Federal

Supervisory Telecom Equipment Operator

Veterans Health Administration ยท Department of Veterans Affairs
๐Ÿ“ Madison, Wisconsin GS-7 $50,460 - $65,599/yr
Posted: Feb 17, 2026 Deadline: Feb 23, 2026 (Closes in 5 days days left)

About This Position

This position is located in the VISN 12 Centralized Telecommunications Center, VA Medical Center, Madison, WI. The primary purpose of this position is to supervise the staff and operations that provides comprehensive telephone and telecommunications support to all VISN 12 facilities and customers.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/23/2026.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-07 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-06. 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 as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-06 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 operating computerized telecommunications systems, and/or performing support and service functions requiring knowledge of telecommunications call center processing, procedures, use and/or program functions, computer requirements, and/or techniques associated with basic troubleshooting of telecommunication/phone systems; experience utilizing complex computerized equipment and telecommunications software; experience receiving and investigating the source of trouble calls and notification of the technician of trouble; experience handling a variety of difficult calls such as suicidal, threatening, abusive, or distraught callers; experience in providing customer service and communication to internal and external customers; multi-tasking and prioritizing work in a fast pace work environment; and experience in a position that required providing leadership/supervision, information, guidance, or resources You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Accountability Customer Service Leadership Managing Human Resources Performance Management Planning and Evaluating 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. 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. Physical Requirements: The work requires no special physical demands. It is sedentary, performed in a comfortable posture. It may involve some walking, standing, bending, or carrying of light items. 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/.

Major Duties

Exercises supervisory and/or managerial authorities Provides comprehensive telephone and telecommunications support to all VISN 12 facilities and customers. Performs work assignments in the VISN 12 Centralized Telecommunications Center that involve direction and supervision of subordinated staff responsible for a variety of different duties and responsibilities relating to provision of telephone and related telecommunications services to all facilities in the network. Performs telecommunications support assignments that involve a significant amount of customer service in recognizing and routing patient and other inquiries to the correct VISN 12 location and Program Responsible for effective leadership in planning, organizing, direction and controlling the VISN 12 Centralized Telecommunications Center. This includes responsibility for supervision and direction of the Telecommunication Center staff assigned to shift operations on a seven-day per week, 24-hour per day basis. Operates Agency Telephone/Emergency Communications Operates centralized VISN 12 telephone system to receive and connect incoming and outgoing calls utilizing complex computerized equipment and telecommunications software. Interviews incoming caller, routes the calls to their proper destination, and provides telephone and organizational information to callers. Answers/places recurring types of telephone calls. Furnishes information to callers concerning telephone extensions and provides on call information for hospital staff. Receives and investigates the source of telephone trouble calls, maintains trouble log, and notifies the telephone technician of trouble. Operates the installation's paging system. Regularly handles a variety of difficult calls requiring critical thinking skills and personal involvement on the part of the employee, such as suicidal, threatening, abusive, or distraught callers. Performs telecommunications support work to a variety of technical and administrative programs in the network Operates computerized telecommunications systems, and /or performs support and service functions requiring knowledge of telecommunications processing sequences, procedures, use and /or program functions, computer requirements, and or/ techniques associated with the maintenance of the system Maintenance of telecommunication center documentation Maintains manuals, reference books and instructions associated with the programs and systems used in the VISN 12 telecommunications center. Serves as the primary contact for the maintenance of "On Call" schedules, incorporating primary and secondary contact numbers and pagers for medical and support functions at every VISN 12 medical center. Telecommunication Center File Maintenance Performs work related to maintaining, purging, listing and monitoring computer generated telephone files. Performs clear-cut, repetitive file maintenance work such as updating staff listings and telephone directories, revising file characteristics, and making backup copies of files. Telecommunication Center Equipment Operation Sets up, operates, and monitors computer support equipment including peripheral equipment such as printers, tape drives, and scanners, when needed. Tests the telecommunication equipment for operation, monitoring and controlling operations during processing, and takes prompt action in response to programmed instructions, machine failures, or unscheduled halts. Monitors the errors logged by the operating system and initiates corrective actions. Maintains documentation and procedure logs. Information Validation Assists officials responsible for the functioning of the program and identifies problem areas which become identified through the Centralized Telecommunications Center Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Supervisory Telecom Equipment Operator/PD09138A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

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.

Additional Information

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/.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.This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. 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. For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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 02/23/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12882745. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS 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. To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities. As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or onboarding with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), if after November 22. VA will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation is needed and how you can request a legally required exception from this requirement. Please contact the Human Resources Point of Contact listed at the top of the JOA.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Other (1) PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility): Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee An SF-50 showing 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 Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade. Examples of appropriate SF-50's include: Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Supervisory Telecom Equipment Operator position at Veterans Health Administration?
The salary range for this position is $50,460 - $65,599/yr. This is a GS-7 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Supervisory Telecom Equipment Operator job located?
This position is located in Madison, Wisconsin. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/23/2026.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-07 pos...
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 23, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does GS-7 mean?
GS-7 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.