Launch Your Federal HR Career with the Defense Commissary Agency
Are you a dedicated human resources professional with a passion for employee relations and labor management? The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is currently hiring a Human Resources Specialist (Employee Relations & Labor Relations) to join our headquarters team in Fort Lee, Virginia. This role is a vital component of our mission to provide the military community with a world-class shopping experience and an essential benefit.
Job Responsibilities
As an HR Specialist, you will be on the front lines of personnel management. Whether you are starting at the GS-09 developmental level or contributing as a GS-12 subject matter expert, your duties will include:
- Advisory Support: Providing expert guidance to management on conduct, performance, and attendance issues.
- Conflict Resolution: Assisting in the preparation of cases for arbitration and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).
- Policy Development: Creating and revising agency-wide HR policies and performance management tools.
- Labor Relations: Navigating collective bargaining obligations and fostering constructive labor-management partnerships.
Requirements
To be considered for this competitive position, applicants must meet specific federal qualification standards.
- Education/Experience: Eligibility depends on the target grade level. Applicants must demonstrate specialized experience in ER/LR or meet graduate degree requirements (for GS-09/11).
- Federal Documentation: You must provide accurate, up-to-date documentation, including transcripts and current SF-50 forms.
- Resume Standards: Your resume is the most critical part of your application. It must be no longer than two pages and contain detailed information about your work history, including hours worked per week.
Salary and Grade Overview
The position offers a salary range of $64,475 to $121,551 per year, depending on the grade level (GS-09 through GS-12) and your qualifications. Please note that starting salary is typically set at the Step 1 level.
| Grade Level | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| GS-09 | Developmental/Fact-gathering |
| GS-11 | Routine Advisory Support |
| GS-12 | Expert Analysis/Arbitration |
Benefits
As a federal employee, you will enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive Health Insurance
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- Generous Annual and Sick Leave
- Paid Federal Holidays
- Flexible Telework Opportunities
Application Tips
- Follow Formatting Rules: Do not exceed the two-page limit. Use standard fonts and clean formatting.
- Be Specific: When describing your duties, quantify your experience. Mention specific laws, regulations, or case types you have handled.
- Review Eligibility: Ensure you check the correct hiring paths and provide the required supporting documents for each.
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the work environment at one of the Department of Defense's most critical agencies. If you are a proactive HR professional looking to impact the lives of military families, we encourage you to apply. Remember, your application must be submitted by the closing date to receive full consideration.
Why This Human Resources Specialist (Empl Rel/Labor Rel) Job Matters
Join the Defense Commissary Agency as a Human Resources Specialist and become a vital partner in supporting the military community through expert labor and employee relations.
Human Resources Specialist (Empl Rel/Labor Rel) Job Overview
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is seeking a dedicated Human Resources Specialist to join our Employee Relations Division. Based at our headquarters in Fort Lee, Virginia, this position plays a critical role in managing employee and labor relations, ensuring fair workplace practices, and upholding the high standards of a premier military benefit provider. You will provide essential advisory services to management, facilitate conflict resolution, and support the agency's commitment to its 13,000-member workforce. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a global mission that directly enhances the quality of life for service members and their families.
Requirements for Human Resources Specialist (Empl Rel/Labor Rel)
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must meet specialized experience requirements for the target GS-level (GS-09/11/12).
- Must maintain time-in-grade for federal status applicants.
- Resume must not exceed two pages and include specific employment details (hours per week, salary, etc.).
- Ability to obtain and maintain a noncritical-sensitive security clearance.
- Submission of all required supporting documentation (SF-50, transcripts, etc.) by the closing date.
Preferred Qualifications for Human Resources Specialist (Empl Rel/Labor Rel)
- Demonstrated experience in conducting fact-finding and interviews for conduct or performance matters.
- Proven expertise in managing labor-management relations and bargaining obligations.
- Advanced understanding of FLRA/MSPB decisions and federal HR regulations.
- Strong analytical skills for drafting formal correspondence and disciplinary documentation.
- Ability to navigate complex policy development and performance management programs.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans (FERS).
- ✓Life insurance and long-term care insurance options.
- ✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
- ✓Telework eligibility as determined by agency policy and supervisor discretion.
💡 How to Apply Human Resources Specialist (Empl Rel/Labor Rel) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Human Resources Specialist (Empl Rel/Labor Rel) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a federal-style resume (max 2 pages) highlighting your relevant HR experience.
- Preview the assessment questionnaire to understand the evaluation criteria.
- Complete the online application and attach required documents (e.g., SF-50, transcripts).
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
- Monitor your email for notifications regarding your status.
💡 General Tips
- Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit; excess pages will disqualify your application.
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Tailor your responses in the assessment questionnaire to reflect your actual experience in ER/LR competencies.
- Upload all documents as PDF files to ensure formatting remains intact during the virus scan.
- Double-check your eligibility selection to ensure you have provided all supporting proof (e.g., Veterans preference).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework, subject to supervisor discretion and agency policy.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Per the announcement guidelines, applications with resumes exceeding the two-page limit will be removed from consideration.
Can I use education to qualify for all grade levels?
Education substitution is available for GS-09 and GS-11, but there is no education substitution for the GS-12 level.
Job from Defense Commissary Agency
The Defense Commissary Agency operates as a global grocery chain, serving millions of military service members, retirees, and their families. With over 235 locations worldwide and an annual sales volume exceeding $4 billion, DeCA is more than just a grocery store—it is a cornerstone of military family readiness. Our workforce, 13,000 employees strong, reflects the diversity and dedication of the nation we serve.