Human Resources Specialist (Recent Graduate)

About the Role

Join the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division, as a Human Resources Specialist (Recent Graduate). This role provides formal training, mentoring, and on-the-job experience to build skills for a career in federal human resources. A degree in Human Resources is not required.

Key Responsibilities

As a GS-0201-07, typical work assignments may include:

• Supporting the delivery of human resources services to employees, supervisors, HR staff, and program offices.
• Researching HR questions, gathering information, and assisting with recommendations consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
• Preparing and updating HR documents related to personnel actions, organizational changes, policy updates, and workforce activities.
• Collecting, verifying, entering, and maintaining personnel information in automated HR systems.
• Running reports to support workforce planning, compliance, and operational decision-making.
• Responding to customer inquiries and coordinating HR actions with internal stakeholders.
• Using spreadsheets, collaboration tools, dashboards, automation tools, and authorized AI-enabled tools for research, drafting, reporting, data organization, and workflow improvements.

As a GS-0201-09, typical work assignments may include:

• Applying federal human resources principles and Merit System Principles to support employees, supervisors, and hiring managers.
• Collaborating with hiring managers and administrative staff to support recruitment and staffing activities.
• Preparing Requests for Personnel Action (SF-52s) and processing personnel actions.
• Assisting with recruitment, performance management, awards, and other HR programs.
• Participating in projects to improve HR processes and customer service.
• Preparing correspondence, memoranda, reports, and other HR documents.
• Maintaining personnel data using automated HR systems and spreadsheets.
• Responding to inquiries regarding HR policies, procedures, and personnel actions.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• United States Citizen or National
• Successful completion of a security/background investigation and drug screening.
• Potential requirement to complete a one-year trial/probationary period.
• Selective Service registration is required.
• A Pathways Recent Graduate Participant Agreement is required.
• A USA Hire assessment is required. (Notification with details will be sent; 48 hours to complete after the closing date).
• Eligibility for the Pathways Recent Graduate Program requires graduation or degree attainment within the last two years (or six years for eligible veterans).

Qualifications

To qualify, you must meet both Pathways Recent Graduate Program eligibility and minimum qualifications for the grade level(s).

Pathways Recent Graduate Eligibility

• Completed a qualifying degree, certificate, or postsecondary credential from an accredited institution within the previous two years.

• OR Be a preference-eligible veteran whose military service prevented application during the standard eligibility period (up to six years after degree/certificate completion).

• A degree in Human Resources is not required.

• Experience may be gained through coursework, internships, student employment, full-time/part-time work, military service, volunteer service, apprenticeships, research projects, leadership roles in student organizations, community involvement, or other relevant academic, professional, or life experiences.

Strong candidates typically demonstrate

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Sound judgment, integrity, and attention to detail
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
• Ability to learn new systems, technology, policies, and procedures
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Initiative, adaptability, and a commitment to public service

Grade-Specific Requirements

• GS-07:

• Specialized Experience: One year of administrative or HR-related work (e.g., assisting with personnel actions, staffing, document preparation, records management, customer service, data maintenance).

• Education: One full year of graduate education.

• Superior Academic Achievement: A bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0+ (overall or last two years), 3.45+ (major), upper one-third class standing, or membership in a national honor society.

• Combination: A combination of qualifying graduate education and specialized experience.

• GS-09:

• Specialized Experience: One year of experience equivalent to GS-07 in supporting recruitment, staffing, personnel administration, HR advisory services, organizational management, or related administrative work involving research, analysis, customer service, document preparation, or process improvement.

• Education: Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education, or a master's, LL.B., or J.D.

• Combination: A combination of qualifying graduate education and specialized experience.

All qualification requirements must be met by the announcement closing date: 10/30/2026.

Important 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.
• A career with the U.S. government provides a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility depends on position type and employment status. Contact the hiring agency for specific benefits.