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Recent Graduate (Human Resources Specialist)
Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
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Summary
This is an excepted service appointment under the NIH Pathways Recent Graduate Program. NIH Recent Graduates receive on-the-job training for one year and complete at least 40 hours of formal interactive training while in the program. Assignments are aimed at developing the employees skills and knowledge to progressively perform more difficult duties.
Learn more about this agency
Summary
This is an excepted service appointment under the NIH Pathways Recent Graduate Program. NIH Recent Graduates receive on-the-job training for one year and complete at least 40 hours of formal interactive training while in the program. Assignments are aimed at developing the employees skills and knowledge to progressively perform more difficult duties.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 06/26/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 26, 2026
This job will close when we have received 150 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Location
Many vacancies in the following location:
Montgomery County, MD
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible Yes-as determined by the agency policy. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $57,736 - $91,815 per year Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 9
Promotion potential 13 - This position may be filled at the GS-07 or GS-09 level with conversion promotion potential up to the GS-13 without further competition. Promotion potential is determined based on the position being filled within an Institute/Center.
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Not required
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union No
Drug test No Security clearance Other Position sensitivity and risk Moderate Risk (MR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number NIH-RG-26-12982431 Control number 873450600
This job is open to
Help
Recent graduates
Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.
Clarification from the agency
You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National. Foreign nationals or legal permanent residents are not eligible for consideration.
Duties
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Serves as an entry-level professional within the agencys Human Resources Division. Under general supervision, the incumbent provides HR support across one or more functional areas, applying federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to support agency workforce needs. Recent Graduates may be placed in any one of the functional areas listed below based on agency need.
Classification
Assists in evaluating and classifying federal positions using the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Classification Standards and the Factor Evaluation System (FES).
Reviews and drafts position descriptions (PDs) to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with organizational mission and function.
Maintains an up-to-date repository of approved position descriptions in the HR information system.
Recruitment & Staffing
Assists with the full lifecycle of federal recruitment activities under Title 5, Title 38, or excepted service authorities, as applicable.
Drafts and posts vacancy announcements in USAJOBS in compliance with OPM and agency policy, ensuring accurate qualification standards, assessment criteria, and job opportunity content.
Reviews applications for minimum qualifications, applies appropriate rating and ranking criteria, and prepares certificates of eligible candidates for selecting officials.
Compensation & Policy
Provides advice and guidance relative to application of HR rules and regulations for complex technical problems and issues.
Disseminates new or emerging guidance explaining rationale for new policy or interpretation.
Training & Employee Development
Supports the development and maintenance of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) in coordination with supervisors and employees.
Assists in the coordination, scheduling, and tracking of agency-wide training programs and mandatory learning requirements.
Employee Relations
Provides advice and guidance to managers and supervisors on employee conduct, performance management, and disciplinary procedures in accordance with agency policy and applicable law.
Assists in preparing proposed disciplinary and adverse action documents (e.g., letters of warning, proposals to suspend, removal actions) for review by senior HR staff or legal counsel.
Researches applicable case law, Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) decisions, and agency precedents to inform recommendations.
Benefits Administration
Processes benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations in a timely and accurate manner within HR systems.
Responds to employee inquiries regarding eligibility, open season, qualifying life events, and retirement estimates.
HR Information Systems
Assists in system testing, training end users, and documenting standard operating procedures related to HR information systems.
Validates data integrity by cross-referencing system records against source documents and identifying and correcting discrepancies.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Qualifications
To be eligible for appointment, you must be a recent graduate who has completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree, or certificate from a qualifying, accredited educational institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. A valid certificate program is post-secondary education in a qualifying educational institution that is equivalent to at least one academic year of full-time study, as defined by your university. The certificate program must also be a part of an accredited college-level, technical, vocational, trade, or business school curriculum. AND
You qualify at the GS-07 level, if you meet one of the following qualification requirements:
A. You have completed one (1) full academic year of graduate level education, if related. OR
B. You meet one of the requirements for superior academic achievement based on a) graduating within the upper third of the graduating class in a college, university, or major subdivision such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; b) having a grade point average of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; c) being elected for membership in a national scholastic honor society. Note: SAA must be based on a related curriculum that is qualifying for the position being filled. OR
C. You have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: applying laws, regulations, and policies to complete human resources related assignments; reviewing and processing human resources documentation; providing basic information on human resources policies and procedures to managers and employees. OR
D. You have a combination of post baccalaureate education that is related to the position and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.
You qualify at the GS-09 level, if you meet one of the following qualification requirements:
A. You have completed a Masters or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, if related. OR
B. You have at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: researching established policies and regulations to resolve human resources inquiries and recommend solutions; assisting human resources specialists in analyzing data; using human resources systems to track, process actions or support human resources functions. OR
C. Youhave a combination of post baccalaureate education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.
You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay. Do not copy and paste the duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.
Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree due to military service obligation may have as much as six years after degree completion to apply. Veterans are granted exclusion for their time served. Therefore, if a Veteran graduates and then serves on active duty for four years, his/her service time is subtracted for the purposes of the two-year calculation.
While conversion is not guaranteed, Recent Graduates may be converted to a career-conditional appointment (a term position lasting 1-4 years or a permanent position) upon successful completion of all program requirements specified by the Pathways Participant Agreement. To be eligible for conversion to a permanent or term position, Recent Graduates must:
Preview application questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12982431
Education
You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package; however, official transcripts will be required prior to receiving an official offer. Please note that unofficial transcripts attached to the application must reflect that the degree or certificate has been awarded or conferred. The date that the degree was awarded or conferred must meet the program criteria at the time of application. Applicants must have graduated with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. We do not round the GPA.
All documents must be received at the time of application.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency (a U.S. private organizations interpretation that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to conventional U.S. education programs) with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education webpage on the Click here for information on Foreign Education
Additional information
selectees entrance on duty. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply to this vacancy. Applications will be evaluated against the basic qualifications.
Veterans Preference does apply. If you are claiming Veterans Preference, you MUST submit supporting documents with your application package to verify your preference claim and receive preference. These documents may include but are not limited to: DD-214 member 4 copy (which indicates character of service), SF-15, VA Letter and/or Activation/Deactivation orders. If you are a veteran, click here for additional information and about required documents.
Selections will be made in preference order. All individuals in the highest preference group must be selected before making selections from the next lower preference eligible group. All preference eligibles must be selected before making selections from the non-preference eligible group.
You will be assessed on the following competencies:
The USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required documents
Required Documents
Help
Required for All Applicants
RESUME:
Your resume must clearly demonstrate, in two pages or less, how your skills and experiences align with the "Qualifications" section and support your questionnaire responses. While cover letters provided with your application will be shared with hiring officials, they will not be used for initial qualification determinations. We cannot assume required experience based on your work or academic history. If your resume exceeds two pages, only the first two will be reviewed.
Use a legible font such as Lato, Calibri, Helvetica, or Arial, with 0.5-inch margins. Suggested formatting: 14-point for titles and 10-point for body text.
You may use the USAJOBS Resume Builder or upload your own resume. If uploading, ensure it includes all required information and is organized so we can match the following to each position:
If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you must list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume.
Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.
For resume writing guidance, please visit the following resources: NIH Help Applying, USAJOBS Resource Center, and the USAJOBS Resume Guidance. If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you need to list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR PREFERENCE OR ELIGIBILITY CLAIMS
You must provide the documentation listed below AND respond accordingly to the associated question on the online questionnaire.
Do not submit documentation that is not requested of you. To protect your personal information, we will only send your resume and cover letter to the selecting official(s).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Help
This announcement accepts applications during the open period of June 22, 2026 through June 26, 2026; unless the applicant cut-off of 150 applicants is reached. This announcement will close at 11:59PM Eastern Time (ET) on June 26, 2026, or on the day the 100th application is received, whichever comes first. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on the closing day of the announcement to receive consideration. Early submission of your application is highly encouraged.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete and submit all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents sections. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us.
In addition to the required documents, we encourage you to submit a cover letter, copy of your transcripts, and any applicable certifications or licenses. Even though this information is not required at the time of application, we may request this information later.
We cannot assume responsibility or grant extensions for personal issues (e.g., troubles navigating the application process, loss of internet, not understanding a question) when applying to our announcements. For technical difficulties, contact HR Systems Support between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM ET Monday through Friday at hrss@nih.gov.
For reasonable accommodations not related to USA Hire, please contact Global Jobs at globaljobs@mail.nih.gov. Requests for reasonable accommodations must be made before the announcement closing date.
Visit our site for information on NIHs EEO program, Reasonable accommodation procedures, laws, policy statements, and the operation of the EEO complaint process.
Agency contact information
Global Jobs
Phone 000-000-0000 Email globaljobs@mail.nih.gov Address National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
US
Next steps
Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Once you submit your application package, you will receive an acknowledgment email with the status of your application. To track or update your application or supporting documentation, during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. The Additional Application Information page provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application, including the invitation to take the USA Hire assessment.
At the discretion of the agency, you may be contacted via phone or email for an interview or to provide additional information up to several months from the closing date of the announcement. Please ensure you have provided accurate contact information. To remain in consideration, you must respond in a timely manner to our correspondence and requests for documentation or information throughout the hiring process.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Required Documents
Help
Required for All Applicants
RESUME:
Your resume must clearly demonstrate, in two pages or less, how your skills and experiences align with the "Qualifications" section and support your questionnaire responses. While cover letters provided with your application will be shared with hiring officials, they will not be used for initial qualification determinations. We cannot assume required experience based on your work or academic history. If your resume exceeds two pages, only the first two will be reviewed.
Use a legible font such as Lato, Calibri, Helvetica, or Arial, with 0.5-inch margins. Suggested formatting: 14-point for titles and 10-point for body text.
You may use the USAJOBS Resume Builder or upload your own resume. If uploading, ensure it includes all required information and is organized so we can match the following to each position:
If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you must list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume.
Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.
For resume writing guidance, please visit the following resources: NIH Help Applying, USAJOBS Resource Center, and the USAJOBS Resume Guidance. If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you need to list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR PREFERENCE OR ELIGIBILITY CLAIMS
You must provide the documentation listed below AND respond accordingly to the associated question on the online questionnaire.
Do not submit documentation that is not requested of you. To protect your personal information, we will only send your resume and cover letter to the selecting official(s).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Help
This announcement accepts applications during the open period of June 22, 2026 through June 26, 2026; unless the applicant cut-off of 150 applicants is reached. This announcement will close at 11:59PM Eastern Time (ET) on June 26, 2026, or on the day the 100th application is received, whichever comes first. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on the closing day of the announcement to receive consideration. Early submission of your application is highly encouraged.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete and submit all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents sections. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us.
In addition to the required documents, we encourage you to submit a cover letter, copy of your transcripts, and any applicable certifications or licenses. Even though this information is not required at the time of application, we may request this information later.
We cannot assume responsibility or grant extensions for personal issues (e.g., troubles navigating the application process, loss of internet, not understanding a question) when applying to our announcements. For technical difficulties, contact HR Systems Support between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM ET Monday through Friday at hrss@nih.gov.
For reasonable accommodations not related to USA Hire, please contact Global Jobs at globaljobs@mail.nih.gov. Requests for reasonable accommodations must be made before the announcement closing date.
Visit our site for information on NIHs EEO program, Reasonable accommodation procedures, laws, policy statements, and the operation of the EEO complaint process.
Expand Hide how to apply
Agency contact information
Global Jobs
Phone 000-000-0000 Email globaljobs@mail.nih.gov Address National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
US
Next steps
Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Once you submit your application package, you will receive an acknowledgment email with the status of your application. To track or update your application or supporting documentation, during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. The Additional Application Information page provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application, including the invitation to take the USA Hire assessment.
At the discretion of the agency, you may be contacted via phone or email for an interview or to provide additional information up to several months from the closing date of the announcement. Please ensure you have provided accurate contact information. To remain in consideration, you must respond in a timely manner to our correspondence and requests for documentation or information throughout the hiring process.
Expand Hide next steps
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
National Institutes of Health
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the largest biomedical research funding organization in the world. NIH is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers, each with a specific research agenda, often focusing on particular diseases or body systems. NIH employs approximately 18,000 employees in varied occupations, all supporting research efforts that improve health and save lives. For more information on NIHs mission and goals, and its 27 Institutes and Centers, visit the NIH website.
Virtually explore the National Institutes of Healths (NIH) Bethesda campus, learn about scientific research, and get to know NIH community members who are working to help people live longer, healthier lives: https://www.nih.gov/virtual-tour/.
Agency contact information
Global Jobs
Phone 000-000-0000 Email globaljobs@mail.nih.gov Address National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
US
Summary
This is an excepted service appointment under the NIH Pathways Recent Graduate Program. NIH Recent Graduates receive on-the-job training for one year and complete at least 40 hours of formal interactive training while in the program. Assignments are aimed at developing the employees skills and knowledge to progressively perform more difficult duties.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 06/26/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 26, 2026
This job will close when we have received 150 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Location
Many vacancies in the following location:
Montgomery County, MD
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible Yes-as determined by the agency policy. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $57,736 - $91,815 per year Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 9
Promotion potential 13 - This position may be filled at the GS-07 or GS-09 level with conversion promotion potential up to the GS-13 without further competition. Promotion potential is determined based on the position being filled within an Institute/Center.
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Not required
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union No
Drug test No Security clearance Other Position sensitivity and risk Moderate Risk (MR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number NIH-RG-26-12982431 Control number 873450600
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