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PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR (NUCLEAR SYSTEMS)

Department of Defense
Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Nuclear Enterprise Directorate

Summary

This position may be filled using Direct Hire Authority: Z5CAV/Direct-Hire Authority (Certain DoD Personnel) PL 118-31, Sec 125OB (i)(2), 12/22/2023. This position is being filled under the memorandum from the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) "Expansion of Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of War," dated December 19,2025.



This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Nuclear Enterprise Directorate.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—In-person position at Fort Belvoir, VA. This position may be eligible for limited, situational telework subject to supervisory approval and not to exceed current Agency guidelines. This position is not eligible for remote telework.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$143,913 - $187,093 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 14
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
DTRA-26-13040413-DH
Control number
881105700

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to All U.S. Citizens, and is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority (DHA) for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense. Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612)(NonComp Mil Sp), and NonComp Civilian Sp, PPP DoD Retained Grade Preference, PPP DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible and PPP DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement may also apply.

Duties

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As a PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR (NUCLEAR SYSTEMS) at the GS-0301-14 some of your typical work assignments may include:

  • Serves as an expert on programs that are extremely complex with significant national, international, or homeland defense scope and impact.
  • Makes recommendations that have profound implications on support, funding and implementation of programs.
  • Plans, organizes, and directs studies to develop long-range (e.g., 5 + years) studies and forecasts and advises top level agency officials and subject matter managers on applying new developments and advances in communications-computer techniques.
  • Leads the team in researching and engaging in small business innovation research focused on cutting edge technologies to automate some manpower intensive functions using technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and software validation applications.
  • Plans, schedules, and coordinates work operations; provides continuing directions; answers questions; and resolves the most unusual and controversial problems.
  • The PA has the final authority to direct and implement all changes to the system and the responsibility for ensuring that the program has the necessary resources to carry out these actions.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Occasional Travel: Travel in the performance of temporary assignments may be required. 20% of the time (CONUS/OCONUS)
  • Work Schedule: Full-time
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Overtime/compensatory time may be required to accommodate operational needs of the organization
  • Tour of Duty: Flexible
  • Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized based on funding availablility
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
  • Financial Disclosure: Required
  • Telework Eligibility: This position is in-person located at Fort Belvoir, VA. and may be eligible for limited, situational telework subject to supervisory approval and not to exceed current Agency guidelines.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance. Risk Designation: Tier V Special Sensitive
  • May be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays
  • Must be willing to consent to and pass pre-employment drug testing and random drug testing thereafter
  • May require travel away from the normal duty station and on military or commercial aircraft
  • A valid driver's license is required
  • Acquisition position in Program Management functional area. Must be certified in the Practitioner tier within 5 years. Required a minimum of 40 continuous learning points (CLPs) every fiscal year and 80 CLPs being mandatory within 2 years
  • Valid Passport required

Qualifications

You may qualify at the GS-14, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service as listed below:

  • Managing the program elements of an enterprise-wide software program, ensuring compliance with national, federal, or corporate industry standards and regulatory directives;
  • Identified, assessed, and mitigated programmatic and operational risks using analytical methodologies and technologies to ensure business or mission continuity;
  • Analyzed and reviewed software development business processes, identifying inefficiencies and recommending strategic improvements to optimize the development lifecycle;
  • Coordinating major technical programs or strategic projects across diverse multi-organizational stakeholders, executive leadership, or external partner agencies
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). 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.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

Additional information

Other Notes:

  • ACQUISITION POSITION: This position requires a Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Program Management, Practitioner level. Certification prior to hiring is not essential but must be accomplished within 60 months after entry into this position. For information regarding the DAWIA Back to Basics please visit: Home (dau.edu) or Back to Basics - Helpful Resources (dau.edu)
  • DAWIA (Back to Basics) Certification: NON-CAP: Position requires DoD Acquisition Program Management, Practitioner level certification within required timeframes. Selectee must also achieve 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every 2-years. Click here for more details and Resources.
RE-EMPLOYED ANNUITANT: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/140025_vol300.PDF?ver=LQ7feWw-8-5DI2tceUpmgA%3d%3d

All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement.

This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment.
You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position.

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see Who Needs to Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov))

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.

We will review your resume and supporting documents, to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and evaluate your relevant work experiences as it relates to fundamental competencies, identified below, required for this position.

Traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply to this vacancy. Your application (resume and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed on the announcement under qualification requirements.

Veterans Preference: If you are entitled to veterans preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.

For information on entitlement see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx

Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612) (NonComp Mil Sp): To receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the " Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612) (NonComp Mil Sp)" eligibility. If you are claiming Military Spouse eligibility and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager. Information and required documentation for claiming Military Spouse eligibility may be found at the General Applicant Information and Definitions link below.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP): In order to receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the "Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP)" eligibility. If you are claiming RGP and are determined to be Well Qualified for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager as a priority applicant. Information and required documentation for claiming MSP may be found at the General Applicant Information and Definitions link below. To be eligible as a RGP, you must submit the following supporting documents with your application package: a signed Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 (whs.mil)); a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) effecting the placement in retained grade status; or a copy of the notification letter you received regarding the RIF or classification downgrade.

DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician (PPP DoD MRNG):In order to receive this preference, you must choose the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician eligibility, and fill out and submit the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation.

DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Preference Eligible Technician Receiving Disability Retirement:In order to receive this preference, you must choose the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Receiving Disability Retirement eligibility, and fill out and submit the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation.

Defense Threat Reduction Agency

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency provides cross-cutting solutions to enable the DoD, the United States Government, and international partners to DETER strategic attack against the United States and it's allies; PREVENT, reduce, and counter Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and emerging threats; and PREVAIL against WMD-armed adversaries in crisis and conflict.

Agency contact information

DTRA Servicing Team
Phone
614-693-0259
Fax
(215) 516-6068
Email
DHRC-DDTRAHR@dla.mil
Address
Defense Threat Reduction Agency
8725 JOHN J KINGMAN ROAD
MSC 6201
FT BELVOIR, VA 22060-6201
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Defense Threat Reduction Agency, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

http://www.dtra.mil

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