HR SPEC (RECRUITMENT & PLACEMENT/CLASSIFICATION) Job in Baltimore, MD

Vacancy No. MD-12861818-AF-22-019AT5 Department Army National Guard Units
Salary $84,601.00 to $109,975.00 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/8/2026 Close Date 1/21/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Baltimore, MD


Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a HR SPEC (RECRUITMENT & PLACEMENT/CLASSIFICATION), Position Description Number NGT5931000 and is part of the MD HRO, National Guard.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

National Guard and reserves

Current members, those who want to join or transitioning military members.

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to current or former members of the Maryland National Guard only. You must submit Enlistment Contract, NGB 22, DD 214, Separation Orders from the MDNG or Memorandum from Your unit commander detailing current status as proof of current or former membership in the Maryland National Guard.

Duties

COMPENSATION: Administers and provides oversight for the use of special employment programs (e.g., Upward Mobility, or DoD Priority Referral System) to ensure the continuance of a balanced placement program. Provides technical advisory services for the State organizations in areas of staffing such as transfer of function, reorganization, hiring authorities, permanent change of station expenses, relocation services, advanced-in-hire rates under superior qualifications, dual compensation, recruitment, and retention incentives. Implements regulations and programs such as recruitment and relocation incentives, retention allowances, and/or hiring freezes/authorizations. Interprets reviews and applies state pay setting actions such as highest previous rate rule and recruiting and retention incentives. Analyzes technician and payroll information to identify and resolve complex pay-setting errors or discrepancies. Sets rates of pay for General Schedule (GS) and Federal Wage System (FWS) technicians for appointments, transfers, promotions, changes to lower grade, and changes between GS and FWS pay systems. Administers and provides oversight for technician permanent change of station/relocation actions. Initiates process for the most complex transportation agreements and reviews agreements drafted by lower graded specialists. Completes travel orders authorizing various entitlements. Obtains necessary funds from NGB or State Comptroller as appropriate. Provides counseling to employees on entitlements, rights, and obligations. Reviews requests for extension of temporary quarters and makes recommendations for approval. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS : Advises and counsels management, employees, annuitants, and family members of deceased employees by interpreting, applying, and explaining retirement and insurance laws, regulations, and policies on available retirement insurance benefits, death benefits, entitlements/options. Researches and interprets appropriate regulations to provide advice to employees concerning reinstatement of insurance, conversion of life insurance and features of the programs and options associated with retirement. Assist employees in the preparation of retirement applications and related documents and forwards to the Army Benefits Center Civilian (ABC-C). Determines type of separation and completion of eOPF maintenance for documents. Maintains a current knowledge of legislative development, agency reorganizations and other pertinent activities that may have an impact on management and employees. Provides technical guidance and assistance in the development and implementation of benefit program changes and open seasons. Determines entitlement to retirement annuities, eligibility for continuation of life and health insurance. Provides technical advice to personnel on a variety of programs such as health and life insurance and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Provides initial overview to new employees on the benefit programs available to them. EMPLOYEE RELATIONS: Provides assistance, interpretation, information, and guidance on employee relations problems and issues which affect organizational goal performance, individual performance, performance appraisal systems, and employee relations training programs. Serves as a technical advisor for disciplinary and adverse action procedures. HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT: Executes the State's training and development program providing the full range of human resource development (HRD) options for the workforce. Provides HRD management advisory services to all levels of leadership within the organization, including designing, developing, and evaluating major portions of the organization's HRD program. Provides direct guidance to managers and supervisors on employee development. Has frequent contact with supervisors, managers, and employees regarding short- and long-range training objectives. May provide guidance for Continuation in Service Agreements, and available funding for training fees and travel. INFORMATION SYSTEMS (HRIS): Provides technical assistance and guidance to supervisors, leadership, and various staff members in the operation, maintenance, and capabilities of various Human Resource Information Systems (HRISs) such as automated personnel systems, automated records management systems, case management systems, personnel records applications, HR In-Processing via virtual platforms, and virtual personnel services. RECRUITMENT AND PLACEMENT: Advises and supports State managers, supervisors, and the Human Resources Officer on recruitment and placement matters for a variety of professional, administrative, technical, and clerical occupations. Plans for and administers the merit promotion and recruitment/ placement program. Educates commanders, managers, and supervisors on a wide range of programs, regulations, and policies regarding hiring of federal employees. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a trial period. Participation in direct deposit is mandatory. 1. Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate clearance designated at the State through the use of the Position Designation Tool.2. Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.3. May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours; over/comp time may be required.4. May require travel in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.5. The work may require the incumbent to drive a motor vehicle; if so, and an appropriate valid driver's license is mandatory.6. This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty in preparation for, or in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration. Head of Agency requests to exceed 14 days in a calendar year must be approved in advance by the National Guard, Director of Manpower and Personnel (NGB-J1).

Qualifications

GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Work performed is in administrative positions that manage, supervise, administer, advise on, or deliver human resources management products or services.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: 1-year specialized experience must be equivalent to at least the next lower grade. Specialized experience is experience that prepared the applicant to perform the duties of the position. The applicant's educational-degree study program or military or civilian academic courses may substitute for some specialized experience. An applicant must demonstrate the specialized experience competencies (skills, knowledge, abilities and behaviors) to qualify for a position identified by its position grade and career level. Specialized experience factors encompass human resources program's business competencies, familiarity with the subject matter or processes used in human resources programs associated with DoD, U.S. Army, or U.S. Air Force.

Education


If you are using Education to qualify for this position, Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

or

3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.

Additional information

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)).

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Customer Service: Anticipates and meets the needs of both internal and external customers. Delivers high-quality products and services; is committed to continuous improvement. HRIS Policy Application: Applies a practical knowledge of HR management rules, regulations, policies, and procedures that have impact on or are relevant to HRIS.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your resume showing:

  • Contact Information-your name and the best way to contact you.
  • Relevant work experience-include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (month/year), the number of hours worked per week and describe how you meet the required qualifications of the job. Federal jobs should include series and grade.
  • Education, certifications or licensures.


2. Other supporting documents: This position is open to current or former members of the Maryland National Guard only. You must submit Enlistment Contract, NGB 22, DD 214, Separation Orders from the MDNG or Memorandum from Your unit commander detailing current status as proof of current or former membership in the Maryland National Guard.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12861818

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.


To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

Erica Sesker
Phone
667-296-3507
Email
erica.d.sesker.civ@army.mil
Address
MD HRO
Human Resources Office
Baltimore, MD 21201
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.