This position is located within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Security and Preparedness (OSP), Field Operations Division, VA Police Service. The mission of the VA Police Service is to provide law enforcement, protective services, and investigative services to the VA Community, which includes Veterans, federal employees, affiliates, contractors, visitors, and others who receive services, work, or visit VA (VHA, VBA, & NCA) facilities nationwide.
Duties include, but are not limited to: Serves as the alter ego and second-in-command for the Field Chief and fully shares the authorities and responsibilities of the Field Chief. Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for multiple organizational units within the service line, ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives and directives from senior leadership.
Guides subordinate managers and supervisors in implementing policies, procedures, and performance standards that support mission priorities and service delivery goals. Evaluates management practices across the service line to ensure consistency, equity, and compliance with regulatory and organizational requirements.
Reviews and approves recommendations for staffing actions-including selections, promotions, details, and reassignments-ensuring decisions support workforce planning and succession strategies. Establishes service line performance benchmarks and ensures subordinate leaders effectively communicate expectations, monitor progress, and provide constructive feedback to their teams.
Oversees performance management processes for subordinate managers, ensuring fair and consistent application of rating methodologies across the service line. Approves or recommends awards, pay actions, and recognition programs within delegated authority to reinforce high performance and employee engagement.
Serves as the escalation point for complex employee relations issues, providing guidance on corrective actions and reviewing proposed disciplinary measures for compliance and appropriateness. Collaborates with senior leadership on unresolved matters requiring higher-level intervention. Identifies service line training and development needs, ensuring managers facilitate opportunities that enhance workforce capability and readiness.
Oversees leave administration and staffing plans to maintain operational coverage during peak periods and holidays. Champions a positive, inclusive work environment that adheres to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) principles and fosters employee engagement. Monitors organizational climate, proactively addressing systemic issues and promoting workplace safety and well-being.
Conducts periodic reviews of organizational structure, position descriptions, and resource allocation to optimize efficiency and ensure alignment with mission objectives. Demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence through data-driven decision-making and collaboration with senior leadership. Serves as a key VA official during emergencies for effective protective and recovery operations with local, state, and other Federal agencies.
Manages operations during emergencies, due to natural or man-made causes, for facilities affected, and oversee plans and actions required to ensure law enforcement and security operations are maintained. Actions include planning, coordinating, and providing oversight of the allocation of law enforcement assets from facilities within the assigned area.
Ensures the development of plans for the protection of VA facilities threatened by civil disturbances, mob demonstrations, riot, or other commotion across the area's catchment. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Varies, 8 or 10 hour shifts dependent on needs of service. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Supervisory Law Enforcement Specialist - Deputy Field Chief/PD00216A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.
There is no educational substitution at this grade level. 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/.
athena.houck@va.gov · 361-277-9613
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $100602 – $130786/yr.
Applications close on 2026-10-12.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
Apply on official site →