Summary The Administrative Officer position is located in Pathology and Laboratory, at the Charles George VAMC in Asheville, NC. The Administrative Officer in Pathology and Laboratory participates in the overall decision making, policy development and planning for the management of the Service Line at the Charles George VA Medical Center, located in Asheville, NC, Franklin CBOC, Hickory CBOC, and Rutherford County CBOC. Responsibilities Administrative Management Exercises independent and creative judgement in accomplishing duties such as interpreting administrative and developing policies, defining administrative requirements, and/or providing advice on related issues. Provides input to ensure policies and action plans comply with VA Central Office (VACO), VISN, Joint Commission, and other entities, as appropriate. Interacts with VA management and personnel, VACO, VISN, and community officials to keep abreast of service issues within the organization. Establishes internal procedures to secure adequate control and meet operating requirements in terms of deadlines, progress reports, and directives, overcoming bottlenecks in the administrative process. Maintains responsibility for all service correspondence including but not limited to preparing, editing, and archiving all official correspondence requiring signature/approval; preparing/updating the Annual Operating Plan; reviewing/updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) related to property management, warehouse/distribution functions, and related information systems; and submitting/monitoring work orders. Manages scheduling, time and leave, certifications for contracts, labor mapping, and Automated Data Processing Application Coordinator (ADPAC) duties. Monitors staff training compliance. Maintains working knowledge of the Personnel Identity Verification (PIV) badging system and coordinates clearances and access for all visitors and contractors, as necessary, in compliance with applicable guidelines. Attends briefings and meetings on behalf of the Chief. Schedules and coordinates all service meetings and prepares agenda and minutes for each. Serves as the Facility Hazardous Recall Coordinator and Contracting Officer Representative (COR). Human Resources/Personnel Management Coordinates the personnel management program for the service, performing or overseeing all aspects of Human Resources (HR) requirements. Advises regarding procedures, laws, regulations, and policies dealing with workforce diversity, recruitment, merit promotion, awards, employee and labor relations, employee career development, training, and other HR related activities. Monitors and maintains files and documents on all on-going and projected personnel actions. Reviews reports and analyzes trends to identify discrepancies and recommend plans to improve efficiency of processing actions and eliminating recurrence of unfavorable conditions. Prepares award packages for employee contribution and other awards. Ensures that performance ratings are submitted in a timely manner in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Budget/Fiscal Manages budget formulation and execution for a changing budget of administrative expenses involving different funding sources. Participates with managers in reviewing needs, plans, and goals to develop budget data and justification for review and approval. Advises Chief on budgetary and finance issues. Interacts and negotiates on adjustments or reprogramming of funds in support of major program changes or requirements. Serves as the Control Point Official for numerous fund control points and acts as the Approving Official and/or Alternate Official for purchase card holders. Sets up and maintains systems to control purchasing and the use of supplies. Coordinates/Conducts audits and inspections, as assigned. Space Planning, Property Management, Procurement, and Supply Administration Prepares procurement requests and valuates proposals for work. Maintains procurement and contracting records. Establishes and oversees procedures for the receipt, review, and follow-up on requisitions for purchases from Federal and special funds. Provides advice on procurement issues and ensures that regulations are understood and adhered to. Assists with the negotiation of business agreements and contracts. Represents the service and facility with respect to contract changes, adjustments, or settlements, and assists with the resolution of contractor claims, delays, or suspension of work. Determines when contract termination is warranted and works to affect it. Develops space requests and coordinates movement of assets. Coordinates office moves, office construction, and other facility improvements including furniture, equipment, telephones, and short-term storage. Collaborates with necessary documents for the accession and de-accession of property. Conducts periodic surveys of equipment and property use, recommending action to ensure economical and efficient use. Ensures the service is adequately stocked with supplies needed for effective and efficient operation. Prepares presentation materials related to financial, space, and equipment programs. Performs other related duties as assigned. Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Administrative Officer/PD043320 Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 03/18/2026. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-9 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-7. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience that equipped them with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-07) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: analyzing data to assess impact of actions across multiple, varied, and complex processes and systems to gauge the overall statistical and quality objectives; combing data obtained and analyzed from integrated and non-integrated databases; assessment and improvement of program effectiveness and complex management processes and systems; knowledge of a broad range of administrative directives, policies, regulations, and procedures applicable to the administration of a complex clinical support service (i.e., budget, finance, contracting and procurement, equipment property, human resource management, and facility space requirements); knowledge of management analysis principles and concepts; knowledge of the mission, functions, goals, objectives, organizational structure, and individual program responsibilities within a medical center; conducting reviews and evaluations regarding medical facility operations and activities as they relate to a logistics program; training/mentoring other staff; leading and accomplishing work through others; and/or preparing analytical compliance reporting and other written documents which clearly present facts, issues, recommendations, analysis, and actions. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have Successful completion of a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree, two (2) full years of graduate level education leading to such a degree, or LL.B. or J.D. in a related field that demonstrates my ability to perform the duties of this position. NOTE: This education must have been obtained at an accredited college or university. If you select this option, you must submit a copy of your transcript with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate-level education (beyond the first year) and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. NOTE: The education portion must include graduate courses that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. If you select this option, you must submit a copy of your transcript with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. AND, Driver's License: Must possess a current, valid state-issued driver's license for this position. (Please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. You will be required to show your valid driver's license at the time of your interview.) Preferred Experience: Prior AO experience, Time Keeping, COR Certification, Equipment Inventory Custodian, Record Management Current COR-I certification, VATAS Time Keeping experience, Logistics Equipment Custodian Training, experience entering 2237s.1358s in VistA 1. Experience as a COR 2. Time Keeping Exp. 3. VistA Control Point Official 4. Equipment Custodian Experience and Training Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary and is usually accomplished while the employee is comfortably seated at a desk or table. Some physical demands such as standing, walking, bending, and lifting (up to 40 pounds) is required. Physical exertions including stretching, reaching, and pulling or pushing carts occurs when assisting with inventories or activities involving retrieving items from shelves and cabinets. Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled office. May require occasional travel. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities. Education A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
