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Mail Assistant

Department of Defense
Washington Headquarters Services
Facilities Services Directorate

Summary

This position is located in the Washington Headquarters Services (WHS), Facilities Services Directorate (FSD), which is responsible for the Mail Management Program for Department of War (DoW) activities administratively supported by WHS, as well as Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps organizations. Serviced organizations total approximately 150. These include DoW, other federal agencies, and public and private officials.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 07/10/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 10, 2026
Location
3 vacancies in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$51,957 - $75,059 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 6 - 7
Promotion potential
7
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
ST-12986174-26-SNA
Control number
875287000

Duties

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Incumbent typical work assignments may include the following:

  • Directs end-to-end mail processing, logistics, and distribution networks across major defense installations (including the Pentagon and Mark Center). Independently examines, classifies, and routes incoming/outgoing, consolidated pouch, and high-priority messenger mail. Operates advanced computerized postage metering systems and the Automated Mail Managing System (AMMS) to input operator and customer accounting data, compile production metrics, and generate detailed postage volume and cost reports for leadership to maximize agency savings.

  • Performs comprehensive administrative, clerical, and technical support services to maintain optimal office efficiency. Establishes, updates, and maintains office procedures, databases, trackers, and records management systems. Serves as an advisor to staff on administrative and procedural requirements. Manages suspense tracking files to ensure timely responses to official correspondence, and executes strict security controls for the receipt, logging, handling, and safekeeping of classified and highly sensitive information.

  • Utilizes advanced functions of word processing and data software to design, format, and edit complex correspondence, reports, memos, and statistical tables (including tables of contents, merged mail lists, and multi-column layouts). Gathers, consolidates, and summarizes information from files to draft routine, non-technical correspondence. Conducts final administrative quality control reviews on documents prepared by other staff members to ensure compliance with agency formatting and grammar guidelines.

  • Manages time-sensitive regional distribution logistics by operating motorized mail carts and government motor vehicles to execute the daily pickup, transport, and delivery of official correspondence, registered mail, and administrative packages across regional office locations.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration)
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period
  • Must be determined suitable for federal employment
  • Required to participate in the direct deposit program
  • This position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing
  • This position is subject to the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • This position requires you to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance.
  • This position is designated as MISSION ESSENTIAL. Mission Essential personnel report for duty at normal times when the organization/base/ building is closed or delayed reporting, and remain on duty during phased or early release.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the requirements described below.

You may qualify at the GS-06 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 in the Federal Service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) which has given me the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties related to the position being filled. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) Assisting with mail services such as recording and controlling registered, certified, or express mail; 2) Following established procedures to sort and route a variety of incoming and outgoing mail; and 3) Using initiative to carry out recurring tasks independently and referring deviations or unfamiliar situations to a supervisor.

You may qualify at the GS-07level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 in the Federal Service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) which has given me the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties related to the position being filled. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) Independently reviewing, examining, and routing both incoming and outgoing mail, and advising on the most economical mailing methods; 2) Operating automated mail systems, including postage metering equipment and software, to compile data and generate reports; and 3) Developing, establishing, and maintaining office procedures and records to ensure efficient operations.

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; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

All qualifications and education requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume.

Your resume may not exceed two (2) pages
. For qualifications determinations, it is recommended that applicants include their months and hours worked per week for each employment listed on their resume. If a determination is not able to be made about the duration of your creditable experience for qualification requirements, you will be removed from consideration.

Read more about what should I include in my federal resume at https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: Federal agencies treat active duty service member as veterans, disabled veterans, and preference eligible, when they submit, as part of their application package, a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214, indicating the service member is otherwise eligible and will be discharged or released within 120 days from the date of submission.. A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. This "certification" must include your rank, dates of active duty service, type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable), and date any terminal leave will begin. It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters. Active duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found "not eligible". Members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if they are on terminal leave.

Current or Former Political Appointees: Agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office.

Time-in-grade and Time-after-Competitive-Appointment requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume.

Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience.

Additional information

Probationary Periods: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: https://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.

Reemployed Annuitants: Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants (DODI 1400.25, volume 300). http://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/DoD-Issuances/140025/

Nepotism: Under the provisions of 5 USC 3110, an individual may not be appointed into a position if the position is under the supervisory chain of command of a relative.

Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position may requires an online USA Hire Competency Based Assessment. The USA Hire online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

Your eligibility and qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment(s) required for this position (if applicable). If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

  • Customer Service
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Self-Management
  • Teamwork

DOD PPP candidates using Application-Based Procedures:
  • Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: Military Spouse Preference applicants, must be selected and placed at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD-3145-4) dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference.
  • Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD-3145-3) to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference.
  • Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD-3145-2) to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference.
  • Retained Grade PPP Eligible: Retained Grade PPP applicants, must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD-3145-1) to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference.

Washington Headquarters Services

The Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) is a world-class service organization, with a dynamic workforce and unwavering commitment to service excellence. WHS is the essential services provider for the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Department of Defense (DoD) agencies, and offices in the National Capital Region.

Agency contact information

Washington HQ Services
Email
whs.job.application.assistance@mail.mil
Address
WHS Facilities Services Directorate
Human Resources Directorate
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Washington Headquarters Services, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.whs.mil/

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