Supervisory Law Enforcement Specialist (GS-11)

Summary

This position is located within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP), Field Operations, VA Police Service. VA Police Service provides Federal law-enforcement, protective, investigative, emergency-response, and related public-safety services in support of Veterans, employees, affiliates, contractors, visitors, and others who receive services, work, or visit VA facilities and properties.

Duties

Duties include, but may not be limited to the following: Second-Level Supervision and Operational Direction Directs, coordinates, and evaluates law-enforcement operations through subordinate first-level Supervisory Police Officers. Ensures subordinate supervisors apply law, policy, procedures, and professional policing standards consistently. Uses incident reviews, case reviews, inspections, operational data, crime trends, after-action findings, training results, and other information to improve law-enforcement operations, investigative quality, officer safety, service delivery, accountability, and continuity of police operations. Technical Law-Enforcement Direction and Complex Investigations Serves as a senior operational and technical law-enforcement resource for subordinate supervisors on complex matters involving Federal police authority. Directs or provides senior supervisory oversight of investigations and enforcement actions that exceed normal shift-level resolution because of complexity, sensitivity, seriousness, duration, multi-jurisdictional issues, conflicting or incomplete evidence, substantial operational risk, or the need for coordination with other law-enforcement organizations, prosecutors, courts, VA counsel, or senior VA officials. Resolves technical disagreements among subordinate supervisors concerning enforcement authority, investigative methods, evidence, case disposition, operational tactics, and application of policy. Critical Incident Command and Emergency Operations Provides second-level command and supervisory direction during significant incidents, including active threats, violent crimes in progress, major uses of force, serious assaults, high- risk searches or apprehensions, barricaded subjects, threats to Government officials or VA facilities, major disturbances, missing high-risk persons, infrastructure failures, disasters, and other events that threaten life, property, continuity of operations, or critical VA functions. Applies National Incident Management System {NIMS) and Incident Command System {ICS) principles to establish or transition command and control, define operational objectives, assign responsibilities, integrate responding resources, establish perimeters and access controls, coordinate evacuations or protective actions, and synchronize VA Police activity with other VA elements and outside public-safety agencies. Assesses evolving risk and directs subordinate supervisors concerning deployment, tactical posture, specialized resources, scene integrity, evidence preservation, officer safety, public safety, and continuity of law-enforcement operations. Policy Interpretation, Compliance, and Quality Assurance Monitors changes in Federal and State law, court decisions, legal precedent, VA law -enforcement authority, Departmental directives, operational policy, technology, policing practices, threat information, and other developments that may affect VA Police operations. Conducts or directs second-level quality assurance of police operations and work products. Collaborates with the Chief of Police, Deputy Chief of Police, peer supervisors, legal counsel, prosecutors, facility officials, and other stakeholders in developing or refining law-enforcement procedures and operational plans. Supervisory and Managerial Authorities Exercises recurring delegated supervisory and managerial authorities over subordinate supervisors and employees. Uses subordinate supervisors and leaders to direct, coordinate, and oversee police work and makes decisions on work problems presented by them. Uses subordinate supervisors and leaders to direct, coordinate, and oversee police work and makes decisions on work problems presented by them. Participates in or makes recommendations concerning selections, promotions, reassignments, recognition, awards, training, staffing, scheduling, overtime, leave, and other personnel actions within delegated authority. Identifies and addresses significant operational bottlenecks, barriers to effective service delivery, or systemic deficiencies. Interagency Coordination and Representation Establishes and maintains professional working relationships with Federal, State, county, municipal, tribal, and other law-enforcement and public-safety organizations, prosecutors, courts, attorneys, emergency management organizations, and VA officials. Represents the assigned police organization in operational meetings, case conferences, incident coordination, after-action reviews, and other forums. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Supervisory Law Enforcement Specialist/PD00217A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/09/2026. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and 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-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-9. 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: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-09 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: experience leading and coordinating complex law enforcement operations; supervising subordinate personnel; evaluating operational performance; ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures; developing operational plans; managing critical incidents; assessing staffing and resource requirements; implementing corrective actions; communicating effectively with executive leadership and external stakeholders; exercising sound judgment; maintaining accountability; improving operational efficiency; supporting organizational readiness in a complex law enforcement environment. NOTE: Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a PhD. or equivalent graduate degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, in a field related to physical security that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position or LL.M., if related. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. Creditable specialized experience may have been gained in work on a police force; through service as a military police officer; in work providing visitor protection and law enforcement in parks, forests, or other natural resource or recreational environments; in performing criminal investigative duties; or in other work that provided the required knowledge and skills. Security guard or corrections officer experience is generally not qualifying. Note: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hour worked per week. You must provide detailed information of your experience performed. Information such as "I was a Patrolman", "I was a Police Officer for a number of years," or "I enforced Federal, State, county, and laws" is insufficient to determine your qualifications. Experience must be fully documented in your resume and must include job title, duties, month & year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT DRUG TEST REQUIREMENT: Applicant selected for movement into positions covered by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Control and must pass urinalysis testing as required before the appointment and periodically after that. The position is subject to random drug testing. TRAVEL: The position may require 25% or more travel away from the office. TRAINING: Incumbent must meet the established experience, basic training, and in -service training requirements established for the enforcement of police powers. Incumbent must successfully complete the designated, required training, which includes the basic VA Police Officer Standardized Training (POST). Must obtain and maintain all LETC instructor certifications. Additionally, the selectee must successfully complete the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP) conducted at the selectee's assigned duty location or a different geographic area, and other in-service requirements and weapons qualifications for the enforcement of arrest authority as conferred under 902 authority. ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL: This position may be designated as essential personnel. Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of operation events without regard to declarations of liberal leave or government closures due to weather, protests, acts of terrorism, or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations (5 U.S.C. § 7501-7533 and 5 CFR Part 752, as applicable). LAW ENFORCEMENT: This position will possess law enforcement authority under Title 38 of the United States Code, Sections 901 & 902, exercising such authority to provide investigative and law enforcement services to Veterans, Federal employees, and members of the general public located and/or conducting business in government- owned or leased properties. PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL REQUIREMENT: Prior to appointment, the person selected for this position must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties, which may include protecting citizens, taking suspects into custody using reasonable physical force in the face of physical resistance, and responding to situations requiring physical agility and quick and legally sufficient decision making. Also successfully pass a pre-employment medical examination (which includes, but is not limited to, vision, hearing, cardiovascular, physical, psychological exam, and mobility of extremities) given by an authorized government physician. This position may be subject to periodic incumbent examinations in the future. LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT: This position is covered by the 1996 Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968. Persons convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence are not eligible for this position. FIREARMS REQUIREMENT: The incumbent will be required to carry a firearm or firearms while performing the duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory. MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATION: The incumbent must possess and maintain a valid automobile driver's license and be available for frequent travel. Preferred Experience: Overseeing daily police operations, personnel deployment, patrol activities, emergency response, incident management, and operational readiness. Implementing law enforcement policies, conducting operational assessments, monitoring performance standards, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. Coordinating with executive leadership, managing critical incidents, addressing operational deficiencies, and developing strategies to improve organizational effectiveness, accountability, and public safety. Physical Requirements: see additional information section.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 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 identification 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 or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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/.

How you will be evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document. Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/09/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13103901. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follo w the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed. Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement. Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started. Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume: Prioritize most relevant and recent experience Use concise, results focused language Align language from the job announcement Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies Remove outdated or unrelated experience Use the USAJOBS resume builder Additional guidance on this new requirement and resume building tools can be found at: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/ The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/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/. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Other information

Physical Requirements: The work includes substantial supervisory and administrative duties but requires the incumbent to maintain readiness to perform Federal police duties. When operationally necessary, the incumbent may engage in running, climbing, prolonged standing, lifting or carrying equipment or persons over 50 pounds, pursuing or restraining resistant individuals, wearing protective equipment, and other strenuous activities associated with armed law-enforcement response. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. 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. Whole Health is an approach to health care that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their life to the fullest. The VA is committed to Whole Health and values Veteran and Employee health and wellbeing. As a VA employee, you will practice Whole Health in an environment that supports personalized and proactive care.