Reviewing and drafting sensitive legal correspondence and reports for signature.
Coordination: Orchestrating meetings and conferences involving senior government officials.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-09 level position, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Typing Skills: Proven ability to type 40 WPM.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-08 level or equivalent.
Assessment: Must pass the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Eligibility: Must hold U.S. Citizenship or National status and satisfy Time-in-Grade requirements.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-09 grade level, offering a competitive federal salary structure commensurate with the duties and location.

Pay Grade	Minimum Annual Salary	Maximum Annual Salary
GS-09	$69,905	$90,882

Benefits

Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
Participation in the FERS retirement system.
TSP with government matching.
Paid annual and sick leave.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Keep it to exactly two pages and focus on accomplishments that mirror the duties listed in the announcement.
Documentation: Ensure all SF-50 forms are included to verify grade and tenure.
Prepare for Testing: Do not treat the USA Hire Assessment lightly; utilize the provided practice resources.

Serving as a Secretary (OA) for the U.S. Attorney's Office is a significant opportunity to contribute to federal operations. If you are prepared to manage the demands of a high-stakes legal office, we encourage you to submit your application before the November 18, 2026, deadline.

Why This Secretary (Oa) Job Matters

Launch a high-impact career supporting justice in the heart of Boston as a Secretary (OA) for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Secretary (Oa) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts is seeking a highly skilled Secretary (OA) to provide critical administrative and technical support to the U.S. Attorney and the First Assistant U.S. Attorney. This role is essential to the efficient operation of one of the nation's busiest federal legal offices, handling high-stakes matters ranging from cybercrime and national security to public corruption.

Requirements for Secretary (Oa)

U.S. Citizenship or National status.
Minimum typing speed of 40 words per minute (based on a 5-minute sample with 3 or fewer errors).
One year of specialized experience at the GS-08 level (or equivalent) in the public or private sector.
Proven experience in at least three of the following: scheduling/travel management, document composition, meeting coordination, or high-level executive communication.
Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements if you are a current or former federal employee.
Successful completion of a rigorous background investigation for a Special Sensitive/High Risk position.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Must complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.

Preferred Qualifications for Secretary (Oa)

Strong proficiency in office automation software.
Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive legal correspondence.
Proven success working in high-pressure executive environments.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual.
✓Paid federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional training and career advancement.
✓Potential for telework eligibility.

💡 How to Apply Secretary (Oa) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Secretary (Oa) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
Prepare a resume limited to exactly 2 pages detailing your specific experience.
Complete the online application questionnaire through the USAJOBS portal.
Submit your SF-50 (if applicable) and other required supporting documents.
Submit the application by the deadline of 11:59 PM ET on November 18, 2026.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the required USA Hire Assessments.
Complete assessments within the provided timeframe.

💡 General Tips

Be specific: Use your resume to clearly map your experience to the duties mentioned in the job description.
Watch the clock: Ensure your application is submitted well before the closing date to avoid technical delays.
Document formatting: Adhere strictly to the 2-page resume limit; longer resumes will not be considered.
Assessment prep: Utilize the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to familiarize yourself with the testing format.
Double-check your SF-50: Ensure you submit the correct forms to prove your time-in-grade eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of this position?

You will serve as an executive assistant to the U.S. Attorney and First Assistant U.S. Attorney, managing calendars, screening communications, and coordinating official meetings.

Is a typing test required?

You must be capable of typing at least 40 words per minute. A formal test may be administered to verify your proficiency.

What level of security clearance is needed?

This is a Special Sensitive/High Risk position, requiring a comprehensive background investigation including financial and criminal history reviews.

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.*

Can I update my application after submission?

*A: Yes, you may edit your application in USAJOBS until the announcement closing date.*

Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys

The Department of Justice (DOJ) serves as the backbone of the American legal system. Within the DOJ, the U.S. Attorneys' Offices are the frontline, responsible for the prosecution of criminal cases, the defense of civil interests, and the enforcement of federal laws. The District of Massachusetts is among the most active offices in the country, handling complex litigation, cybercrime, and national security cases.