Advance Your HR Career with the Montana National Guard

Are you a Human Resources professional seeking a role that combines administrative expertise with meaningful public service? The Montana National Guard is currently seeking an HR Specialist (Performance Management & Employee/Labor Relations) to join their Human Resources Office in Helena. This is a unique opportunity to serve your community and the nation while managing essential personnel programs for the Air National Guard.

Job Responsibilities

As an HR Specialist, you will wear many hats, serving as the primary point of contact for complex HR matters. Your core responsibilities include:

Performance Management: Managing the DPMAP system, guiding supervisors through appraisal standards, and facilitating performance improvement plans.
Employee Relations: Advising management on disciplinary and corrective actions while maintaining objectivity and resolving workplace conflicts.
Labor Relations: Representing the agency in bargaining unit negotiations, handling grievances, and preparing for unfair labor practice hearings.
Policy Oversight: Analyzing federal directives from OPM, DoD, and the NGB to ensure local policies align with current regulations.

Comparison: Standard HR vs. Federal HR

Feature	Private Sector HR	National Guard HR Specialist
Focus	Revenue/Profitability	Regulatory Compliance/Mission Support
Regulations	State/Labor Laws	DoD/OPM/NGB Directives
Negotiation	Corporate/Union	Federal Labor-Management Relations
Stability	Variable	High (Federal Civil Service)

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must demonstrate a deep understanding of HR principles. Key requirements include:

Experience: A minimum of one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 equivalent level.
Knowledge: Proficiency in DoD or Air Force HR business competencies.
Documentation: A detailed federal resume is mandatory. Failure to provide specific details regarding work history, hours, and grades may result in an ineligible status.
Clearance: Ability to hold a Secret security clearance.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary range of $89,508 to $116,362 per year. This compensation package reflects the high level of responsibility and the specialized nature of the labor and performance management work required.

Benefits

Federal employees enjoy a robust suite of benefits, including:

Health and life insurance options.
The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) matching component.
Paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Career stability within the Department of the Air Force.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Use the language from the position description to explain how your past roles relate to performance and labor relations.
Quantify Results: Mention the number of employees you supported or the complexity of the unions you interacted with.
Review Documentation: Ensure you upload the correct SF-50 and any required military membership documents (such as NGB 22).

This role is an excellent opportunity for HR professionals who want to apply their skills in a high-stakes, service-oriented environment. If you are ready to make a difference in the Montana National Guard, prepare your application and apply before the closing date.

Why This Hr Specialist (Performance Management & Employee/Labor Relations) Job Matters

Shape the future of the Montana Air National Guard. Join our team as a specialized HR professional and drive organizational excellence through high-impact performance management and labor relations.

Hr Specialist (Performance Management & Employee/Labor Relations) Job Overview

The Montana National Guard is seeking a dedicated HR Specialist to lead performance management and employee/labor relations programs. This Title 5 Excepted Service role in Helena, MT, is pivotal in maintaining organizational standards, guiding supervisors through appraisal processes, and representing management in labor-management negotiations. You will serve as a subject matter expert, ensuring regulatory compliance across DoD and Air Force HR directives.

Requirements for Hr Specialist (Performance Management & Employee/Labor Relations)

Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
Proven expertise in Human Resources program business competencies.
Comprehensive knowledge of HR processes specific to the Department of Defense, U.S. Army, or U.S. Air Force.
Ability to interpret and apply complex federal policies from OPM, DCPAS, NGB, and DoD.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
If male and born after 12/31/1959, you must be registered with the Selective Service System.

Preferred Qualifications for Hr Specialist (Performance Management & Employee/Labor Relations)

Demonstrated experience in negotiating labor-management agreements.
Strong background in conducting administrative investigations regarding performance and conduct.
Expertise in utilizing the Defense Performance Appraisal Program (DPMAP).
Proven ability to provide expert guidance to leadership regarding disciplinary and corrective actions.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Generous retirement programs including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Structured federal leave and holiday schedule.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training within the DoD framework.
✓Stable career path with a focus on public service and community impact.

💡 How to Apply Hr Specialist (Performance Management & Employee/Labor Relations) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Hr Specialist (Performance Management & Employee/Labor Relations) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a detailed federal resume covering all experience, hours worked, and specific job series/grades.
Complete the online Occupational Questionnaire via the official application link.
Upload all required supporting documentation, including SF-50s or military service proof if applicable.
Submit your complete application package before 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes month/year start and end dates for every position listed.
Explicitly address how your experience matches the specialized experience requirements mentioned in the announcement.
Verify that your uploaded documents have completed the system virus scan before the deadline.
Monitor your USAJOBS status portal frequently for updates on your application package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this position is located in Helena, Montana, and requires an on-site presence.

What level of security clearance is required?

This position requires a Secret-level security clearance.

What is meant by Title 5 Excepted Service?

This classification indicates that the position is part of the National Guard's civil service workforce, offering specific employment protections and benefits under Title 5 regulations.

Can I apply if I am not a veteran?

Yes, but please check the specific hiring paths listed, as some announcements have different criteria.

What is the work schedule?

This is a full-time federal position.

Job from Air National Guard Units

The National Guard is the oldest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, with a rich history of serving neighbors in times of crisis and protecting the nation. By joining the Montana National Guard, you become part of a dedicated team committed to operational excellence and personnel support. The organization prides itself on a culture of integrity and service, providing a unique environment for federal employees to grow their careers.