Federal

Supervisory Dietitian (Clinical Nutrition)

Veterans Health Administration ยท Department of Veterans Affairs
๐Ÿ“ Tucson, Arizona GS-12 $91,205 - $118,569/yr
Posted: Feb 4, 2026 Deadline: Feb 17, 2026 (Closes in 2 days days left)

About This Position

The Supervisory Dietitian (Clinical Nutrition) oversees the outpatient clinical nutrition section of Nutrition and Food Service providing administrative and technical supervision over staff and responsible for the execution of clinical nutrition programming within the facility, community-based clinics, and the local community. They provide administrative management and ensures proper coordination between the delivery of clinical nutrition services and the overall delivery of health care.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.) English Language Proficiency: Dietitian candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. ยง 7403(f). Registration/Certification: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) - Must be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) the credentialing branch of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics formerly known as the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Current VHA Dietitians that qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision may not be promoted to a higher grade if they do not meet the current RDN/RD requirements. Grade Determinations:GS-12 Supervisory Dietitian (Clinical Nutrition): Applicants must have one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-11) related to the position being filled. In addition to the experience, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of accrediting requirements in clinical nutrition to assess staff compliance and implement performance improvements. Skill as a nutrition expert to provide technical guidance, direction and staff development. Skill in Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guidelines to develop, implement and coordinate best practices. Skill in establishing goals and objectives to coordinate activities, evaluate accomplishments and solve problems. Ability to supervise subordinate staff (i.e., plan, organize, delegate, direct, control and review activities and performance). Ability to analyze data in order to recommend allocation of resources. Reference: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G20 - Dietitian Qualification Standards. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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. For additional guidance, please refer to VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

Major Duties

Supervisory Dietitians ensure evidence-based guidelines are integrated into clinical practice and collaborate closely to enhance the Veteran's dining experience and to support the strategic goals of the food operations section. Duties of the Supervisory Dietitian (Clinical Nutrition) include but are not limited to: Serves as a professional and technical advisor to staff and other health care professionals Represents the Clinical Nutrition Section on projects, committees and/or workgroups within the department and facility. Assumes full responsibility for planning, directing, and assessing the work and competence of subordinate staff. Collaborates with other managers in the medical center to negotiate and/or make decisions on NFS related matters affecting clinical operations. Provides Clinical Nutrition Section specific leadership and exercises a full range of supervisory and personnel management authorities and responsibilities Develops procedures and guidelines for clinical operations and monitors compliance with regulatory standards and policies and procedures. Participates in performance improvement efforts within Clinical Nutrition section, acting on quality improvement data and plans. Leads the action planning process to attain goals and resolve deficiencies. Identifies and prioritized problems, sets long and short-term goals, identifies action plans for the clinical section and nutrition programs. Builds and implements contingency plans within the section, ensuring continuity of clinical operations in all internal and external emergency situations. Executes the training plan for the clinical section and ensures staff remain up to date on advances and changes in medication nutrition therapy. Orients and trains employees related to clinical nutrition and appropriate policies and procedures. Ensures that materials utilized in Veteran education are evidence-based, using current literature and research. Analyses data to recommend allocation of clinical nutrition resources. Ensures Veteran education materials are written based on evidence-based guidelines, current literature, practice and research. Collaborates with the food operations staff, bridging the work of the clinical nutrition staff to the food services provided to Veterans. May perform other related duties as assigned which are appropriate for this grade and assignment. Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday thru Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Compressed/Flexible: This is not authorized for a compressed/flexible schedule. Telework: Position is authorized for Ad-hoc telework. This is determined by the Service Manager. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.

Conditions of Employment

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. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. 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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 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 trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

ACEND accredited programs are located on the ACEND website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory. 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 MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. 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; religions; 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. 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. 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.

Additional Information

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. 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. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. 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.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full 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 02/17/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12878520. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow 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.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field. Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) RDN/RD Credential from Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Professional Certification Resume SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Supervisory Dietitian (Clinical Nutrition) position at Veterans Health Administration?
The salary range for this position is $91,205 - $118,569/yr. This is a GS-12 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Supervisory Dietitian (Clinical Nutrition) job located?
This position is located in Tucson, Arizona. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.) English Language Proficiency: Dietitian candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. ยง 7403(f). Registra...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Feb 17, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does GS-12 mean?
GS-12 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.