Human Resources Specialist (Senior Advisor) Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. AAC-AHR-26-AHR001-98994 Department Federal Aviation Administration
Salary $127,898.00 to $228,000.00 Grade J to K
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/8/2026 Close Date 7/13/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Washington, DC


Human Resources Specialist (Senior Advisor)

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Office of Human Resource Management, AHR-001

Summary

The Human Resources Specialist serves as the AHR Senior Advisor to the Assistant Administrator for Human Resource Management (AHR-1), Deputy Assistant Administrator for Human Resource Management (AHR-2), or AHR Chief of Staff. The incumbent is a thought partner, change agent, and trusted advisor providing advice, counsel, leadership, and execution of comprehensive plans and strategies for Agency-level programs and initiatives that involve and/or are led by AHR.

This job is open to

Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

Clarification from the agency

Open to current, permanent DOT employees who have successfully completed a one-year probationary period or trial period in the competitive or excepted service.

Duties

Provides strategic and technical human resources management expertise to a wide range of ongoing and ad hoc projects across all functions within the Office of Human Resource Management (AHR), including tailoring human capital solutions to address specific directorate or office strategic needs. Provides leadership for highly complex and challenging activities under the minimal direction of AHR senior leadership. Applies experience and expert knowledge to analyze trends and develop recommendations to inform senior executive strategic decision-making. Shares responsibility for the performance of the programs/projects that frequently affect more than one Line of Business/Staff Office (LOB/SO) and the FAA as a whole.

FV-J Duties:

Provides expert guidance and leadership for projects and programs that often cross organizational boundaries. Utilizes extensive experience and knowledge to develop new approaches and methodologies tailored to the specific needs of AHR. Identifies and resolves challenging problems or issues that impact strategic objectives, working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders. Anticipates potential issues and proposes preventive actions to mitigate risks.

Applies advanced knowledge of HR policies and objectives to manage multiple projects, programs, and initiatives. Facilitates cross-organizational team efforts to develop plans to further Agency and Departmental strategies and serves as a representative of AHR interests and an advocate of the FAA workforce. Serves as a principal point of contact for AHR and apprises leadership of status of assigned projects. Makes recommendations based on emerging human resources trends and internal business process changes that drive innovation and improvement. 

Prepares, reviews, and recommends approvals of major reports on projects, programs and other work activities for internal and external distribution. 

As a recognized expert in human resources management, final work is typically reviewed for success in achieving planned results, not technical merit. Has broad discretion to ensure the alignment of organizational goals and policies and the requirements of the projects and/or other work activities.

FV-K Duties:

Advises on the identification of human resource needs, defining human resources solutions that span multiple HR functions, forming integrated HR teams to complete projects associated with directorate or office human resource needs, and advising on the overall customer relationship with directorate or office key stakeholders.

Leads agile project teams that integrate multiple human resources functions and capabilities, including identifying required team capabilities, defining roles and responsibilities, identifying clear project outcomes, and managing the implementation of the team's project plan to meet critical human capital objectives or meet emerging challenges.

Manages, coordinates, and provides expert human resources management technical guidance both internally and externally for multiple projects, programs, and initiatives. Facilitates cross-organizational team efforts to develop plans to further Agency and Departmental strategies and serves as a representative of AHR interests and an advocate of the FAA workforce. Clearly communicates objectives and deadlines and apprises leadership of the status of assigned projects. Conducts organizational reviews independently to identify strengths/gaps to evaluate effectiveness and inform future strategy.

Applies a variety of effective communication skills to draft reports and presentations and deliver briefings to a variety of audiences and purposes. 

As a recognized expert in human resources management, final work is typically reviewed for success in achieving planned results, not technical merit. Has the authority, within guidelines, to make commitments for the organization, to establish new procedures, and to make exceptions within the assigned area of responsibility. 

May perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
  • Successful completion of a security investigation may be required.
  • The duration of the detail will initially be six months; however, it may be extended or terminated at any time at management's discretion.
  • Please review Required Documents and Additional Information.

Qualifications

**WHILE QUALIFICATIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS DETAIL ASSIGNMENT, THEY ARE PREFERRED**

To qualify at the FV-J (FG/GS-14) level, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I (FG/GS-13) level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Specialized experience includes:

  • Experience supporting executive leadership by managing agency-wide human resources projects or programs.
  • Experience preparing a variety of written deliverables; including, reports and presentations and briefing executive leadership on the contents. 
  • Experience and demonstrated skills in presenting HR information, ideas, and advice in a clear, concise, and logical manner, communicating effectively in a variety of ways to all levels of an organization and a diverse audience.

To qualify at the FV-K (FG/GS-15) level, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-J (FG/GS-14) level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Specialized experience includes:

  • Experience providing human resources management-related consultation, advisory, or analytical support to executive-level leadership, including experience preparing and providing program briefings to executive-level leadership.
  • Experience and demonstrated knowledge of federal government HR concepts and change management strategies.
  • Experience providing guidance to executive leaders on highly sensitive or complex problems and issues, leading studies and managing broad change initiatives that impact agency efforts, serving as the primary business unit contact, and advising senior leaders on the development and implementation of human capital solutions that integrate multiple human resources functions.
  • Experience building and maintaining effective partnerships across multiple stakeholder groups at all levels.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history. 

Education

Education may not be substituted for experience.

Information regarding Knowledge, Skills, and Ability (KSA) Narratives:

As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.

In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate.

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) or Other Factors listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.

Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.

Additional information

We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.

The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements

Notes:

1. The duration of the detail will initially be six months; however, it may be extended or terminated at any time at management's discretion.

2. Selectee may be detailed to the FV-J or FV-K level.  

3. Applicants must apply on-line to receive consideration for this vacancy announcement. Faxed, mailed or emailed applications cannot be accepted. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job.

4. Some, none or all candidates may be interviewed.

5. This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan. Additional information about Core Compensation is available at: https://www.faa.gov/jobs/working_here/benefits.

6. Pay rates for FAA employees, including locality pay, are capped by law at $228,000 - the rate for level II of the Executive Schedule (P.L. 104-264 paragraph 40122 c).

7. To confirm receipt of documents, you may contact Kinsley Kerlick at kinsley.l.kerlick@faa.gov.

This is not a bargaining unit position.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

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.



IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.

Required Documents

Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) will be required to verify area of consideration. Other supplemental documentation, etc. will be accepted in combination with your on-line application. These documents must be uploaded with your application or emailed to 9-AMC-AHF-S210@faa.gov on or before the closing date of this announcement. All submitted documents should reference the announcement number.

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

Applicants may be required to complete one or multiple assessments as part of the evaluation process. This assessment aims to evaluate the competencies and qualifications essential for the position.

You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register.

RESUMES ARE LIMITED TO TWO PAGES. IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC AND INCLUDE INFORMATION AS IT RELATES TO THE QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION.

Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:

Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)

  • Relevant work experience: should align to the Job Announcement and address all required qualifications and include job title, employer name, start/end dates, number of hours worked per week.
  • Education, certification or licensure: If required, education should include school/institution name, completion date, degree type and GPA.

Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible.

You may upload completed documents to your USAJOBS Account. This will provide you the opportunity to utilize the uploaded information again when applying for future vacancies.

Agency contact information

Kinsley Kerlick
Phone
1 (405) 954-7990
Email
kinsley.l.kerlick@faa.gov
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
AAC Regional HR Services Branch
6500 S. Macarthur Blvd, HQ Room 155
AHF-S210
Oklahoma City, OK 73169
US

Next steps

Once we receive your complete application, the Human Resources Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. Eligible and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. You will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.

For instructions on how to check the status of your application, please go to: USAJOBS Help Guide.

Important - If you make any changes to your application, you must resubmit it. If you make changes to your application and do not resubmit it, your changes will not be considered part of your application package, and only your previously submitted application will be evaluated.

All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.

Federal Aviation Administration

At the FAA, the sky is not the limit—it is just the beginning. Exciting new opportunities are emerging in aviation and aerospace. Significant investments are advancing the research and development of autonomous vehicles, environmentally friendly electric aircraft, high-speed and long-endurance solar-powered aircraft, and new types of space vehicles. Success with these new technologies and vehicle types will introduce new ways to transport people and goods expanding aviation's footprint in transportation. People are our strength. We are a diverse workforce of over 44,000 located nationwide and spanning over 120 occupations to include air traffic control specialists, aviation safety inspectors, engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals. Join us in our mission to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

Agency contact information

Kinsley Kerlick
Phone
1 (405) 954-7990
Email
kinsley.l.kerlick@faa.gov
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
AAC Regional HR Services Branch
6500 S. Macarthur Blvd, HQ Room 155
AHF-S210
Oklahoma City, OK 73169
US

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