Advance Your Career: Human Resources Specialist (Compensation/Recruitment) at the DoD

Are you a seasoned HR professional looking to influence policy on a national scale? The Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) is hiring a Human Resources Specialist (Compensation/Recruitment and Placement) to work within the prestigious Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service (DCPAS). This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the infrastructure that supports the Department of Defense's civilian workforce.

Job Responsibilities

As a GS-13 Human Resources Specialist, you will be at the forefront of policy development. Your primary responsibilities include:

Developing DoD-wide staff-level guidance for recruitment and placement.
Serving as the primary subject matter expert for hiring authorities and employment incentives.
Analyzing legislative and OPM regulatory changes to assess their impact on departmental operations.
Leading collaborative working groups to streamline HR procedures and supporting systems.

Requirements

To be considered for this high-level position, you must demonstrate the following:

Federal Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level.
Technical Mastery: In-depth knowledge of staffing principles and complex HR regulatory environments.
Regulatory Insight: The ability to interpret statutory language and apply it to departmental policies.

Requirement Area	Qualification Standard
Federal Grade	GS-13
Specialized Experience	1 Year at GS-12 level
Security Clearance	Secret
Location	Alexandria, VA

Salary Overview

This position is compensated within the GS-13 grade level, with a competitive salary range of $121,785 to $158,322 per year. This reflects the high level of technical mastery and policy responsibility required for the role.

Benefits

Working for the Department of Defense comes with world-class benefits, including:

Health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
Paid annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Robust life insurance and long-term care options.
Opportunities for telework and flexible work schedules.

Application Tips

The Resume Limit: Your resume is restricted to two pages. Ensure it is concise, formatted in PDF, and uses at least 10-point font.
Documentation: Ensure your most recent SF-50 is included if you are a current or former federal employee.
Early Submission: This role has a hard cap of 100 applications. Apply as soon as possible to avoid missing the window.

If you are ready to pivot from transactional HR to strategic policy development, this role at DCPAS is the perfect next step. You will be helping to define the standards for a workforce that is critical to national defense. Submit your application via the USAJOBS portal today.

Why This Human Resources Specialist (Compensation/Recruitment And Placement) Job Matters

Shape the future of the Department of Defense workforce as a Human Resources Specialist expert in compensation and recruitment.

Human Resources Specialist (Compensation/Recruitment And Placement) Job Overview

The Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) is seeking a skilled HR professional to join the Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service (DCPAS). In this GS-13 position, you will play a critical role in developing and interpreting complex DoD-wide policies and regulations related to recruitment, placement, and compensation, ensuring that hiring authorities and workforce programs are implemented effectively across the entire Department of Defense.

Requirements for Human Resources Specialist (Compensation/Recruitment And Placement)

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in Federal service.
Mastery of staffing principles and practices for expert advisory services.
Ability to interpret complex legislation and OPM regulatory changes for DoD implementation.
Experience organizing and leading working groups for HR policy development.
U.S. Citizenship.
Must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Human Resources Specialist (Compensation/Recruitment And Placement)

Deep technical knowledge of hiring authorities and employment incentives.
Proven track record of providing authoritative guidance on recruitment challenges.
Strong analytical skills regarding statutory and regulatory policy impacts.
Experience in cross-functional collaboration within large federal organizational structures.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Generous retirement programs including FERS and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Flexible work options including telework
✓Professional development and training opportunities

💡 How to Apply Human Resources Specialist (Compensation/Recruitment And Placement) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Human Resources Specialist (Compensation/Recruitment And Placement) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less in PDF format.
Complete the online application and assessment questionnaire.
Submit all required documentation, including your most recent SF-50.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal to track your application and potential assessment requirements.

💡 General Tips

Strictly follow the two-page resume limit; excess pages will result in immediate disqualification.
Ensure your resume includes dates of employment, hours worked per week, and detailed duties.
Complete the assessment questionnaire thoroughly, as it is a key component of your eligibility rating.
Submit early, as the announcement may close if 100 applications are received before the official end date.
Use standard fonts such as Lato, Calibri, or Arial to ensure readability for the automated scanning system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework available for this position?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, providing flexibility in balancing your professional and personal responsibilities.

What is the maximum page count for the resume?

The resume must be exactly two pages or fewer. Any application exceeding this limit will not be considered.

Job from Defense Human Resources Activity

The Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service (DCPAS) is the hub for civilian human resources policy across the Department of Defense. They provide leadership in designing HR strategies that support the diverse missions of the DoD. Employees here do more than just process paperwork; they develop the frameworks and regulations that dictate how the world’s largest employer manages its talent.