Launch Your Career: Administrative Support Assistant (OA) with the Bureau of Indian Affairs

Are you looking for a stable, mission-driven career that makes a tangible impact? The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is currently accepting applications for an Administrative Support Assistant (OA) in Lakewood, Colorado. This role is a vital part of the Indian Energy Service Center, providing the administrative backbone necessary for the agency to serve tribal nations effectively.

Job Responsibilities

As an Administrative Support Assistant, you will manage a variety of tasks that keep the office running smoothly. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Financial Administration: Entering and retrieving data from automated systems and processing time and attendance records.
Documentation: Drafting and finalizing reports, letters, and memorandums from rough drafts.
Logistics: Purchasing supplies, processing travel authorizations and vouchers, and maintaining inventory.
Communication: Acting as the primary point of contact for phone calls and visitors.
Records Management: Ensuring all files are maintained according to federal disposition plans.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the specific grade-level requirements as defined by the Office of Personnel Management.

Grade Level	Education/Experience Requirement
GS-5	1 year of specialized experience OR 4 years of education
GS-6	1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5
GS-7	1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-6

Note: All candidates must be U.S. citizens and must be prepared to submit transcripts if qualifying via education.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $45,420 to $73,142 annually. In addition to salary, federal employees enjoy:

Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) with matching contributions.
Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
Opportunities for telework and flexible scheduling.

Application Tips

Success in the federal hiring process depends on attention to detail.

Resume Precision: Keep your resume under two pages and ensure it highlights your specific experience with the duties listed in the announcement.
Assessment Readiness: Be prepared to take the USA Hire assessment. Use the resources provided by OPM to practice.
Formatting Matters: Adhere strictly to margin and font requirements to ensure your application passes the initial screening.

Working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs offers more than just a paycheck; it offers a path toward meaningful public service. If you are an organized professional ready to support the critical mission of the BIA in Lakewood, apply today to start your journey.

Why This Administrative Support Assistant (Oa) Job Matters

Join the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Lakewood, Colorado, and launch a rewarding federal career supporting vital services for tribal communities.

Administrative Support Assistant (Oa) Job Overview

The Indian Energy Service Center, a division of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), is seeking a dedicated Administrative Support Assistant (OA). This position plays a critical role in the daily operations of the Deputy Director, Trust Services, by managing essential administrative tasks, financial documentation, and records management. You will serve as a key point of contact for the office, ensuring that daily workflows run efficiently while supporting the BIA’s mission to promote economic opportunity and self-governance for federally recognized tribes.

Requirements for Administrative Support Assistant (Oa)

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must meet specialized experience requirements for the GS-05, GS-06, or GS-07 grade level.
Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages with 0.5-inch margins.
Completion of the USA Hire assessment as notified after initial application submission.
Ability to provide official or unofficial transcripts if qualifying based on education.
Must be able to pass a background check commensurate with Moderate Risk designation.

Preferred Qualifications for Administrative Support Assistant (Oa)

Experience in federal time and attendance processing.
Proficiency with financial data entry and auditing of travel vouchers or procurement documents.
Demonstrated skill in office automation equipment and software to prepare complex correspondence and reports.
Strong interpersonal skills for screening visitors and phone calls professionally.
Knowledge of file maintenance and disposition plans.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Health and life insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Paid federal holidays
✓Annual and sick leave accrual
✓Telework opportunities
✓Opportunities for career advancement within a career ladder position

💡 How to Apply Administrative Support Assistant (Oa) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Administrative Support Assistant (Oa) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement details on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume that adheres to the two-page limit and specific formatting requirements.
Click the 'Apply Online' button and complete the required application questionnaire.
Upload all necessary documentation, including transcripts and any applicable veteran or Indian preference forms.
Submit your application package by the closing date.
Monitor your email for a notification regarding the USA Hire assessment link and complete it within the specified timeframe.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically includes dates of employment (mm/yy-mm/yy), hours worked per week, and detailed duties for every position.
Do not include photos or personal information that could be used for discriminatory purposes.
Verify that your resume font size is at least 10-point and margins are 0.5 inches to avoid disqualification.
Use the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to familiarize yourself with the assessment format before starting.
Submit your application well in advance of the 11:59 PM ET deadline to avoid technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the promotion potential for this position?

This position has a full performance level of GS-7. While it is a career ladder position, promotions are based on management discretion and are not guaranteed.

Can I submit my application materials via email?

No, the BIA does not accept application materials via email. All documents must be submitted through the official online portal.

What is the significance of the 'OA' in the position title?

The 'OA' stands for Office Automation, indicating that the role requires proficiency in utilizing various software and office equipment to manage administrative tasks.

Is there travel involved?

Travel requirements vary, but this position is classified with travel eligibility code 2. Check the full vacancy announcement for specific details.

Can I get promoted?

Yes, this is a career ladder position with a full performance level of GS-7. Promotions are not automatic and depend on performance and business needs.

Job from Interior, Bureau Of Indian Affairs

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is committed to enhancing the quality of life, promoting economic opportunity, and protecting the trust assets of American Indians and Alaska Natives. With a legacy of service to over 575 federally recognized tribes, the BIA provides essential resources, including disaster relief, educational support, and natural resource management. Working here means joining a team dedicated to self-governance and the long-term prosperity of indigenous communities.