Clarification from the agency

Recent graduates from a qualifying educational institution having completed an academic program within the preceding two years. Note: Veterans who were precluded by their military service obligation from applying for Pathways Recent Graduate jobs will have up to six years from date of graduation and two years from date of separation from the military to apply.

The CPSC is seeking recent graduates under the Pathways Program. This position will be assigned to one of the branches in the Enforcement & Litigation Division. This opportunity provides the candidate with a desire to work in the consumer product safety field and/or public sector and assignments are designed to complement the graduates educational field while meeting the expressed needs of the agency and CPSC organizations.

The incumbent will be responsible for completing the following:

• Case development, including reviewing and summarizing documents, developing and summarizing evidence, and analyzing data; 
• Document management, including providing docket support and assisting in document collection, filing, and production;
• Sample collection and tracking;
• Support in preparing for Commission briefings and administrative hearings, including preparing charts, graphs, tables, and other exhibits, and document management and other support during briefings and hearings.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S Citizen.
• Must meet Pathways Recent Graduate program requirements.
• A background investigation is required.
• Must meet education requirements.

This is an appointment under the CPSC Recent Graduate program. You must have graduated within the past two years, from a qualifying educational institution or certificate program. The program duration is one year. Upon successful completion of the program and at the agency's discretion, the appointee may be converted to a permanent position in the competitive service.  Appointee must sign a Participant Agreement. Recent Graduates will enter a formal training program with a mentor and execute an Individual Development Plan outlining training requirements and program expectations. The entire duration of the Recent Graduate Appointment constitutes a trial period.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the CPSC;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the CPSC or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to participate in this program:

• You must have a final cumulative Grade Point Average of at least a 3.0.
• Current Students may apply up to 90 days prior to their graduation date.
• Recent graduates who have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying technical education program including: associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution or a qualifying career program which may include Registered Apprenticeship Programs, Job Corps, Climate Corps, AmeriCorps, and Peace Corps.
• Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree, due to military service obligation, have as much as six years after degree completion to apply.
• May submit unofficial transcript(s). Official transcript(s) will be required, if applicant is selected for a position.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your application includes: (1) Your resume, (2) Responses to the online questions, and (3) Required supporting documents.  

RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience.   

Rule of Many Rating Procedures: This announcement uses the cut score (job-analysis-based) method under 5 CFR § 332.402. All applicants must score at least 95 to be considered. All applicants tied at the cut line will be referred. We will provide the selecting official a sufficient number of names, when available, to consider at least three candidates per vacancy. If fewer than three eligible and available candidates per vacancy result, we will expand the group in accordance with our pre-announced supplement strategy and OPM policy.

Application of Veterans Preference: In the Rule of Many, only the CP/CPS veterans are listed at the top of the certificate (except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher). All other preference eligibles will be placed in score order. In the event of a tie, other preference eligibles will be placed ahead of non-preference eligibles.

Your resume must clearly demonstrate, in two pages or less, how your skills and experiences align with the "Qualifications" section and support your questionnaire responses. We cannot assume required experience based on your work or academic history. If your resume exceeds two pages, only the first two will be reviewed.

You may use the USAJOBS Resume Builder or upload your own resume. If uploading, ensure it includes all required information and is organized so we can match the following to each position:

1. Job title
2. Employer name
3. Employment dates (MM/DD/YYYY)
4. Hours worked per week (full-time assumed; part-time prorated)
5. Detailed duties, accomplishments, skills, responsibilities, and supervisory details (if applicable)
6. Series and grade or equivalent (for federal positions)

Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.

In addition to your resume, the following documents are required for this position:

Veterans' Preference (If Applicable) - If claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 copy), or other official documentation from a branch of the Armed Forces or the Department of Veterans Affairs showing dates of service and type of discharge. Ten-point preference eligibles must also submit an Application for 10-point Veteran Preference, SF-15, along with the required documentation listed on the back of the SF-15 form. For more information on veterans' preference view FedsHireVets.

You must submit your college transcripts (unofficial are acceptable). Official transcripts will be required if selected for the position.  

If you are graduating in the Spring of 2026, you must provide proof of graduation before appointment. 

All supplemental documents must be submitted electronically before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. You have two choices for submitting your supplemental documents:

 1. Download from your USAJOBS account; or
 2. Upload your file(s).

Failure to submit required documents, based upon how you apply, may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. Official documents are not required at the time of application, copies are sufficient. If selected, official documentation must be submitted prior to appointment.

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