About the opportunity
The Nurse Recruiter plays a critical role in the Veterans Health Administration by identifying, screening, and assessing nursing candidates to ensure alignment with facility workforce needs. The incumbent utilizes clinical expertise and data-driven strategies to develop candidate pipelines, improve the candidate experience, and collaborate with nursing leadership and HR to advance a sustainable, diverse, and engaged nursing workforce. This position involves applying professional nursing knowledge to evaluate recruitment initiatives, providing individualized guidance to candidates, and serving as a consultant to interdisciplinary partners. The role is based in Palo Alto, California, and requires a commitment to the VA mission of providing exceptional care to Veterans.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive salary with regular increases and potential performance awards
- 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays)
- Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting)
- Federal 401K with up to 5% employer contribution
- Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance programs
Who can apply?
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be appointed only if qualified citizens are unavailable)
- Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing (ACEN or CCNE)
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN registration in a U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia
- Proficiency in basic written and spoken English
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Must be able to pass a background/security investigation and drug screening
Required documents
- Resume (must include the standard Clinical Resume Document provided by VA)
- Full resume or CV (optional, can be uploaded as 'Other')
- DD-214 or Statement of Service (if claiming Veterans' Preference)
- SF-15 (if claiming 10-point Veterans' Preference)
- License or professional certification
- Transcripts
- SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action, if applicable)
- Disability Letter (if applicable)
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 2026-09-08
How to apply
- Create or log in to a USAJOBS account
- Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers website
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire
- Upload all required documentation, including the standard resume and any applicable preference documents
- Submit the application package via the USAJOBS portal before the deadline
Additional information
- This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a mandatory condition of employment.
- The position is not virtual; it requires on-site presence in Palo Alto, California.
- Relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.
- The VA prohibits requesting criminal history prior to a tentative job offer under the Fair Chance to Compete Act.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Registered nurses with a passion for talent acquisition and workforce development.
- Clinical professionals who enjoy data-driven strategy and consulting with interdisciplinary leadership.
- Nurses looking to leverage their clinical background to improve candidate experiences and retention.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is strictly on-site in Palo Alto, California, with no relocation or recruitment incentives authorized.
- The role is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
- The position requires a commitment to a high-performing, on-site environment, which may be demanding.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role offers a unique opportunity for a nurse to pivot from direct patient care into a strategic HR-adjacent function. It is ideal for someone looking to utilize their clinical knowledge to build and sustain a high-quality nursing workforce while enjoying the extensive benefits and stability of the Veterans Health Administration.
Our take
Nurses interested in recruitment and leadership who are already based in or willing to relocate to Palo Alto should apply; those seeking virtual roles or relocation assistance will find this opportunity unsuitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
