Police Officer

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Johnson City (TN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Police Officer for the Mountain Home VA Healthcare System in Johnson City, TN. The role involves performing a wide range of police duties including maintaining safety and security, conducting investigations, and responding to emergencies. Applicants must have relevant law enforcement experience, pass physical tests, and maintain a firearm qualification. Opportunities exist for career development within a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience in law enforcement or related area.
• Valid, unrestricted state driver's license required.
• Ability to carry agency-approved firearms.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas to ensure safety and security.
• Respond to emergencies and investigate crimes.
• Prepare detailed reports of activities.

Skills

Law enforcement knowledge

Emergency response

Report writing

Physical fitness

Interpersonal communication

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Firearms

Patrol vehicle

Job description

Summary

This position will serve as a Police Officer at the Mountain Home VA Healthcare System. There are 2 vacancies in Johnson City, TN. The Police Officer will perform a full range of police duties by following and executing rules, regulations, or procedures covering law and rules enforcement, physical and personal security operations, patrol duties, control desk duty, coordination with local courts, and/or crime prevention activities for the local jurisdiction.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement – 09/30/2026. This is an open continuous announcement until June 30, 2026. The initial cutoff day for referral of eligible applications will be 5/18/2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. You may qualify based on your experience as described below.

GS‑06 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS‑06 grade level in federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position – typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Specialized experience includes: maintaining order to protect life and property; taking initial complaints; interviewing witnesses; securing a crime scene and conducting limited searches; responding to emergency situations; gathering information and preparing reports; conducting routine patrol, traffic control, and traffic accident investigations. Experience as a security guard or corrections officer is generally not qualifying. Note: You must provide detailed information of your experience performed. Information such as ‘I was a Patrolman’ or ‘I was a Police Officer for a number of years’ is insufficient to determine your qualifications. Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates, and hours worked per week. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Driver’s License Requirement: Applicants must possess a valid, unrestricted state driver’s license, have a safe driving record, and demonstrate that he or she is medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely. Applicants are required to pass the agency’s Government Vehicle Driver physical examination. Notes: We cannot accept photographs; therefore, please do not submit a copy of your driver’s license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your valid state‑issued driver’s license.

Firearm Requirement: VA Police Officers are required to carry agency‑approved firearms while on duty on VA property. Officers must achieve and maintain qualification/certification with the agency‑approved firearms as a condition of gaining and continuing employment as a Police Officer. Applicants must be able to possess firearms under the terms of the Gun Control Act of 1968 – as amended.

Police Officer Conditions of Employment: New VA Police Officers are required to attend an 8–10 week course at the VA Law Enforcement Training Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Satisfactory completion of this course is a condition of continued employment. A medical examination is required, and the duties require moderate to arduous physical exertion. Medical requirements include good near and distant vision, the ability to distinguish basic colors, and the ability to hear conversational voice. Applicants and employees must have the capacity to perform essential functions without risk. Emotional and mental stability and a psychological examination are required. Reasonable accommodation shall also be considered. A character investigation will be conducted on selected applicants to secure evidence of honesty, integrity, general character, and loyalty to the U.S. Government. As a condition of employment, applicants must qualify to be issued a firearm, maintain a valid state or Commonwealth driver’s license, and pass annual physical and psychosocial assessments.

Lautenberg Amendment: This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person convicted of a misdemeanor domestic‑violence offense cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Candidates with such convictions are ineligible. Candidates must certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense. False or fraudulent information is criminally punishable.

Duties

• Protect the civil rights of all individuals on VA controlled property.
• Prevent, detect, and investigate crimes.
• Patrol assigned areas on foot or by motor vehicle.
• Subdue persons causing disturbance or who threaten harm to themselves or others.
• Follow rules and procedures concerning search and seizure of evidence and contraband.
• Obtain search and arrest warrants.
• Arrest violators.
• Provide basic first aid and CPR prior to arrival of emergency medical personnel.
• Prepare reports of activities and events that occurred during the shift.
• Perform traffic control and assist citizens in emergency situations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Designated drug‑testing position: 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.
• Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received.
• Physical requirements: The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as running, frequent climbing of multiple flights of stairs, and carrying items weighing over 50 pounds.
• It requires stamina, physical agility, dexterity, and the strength to pursue, apprehend, or detain persons who are often uncooperative, assaultive, and/or armed.
• Work schedule: compressed/flexible schedule. Candidates must be willing to work weekends, irregular hours, and extended hours as determined by the needs of the service.
• Candidates must be willing to be placed for detailed or temporary assignments to other related services and/or locations if necessary.
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Police Officer/PD99268S. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.