Security ClearanceNot Required
Duties
The 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: Keeps accurate filing system of processed forms.,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.,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.,Staffing: Prepares vacancy announcements, evaluates applicants, prepares and distributes the official job offer letter.,Leave and Compensation: Supports payroll activities, ensures accurate time and attendance entry, and assists with leave entitlements.,Classification: Builds positions; coordinates with NFC on reorganizations, restructuring, and re-titling projects; processes mass realignment actions.
Qualifications
To 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 requirements by 6/30/2026 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. TRANSCRIPTS are required. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-5 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level 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: Working in a professional setting performing multiple tasks and shifting priorities such as; reviewing and tracking responses, communicating to internal/external customers through a variety of written and verbal methods. Researching information from current files, archives, reference books/manuals, and other sources. Gathering information and preparing correspondence, reports, and/or spreadsheets. Inputting, editing, and/or retrieving database information. OR Successful completion of 4 years of education above the high school level. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-5 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.
Education
Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Transcripts including the date your degree was conferred are required. Applications will not be considered without this documentation. For those graduating this semester by 6/30/2026 you will have to provide proof of conferment prior to entrance on duty.
Other Information
Recent Graduate appointments are intended to last for 1 year. Recent Graduates who satisfactorily complete all the USDA Recent Graduates Program requirements may be non-competitively converted to a Term or Permanent appointment in the competitive service. Conversion is not guaranteed. Recent Graduates converted to Term appointments may later be non-competitively converted to a Permanent competitive service position. If selected, official transcripts will be required prior to entrance on duty. A Pathways Participant Agreement will be required if you are selected for a position. The agreement must be signed by all applicable parties prior to entrance on duty. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an e-mail invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here. Selection will be at GS-5 with the possibility of conversion to a term or permanent Human Resources Assistant, GS-0203-05, with promotion potential to the GS-7level. Conversion eligibility and position is not guaranteed and depends upon the program unit's needs. CONVERSION REQUIREMENTS Recent Graduates may be non-competitively converted to a term or permanent position in the competitive service. To be eligible for conversion the Recent Graduate must meet all of the following: Successfully complete at least 1-year of continuous service in addition to all requirements of the Program as outlined in the Participant Agreement. Demonstrate successful job performance. Meet the qualifications for the position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted.