Human Resources Specialist

Find Your Future With Us at USDA – Animal Plant Health Inspection ServiceJob SummaryThe Human Resources Specialist performs duties in support of Recruitment and Placement, Benefits, Leave and Compensation, Classification or Processing. These functions provide critical support to the wide variety of operational activities needed for the agency to perform human resources (HR) functions. Selectees will work with automated systems, use customer service skills, problem solve, and conduct tasks required for their specialty area. QualificationsTo qualify, you MUST meet all program and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements; Completed all requirements for an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two (2) years. Current students who will complete their degree by June 30, 2026, will be considered. Individuals who, due to military service obligation, were precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period described above shall have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. This eligibility period cannot extend more than 6 years from the date on which the requirements for the academic course of study were met. Applicants must meet the following specialized experience and/or education requirements listed below: EDUCATION GS-9: master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field of study. TRANSCRIPTS are required. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-9 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level (GS7) in the Federal Service. This experience may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors. Examples of qualifying experience include, but are not limited to: Research, interpret, and communicate technical information and/or processes to others. Developing written guidance and/or standard operating procedures for HR processes. Using automated HR systems for entering, tracking, and completing HR tasks. Applying analytical skills to troubleshoot and resolve administrative and/or HR issues and problems. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-9 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed graduate education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major DutiesThe duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to:All: Interprets issuances, directives, regulations, laws and procedures to ensure that a well-regulated program is maintained.All: Answers correspondence and inquiries; provides advice and guidance on the rules and regulations that pertain to human resources area of specialty.All: Reviews, monitors, and tracks personnel actions; use automated Human Resources Information Systems and applications.Staffing: Prepares vacancy announcements, evaluates applicants, and advises hiring officials on operating personnel programs by assisting in the planning and staffing of their operations.Benefits: Receives, reviews and processes a variety of benefit election forms; assembles, prepares and processes benefits packages for retirements and separations.Processing: Receives and processes or distributes a full range of personnel documents; researches and reconciles computer discrepancies.Leave and Compensation: Supports payroll activities, performs functions involving Agency’s time and attendance system, and provides guidance on pay and leave laws, regulations, and policies.Classification: Classifies a wide variety of position descriptions, determines position information and builds positions, coordinates on reorganizations, restructuring, and re-titling project. Position Start Date:04/22/2026 Position Close Date:04/28/2026 Salary Offered: 67290 - 87482 USD Per YearYou can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team! To learn more about what it's like to work at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, what the agency does, and the types of careers, please visit the APHIS careers site. APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS. For details click: APHIS Emergency ResponsePlease see the full announcement on USAJobs by clicking on the APPLY button!