Become a Workforce Development Specialist with the Department of Labor
Are you passionate about empowering the American workforce? The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) under the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is looking for talented, driven individuals to fill the role of Workforce Development Specialist. This position offers a unique chance to influence the future of labor and education by managing critical grant programs that support workers across the nation.
Job Responsibilities
As a Workforce Development Specialist, you will wear many hats. Your core duties will include:
- Compliance Monitoring: Conducting both on-site and desk reviews to ensure grantees are meeting the performance goals established in their agreements.
- Policy Implementation: Researching and analyzing federal legislation—specifically the Perkins V Act—to guide state and local implementation.
- Technical Assistance: Providing expert guidance to recipients to solve complex implementation challenges.
- Grant Management: Overseeing a portfolio of grants, ensuring that all budgetary and programmatic requirements are strictly followed.
- Presentation & Outreach: Delivering impactful presentations to stakeholders, ranging from federal leadership to local community leaders.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-12 role, applicants must demonstrate:
- Specialized Experience: At least 52 weeks of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
- Technical Proficiency: Ability to work with federal regulations and Microsoft software suites.
- Analytical Skills: The ability to interpret grant data to make informed programmatic decisions.
Salary Overview
Salary ranges are highly competitive and adjusted based on the specific region of the role.
| Location | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $111,896 - $145,468 |
| Boston, MA | $101,375 - $131,790 |
| Chicago, IL | $100,059 - $130,080 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $98,630 - $128,221 |
| Dallas, TX | $97,307 - $126,502 |
Benefits
Beyond salary, federal employees enjoy an industry-leading benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health insurance (FEHB).
- Retirement planning through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Paid annual and sick leave.
- Professional growth and leadership training opportunities.
- Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Application Tips
- Watch the Clock: Applications close on November 4, 2026. Do not wait until the last minute.
- The 2-Page Rule: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Over-length resumes result in disqualification.
- Detail Your Hours: Clearly state hours per week for part-time experience to ensure your specialized experience is counted accurately.
- Check Your Status: Use the USAJOBS dashboard to monitor your application progress after submission.
Serving as a Workforce Development Specialist is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the American workforce. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to tackle meaningful challenges in the public sector, we encourage you to submit your application today.
Why This Workforce Development Specialist Job Matters
Shape the future of the American workforce by joining the Department of Labor as a Workforce Development Specialist.
Workforce Development Specialist Job Overview
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is seeking dedicated professionals to serve as Workforce Development Specialists. This role is pivotal in monitoring federal grant compliance, providing technical assistance to stakeholders, and ensuring that workforce initiatives—specifically those related to the Perkins V Act—are implemented effectively to drive performance outcomes and program success.
Requirements for Workforce Development Specialist
- Must possess 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
- Ability to interpret and apply federal laws and regulations to workforce grants.
- Experience in reviewing federally funded grant proposals for technical accuracy.
- Proficiency in Microsoft software for creating professional reports and technical materials.
- Ability to analyze grant-related data to identify areas for program improvement.
- Experience delivering policy guidance and technical assistance to grantees.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must pass a background investigation.
- Subject to a 1-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Workforce Development Specialist
- Deep understanding of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (Perkins V) Act.
- Demonstrated expertise in grant management within federal or state government settings.
- Advanced experience in developing standard operating procedures and policy guidance documentation.
- Proven track record in managing portfolios of complex, multi-year workforce development grants.
- Superior communication skills for presenting to high-level leadership and diverse stakeholders.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary with locality pay adjustments.
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Flexible telework opportunities in accordance with agency policy.
- ✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
💡 How to Apply Workforce Development Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Workforce Development Specialist Job
- Register for a profile on USAJOBS and prepare a resume limited to two pages.
- Apply directly through the USAJOBS portal to initiate your application package.
- Complete the secondary application requirements on the Department of Labor website.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents, including your most recent SF-50 if applicable.
- Complete the required USA Hire competency-based assessments if prompted by email.
- Review your application status in your dashboard to ensure all sections are marked as complete.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly highlights the number of hours worked per week for each listed experience.
- Limit your resume to exactly two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Save your work frequently to prevent session timeouts during the application process.
- Use the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to practice assessments beforehand.
- Review your responses against the technical requirements listed in the announcement to ensure your resume provides concrete examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is not a remote position. Employees are expected to report to their assigned DOL regional office, though participation in the agency's telework program is available.
What is the page limit for the resume?
In accordance with recent hiring policy, your resume must be strictly limited to two pages. Applications with resumes exceeding this length will be deemed ineligible.
How is the salary determined for this role?
The salary is based on the specific location of the vacancy. Base pay is adjusted according to the locality pay scales for San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, and Dallas.
Job from Employment And Training Administration
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is committed to protecting the welfare of job seekers and workers. By managing large-scale federal programs, the ETA ensures that Americans have access to high-quality employment opportunities and the skills required to succeed in a modern economy. Employees at the DOL work in a mission-driven environment where customer service and administrative excellence are paramount.