Become an Education Program Specialist in Syracuse
Are you looking to transition your career into the federal sector? The U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (MEPCOM) is seeking a motivated and skilled Education Program Specialist to join the team in Syracuse, New York. This role is pivotal in helping students navigate their academic and career choices through the Military’s Career Exploration Program.
Job Responsibilities
As an Education Program Specialist, your daily contributions will impact students, parents, and school administrators. Key duties include:
- Centralized management of the Career Exploration Program (CEP).
- Liaising with community stakeholders, including government officials and business leaders, to promote program outreach.
- Interpreting aptitude test results to assist students in evaluating career and education pathways.
- Conducting professional briefings for Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) commanders.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-11 level position, you must meet specific education and experience criteria. Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester hours in education or teaching (including 9 hours in education-specific courses), or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience. Specialized experience in providing career guidance or educational program support is required.
Qualifications Comparison Table
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Education | Bachelor's + 24 hours in Education |
| Experience | 1 Year Specialized (GS-09 level) |
| Submission | 2-page resume limit |
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive salary range of $74,678 to $97,087 per year, including applicable locality pay.
Benefits
Working for the federal government comes with an extensive benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- Potential student loan repayment assistance
- Recruitment or relocation incentives for the right candidate
Application Tips
Applying for federal roles requires precision. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less. Use clear, plain language to describe your experience in coordinating educational programs and providing career counseling. Failure to include specific dates and hours worked per week can lead to an incomplete application status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is telework available? A: Telework eligibility is not listed as a primary feature for this specific role.
Q: What is the closing date? A: The announcement closes on September 14, 2026.
This position is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about educational development and career counseling. If you possess the required skills and are ready to serve in a unique capacity within the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command, submit your application before the deadline.
Why This Education Program Specialist Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on the next generation of leaders by coordinating the Career Exploration Program for the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command.
Education Program Specialist Job Overview
The U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command is seeking a dedicated Education Program Specialist to join our team in Syracuse, New York. In this role, you will serve as a primary liaison between the military and educational communities, managing the Career Exploration Program (CEP) and providing vital guidance to students as they navigate their future career paths.
Requirements for Education Program Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Bachelor's degree or higher with at least 24 semester hours in education or teaching (including 9 hours of core education courses)
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level or equivalent
- Ability to provide educational guidance, coordinate program activities, and assist with career counseling
- Resume limited to two pages maximum
- Passing required online assessments
- Successful completion of a one-year probationary period
Preferred Qualifications for Education Program Specialist
- Experience in academic or professional career counseling
- Expertise in labor market trends and educational testing interpretation
- Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with school officials and business leaders
- Advanced degree or additional graduate-level education in an education-related field
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP)
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave
- ✓Potential for student loan repayment for qualified candidates
- ✓Possible recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified individuals
💡 How to Apply Education Program Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Education Program Specialist Job
- Review the full job announcement carefully on USAJobs.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, detailing your relevant specialized experience.
- Gather your educational transcripts if qualifying by education.
- Click the 'Apply Online' button and complete the required questionnaires.
- Monitor your email for a link to complete the mandatory USA Hire Assessments within 48 hours of notification.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of September 14, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise and focused on the specialized experience requirements listed in the announcement.
- Avoid acronyms; describe your duties clearly so HR specialists can easily verify your qualifications.
- Ensure your transcript is attached if you are using education as a basis for meeting requirements.
- Check your application status frequently on the USAJobs portal.
- Be prepared to complete the online assessments promptly once you receive your unique access link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the resume length strictly enforced?
Yes. Any resume exceeding two pages will be automatically removed from consideration.
Can I qualify using a combination of education and experience?
Yes. You may combine your graduate-level education and relevant professional experience to meet the 100% qualification requirement.
What happens after I submit my application?
You will receive an email acknowledgment. If eligible, you may be invited to complete USA Hire assessments, which must be completed within 48 hours.
Job from U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command
The U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command serves as a vital component of the Department of the Army. By integrating civilian expertise into military operations, the agency ensures that students and young adults have the resources they need to make informed decisions about their futures. Civilian employees in this command play a crucial role, providing specialized skills that support the overall success of the military mission.