Launch Your HR Career with the U.S. Coast Guard

Are you a detail-oriented professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The U.S. Coast Guard is currently accepting applications for a Human Resources Specialist (Processing) to support our national security mission from Washington, D.C., or Baltimore, MD. This role is a critical component of the Human Resources Service Center, tasked with the essential duty of managing personnel actions that ensure the readiness and well-being of our workforce.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be the backbone of personnel operations. Your daily tasks will include:

Accurately processing personnel actions in accordance with federal regulations.
Assisting, mentoring, and training team members on the use of HR automated systems.
Providing expert guidance to employees regarding benefits, including insurance, retirement, and payroll.
Collaborating with payroll departments to resolve complex administrative discrepancies.
Ensuring all onboarding and separation processes are executed according to schedule.

Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate they have the specialized knowledge to hit the ground running.

Level	Experience Requirement	Education Substitution
GS-9	1 year at GS-7 level	Master's degree or 2 years grad study
GS-11	1 year at GS-9 level	Ph.D. or 3 years grad study

All candidates must be U.S. citizens and prepared to pass a security background check. Please note that resumes are strictly limited to two pages.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary range of $70,623 to $111,087 annually, based on experience and grade level. Beyond the paycheck, you will enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:

Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan.
Health: Comprehensive insurance options covering medical, dental, and vision.
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, federal holidays, and potential for flexible scheduling.
Growth: Continuous training and tuition reimbursement opportunities.

Application Tips

Success in federal hiring depends on your application materials. Follow these tips to ensure your application stands out:

Format Matters: Stick to a professional, two-page resume format.
Quantify: When describing your experience, include hours per week and specific dates.
Assessments: If selected for the USA Hire assessment, treat it with high priority and complete it promptly.
Documents: Double-check that your SF-50 or transcripts are uploaded and clearly legible.

Joining the U.S. Coast Guard as a Human Resources Specialist is more than a job; it is a commitment to the administrative excellence required to keep a national agency running efficiently. If you possess the HR skills and the dedication to service, we encourage you to submit your application by the August 5, 2026, deadline.

Why This Human Resources Specialist (Processing) Job Matters

Launch a mission-critical career in HR with the U.S. Coast Guard—your expertise in personnel processing directly supports those who protect our nation’s maritime interests.

Human Resources Specialist (Processing) Job Overview

The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking a dedicated Human Resources Specialist (Processing) to join its team in Washington, D.C., or Baltimore, MD. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the precise and timely management of personnel actions, ensuring that our workforce is supported by accurate data and administrative excellence. This position offers a dynamic environment where you will serve as a subject matter expert, guiding employees and management through complex HR procedures, benefits, and payroll entitlements. Whether you are a seasoned federal HR professional or possess an equivalent combination of education and experience, this role provides an excellent opportunity to impact the agency's mission while advancing your own career within the Department of Homeland Security.

Requirements for Human Resources Specialist (Processing)

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be registered with or exempt from Selective Service.
Must undergo and pass a background investigation.
Submission of a resume limited to two pages (max).
Must meet time-in-grade requirements if applicable.
Ability to perform technical HR functions, including data entry and policy application.

Preferred Qualifications for Human Resources Specialist (Processing)

One year of specialized experience at the GS-7 level (for GS-9 applicants).
One year of specialized experience at the GS-9 level (for GS-11 applicants).
Advanced graduate degree or LL.B./J.D. in a related field.
Proven expertise in processing personnel actions and resolving payroll/benefits discrepancies.
Experience providing training to team members on HR automated databases.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
✓Federal retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (401k style)
✓Generous paid federal holidays and personal leave
✓Flexible spending accounts and employee assistance programs
✓Opportunities for tuition reimbursement and professional development
✓Public transportation subsidies and wellness programs

💡 How to Apply Human Resources Specialist (Processing) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Human Resources Specialist (Processing) Job

Create or update your profile on the official federal job portal.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, including specific start/end dates and hours per week.
Gather necessary documentation such as transcripts and most recent SF-50.
Submit your application package online before the deadline.
Complete the required USA Hire competency-based assessments within the stipulated timeframe if invited.
Monitor your application status through the online portal dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes clear, chronological work history (month/year) and confirms your hours per week.
Do not include personal identifiers such as your Social Security Number, date of birth, or photos on your resume.
When submitting transcripts, ensure they are legible and include all relevant coursework details.
Check your email frequently after submitting, as assessment notifications have strict 48-hour completion windows.
Use the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to practice and prepare before starting your assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. Any application with a resume exceeding the two-page limit will be automatically excluded from consideration.

What happens if I need a reasonable accommodation for the assessment?

You must request an accommodation during the online application process. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis prior to the commencement of the assessments.

Is a background check required?

Yes. All selected applicants must successfully pass a suitability and security background investigation as part of the onboarding process.

Do I need a security clearance?

No security clearance is required, though you must pass a suitability and fitness background investigation.

Can I apply if I am a veteran?

Absolutely. The Coast Guard values veterans and offers specific pathways for VEOA and disabled veteran applicants.

Job from U.S. Coast Guard

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is dedicated to protecting American interests at home and abroad. As a core component, the U.S. Coast Guard safeguards the nation's maritime interests, monitors ports, and provides disaster response. When you join the Coast Guard as a civilian, you become a valued member of a team that provides technical and administrative support to those working on the front lines.