Advance Your Career: Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment and Placement) at the USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Human Resources Specialist to play a critical role in the Executive Resources Management Division. This position offers a unique opportunity for professionals looking to make a significant impact within the federal government by shaping the leadership pipeline that manages our nation’s agricultural and natural resources.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will provide comprehensive advisory services to executives and managers. Your duties will include:
- Leading full-cycle recruitment for SES, SL, and ST positions.
- Analyzing labor market conditions to create effective hiring strategies.
- Preparing executive core qualification packages for the Qualifications Review Board (QRB).
- Ensuring all hiring practices adhere strictly to Merit System Principles.
- Providing consultative advice on complex HR issues to agency stakeholders.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet several federal requirements, including:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Security: You will be subject to continuous vetting under the Trusted Workforce 2.0 framework.
- Documentation: A two-page resume is required. Exceeding this length will result in immediate disqualification.
- Assessment: Applicants must complete the USA Hire assessment series.
Salary Overview
This position is available at the GS-11 to GS-13 grade levels. Salaries are determined by the location of the selectee, as locality pay adjustments apply to the base pay. Candidates should consult the OPM 2026 GS Salary Tables for specific information regarding their preferred duty station.
| Grade Level | Responsibilities Focus |
|---|---|
| GS-11 | Developmental / Targeted Recruiting |
| GS-12 | Executive Policy Analysis & QRB Prep |
| GS-13 | Full Life Cycle Management & Advisory |
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package that includes:
- Health insurance options.
- Retirement savings plans (FERS).
- Generous paid time off.
- Ongoing professional training and career growth.
Application Tips
- Strictly follow page limits: Do not submit a resume longer than two pages.
- Check your documents: Ensure all uploaded files are in standard, unencrypted formats.
- Stay proactive: Keep an eye on your email for the USA Hire assessment link after applying.
If you are an HR professional with a passion for executive staffing and a desire to serve the public, this position at the USDA offers a meaningful career path. Apply by the closing date to join a team dedicated to excellence in federal HR management.
Why This Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment And Placement) Job Matters
Shape the future of the U.S. Department of Agriculture by managing the executive talent that drives our national mission.
Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment And Placement) Job Overview
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking a skilled Human Resources Specialist to join the Executive Resources Management Division (ERMD). This role is pivotal in managing the end-to-end recruitment and placement lifecycle for high-level leadership positions, including the Senior Executive Service (SES), Senior Level (SL), and Scientific and Professional (ST) roles. You will act as a key advisor to management, ensuring that executive recruitment aligns with Merit System Principles while supporting the vital work of the USDA.
Requirements for Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment And Placement)
- U.S. Citizenship or National status.
- Must be registered with or exempt from Selective Service (males born after 12/31/1959).
- Ability to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
- Willingness to participate in continuous vetting via Trusted Workforce 2.0.
- Successful completion of E-Verify employment check.
- Completion of a one-year probationary or two-year trial period.
- Must have 52 weeks of experience at the next lower grade level (for internal federal applicants).
Preferred Qualifications for Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment And Placement)
- Deep understanding of federal HR laws, policies, and regulations pertaining to executive resource management.
- Experience preparing executive core qualification packages for Qualifications Review Board (QRB) approval.
- Demonstrated ability to provide consultative advice to senior management on staffing strategies.
- Proven track record in full-cycle recruitment for SES, SL, or ST positions.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary with locality adjustments.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance programs.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS).
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
💡 How to Apply Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment And Placement) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment And Placement) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Gather necessary documentation, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
- Complete the online application via the USA Staffing portal.
- Complete the mandatory USA Hire assessments as directed.
- Submit your final package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any document exceeding two pages will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Ensure your transcript copies clearly display your name and course information.
- Set aside 1-2 hours for the USA Hire assessment and complete it as soon as possible after submitting your application.
- Verify that your uploaded documents are not encrypted and follow accepted file formats (e.g., PDF, DOC, TXT).
- Use the USAJOBS status tracker to monitor your application progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely?
This position indicates the location is negotiable after selection. Generally, duty locations will align with the selectee's current office, and this specific role is not designated as fully remote.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Applications with resumes exceeding the two-page limit will be removed from consideration. Adherence to this requirement is strictly enforced.
Are incentives provided?
Incentives may be authorized for this position depending on agency needs and candidate qualifications.
Job from Departmental Administration
The USDA provides vital leadership on food, agriculture, and natural resource management. With a mission to expand economic opportunity and preserve our nation’s working lands, the USDA relies on a high-performing workforce. By joining the Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM), you will contribute to the efficiency of the federal service and support the leadership teams that drive these essential initiatives.