Senior Human Resources Specialist (Employee Benefits) Job in Rockville, MD

Vacancy No. OCHCO/HROP-2025-0020 Department Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Salary $142,488.00 to $185,234.00 Grade 14 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/11/2025 Close Date 8/15/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Rockville, MD


Summary

This position is located in Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer, Benefits and Work-life Programs Branch.

The supervisor is Karen Cobbs.

This position is not subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure or security ownership restriction reporting requirements. 

This position is not subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

All NRC Employees are encouraged to apply. Based on the staffing needs of the agency/area of consideration, additional selections may be made from this vacancy announcement.

Duties

The successful candidate will perform the full range of a Senior Human Resources Specialist (Benefits) duties, GG-0201-14.

Such duties include but are not limited to:

  • Providing advice, assistance and services to managers, supervisors, employees, and applicants on all phases of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) human resources benefits program.
  • Overseeing the processing of a full range of benefits services such as Federal Retirement, life insurance, health benefits, and Thrift Saving Plan programs which requires a wide range of knowledge, and skill in applying, basic laws, regulations, policies, and precedents sufficient to counsel management and staff and beneficiaries on program coverage and explain the relationship of programs to resolve problems in the administration of the program.
  • Partnering with management and supervisory officials at all levels within the agency to plan, promote and implement the agency's benefit program and to facilitate a better understanding and appreciation of effective human resources benefit policies and procedures among agency managers and staff.
  • Interpreting existing laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for use in decision making by managers, supervisors and ensures that counseling regarding all aspects of the implementation of employee services policies and procedures is available for all employees.
  • Developing policy and managing the implementation, interpretation, and evaluation of agency-wide programs on benefit.
  • Participating in meetings and conferences with management and supervisory officials to plan promote and implement the benefits and employee services program as a part of the total human resources management program within the agency.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • This is a Drug Testing position.
  • Background investigation leading to a clearance is required for new hires.

You must meet the qualifications for this position by no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.

Selectees may be required to serve a trial period to assess their overall fitness and qualifications for continued employment. The trial period for new employees is two years. New employees who are preference eligible veterans serve a one-year trial period.

All information in your resume must be true and accurate.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.  

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

  • An in-depth knowledge of the principles, concepts, laws and regulations pertaining to Federal employee benefit programs. 
  • Skill in analyzing and interpreting law, rule and regulation related to complex federal benefit programs and the ability to lead efforts in addressing and resolving issues in the administration of such programs.
  • Ability to communicate complex and technical issues related to employee benefits verbally and in writing to all levels within the Agency.
  • Ability to plan and administer a full range of employee benefit services to NRC employees at all grade levels.
  • Ability to utilize information technology, automated personnel systems, and software applications.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as: 

  1. Experience researching, interpreting, and applying HR laws, regulations, Executive Orders, policies, practices, and techniques pertaining to the Benefits Program,
  2. Experience presenting options to employees regarding military benefits, veterans’ preference, and prior Government service; and representing the agency on matters in both the public and private sector on benefits programs, including making presentations in a clear, concise, and logical manner at retirement and benefits seminars; and,
  3. Experience advising employees on all specific benefits issues and management on benefit program developments that may impact agency cost, employee well-being, and NRC work force to include Paid Parental Leave Program, and Voluntary Leave Transfer Program.


PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

The duty location of this position is Rockville, MD. This position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with the agency policy.

Individuals who are eligible for non-competitive appointment under an OPM special appointing authority may apply for consideration under a comparable NRC non-competitive appointing authority. Veterans, please visit:  FedsHireVets

The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the coordinator at (301) 287-0745 or TDD 240-482-3217. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Selectee's will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment", (OF-306), prior to being appointed to determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on your resume or questionnaire can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.

The NRC is a zero-tolerance agency with respect to illegal drug use. Individuals selected for these positions will be subject to pre-appointment drug testing.

A transferable security clearance from another agency or a background investigation leading to a clearance is required for all new hires. To begin work at the NRC without a security clearance, you must be granted a temporary waiver of the required clearance, referred to as a 145(b) waiver. To be eligible for a 145(b) waiver you will need a favorable education verification, reference, credit, and criminal history checks. If a wavier is granted, the successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication is required for continued employment.

If you have resided outside the U.S. for an extended period of time, the agency may not be able to (1) grant the 145(b) waiver where the required investigation cannot be completed in a timely manner, or (2) achieve timely completion of the background investigation required for a security clearance.

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.

Benefits

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.

As an NRC employee you will enjoy excellent Federal Benefits, including: comprehensive health and life insurance plans; Flexible Spending Account Program for health and dependent care; Dental and Vision Insurance; retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan); annual (vacation) and paid sick leave; family friendly leave policies; 11 paid holidays per year; transit benefits. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees. https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_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.

When the application process is complete, your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume to determine your level of knowledge, skill and ability related to the job requirements.  Breadth, recency, and length of experience in the field; training, awards, and commendations; past and current performance; and community or outside professional activities will be considered to determine your level of knowledge, skill or ability for this position. You must respond to all required application questions.  

If you are among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager for possible interview and selection based upon the number of available vacancies to be filled in each office.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

The following documents are required for your application package to be complete. If you fail to provide any required documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

  • Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); and 4) other qualifications. Please limit your resume to 2 pages. See below for Additional Resume Information.
  • Transcripts: You must submit an official or unofficial copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application, if the position has a positive education requirement. Failure to submit transcripts will result in loss of consideration. Diplomas do not provide the information needed for determining qualifications and will not be accepted in lieu of transcripts.

In addition to the above, you must submit the documents below if you claim the following eligibilities:

  • NRC Employees: You must submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement saying that one is not available.
  • Current Federal Employees/Reinstatement Eligibles: You must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility. This SF-50 should not be an award SF-50.
  • Veteran Preference Eligibles: You must submit DD-214 showing type of discharge/character of service (e.g. DD-214 Member 4 Copy); SF-15 Form; and related documentation such as a VA letter showing disability percentage. If currently on active duty, you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active-duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.
  • Individuals with Disabilities: If you are applying under the Schedule A Hiring Authority, you must submit supporting documentation (i.e., Schedule A Letter). You may refer to the following link for additional information. USAJOBS Help Center - Individuals with disabilities

All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.

Additional Resume Information:

Your resume is crucial in our evaluation of your qualifications. Resumes should clearly demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and abilities. Please limit your résumé to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, your resume will still be accepted, however only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine if the minimum qualifications for the position have been met. To ensure your resume contains all required information, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, please ensure it contains all the required information, and you organize it so we can associate the following information with each experience/position:

  1. Job title
  2. Name of employer
  3. Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year) format
  4. Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will pro-rate part-time employment in crediting experience.
  5. Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable).
  6. Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).

Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) or other inappropriate material on your resume or cover letter. If your resume contains prohibited information as listed above, your application may be determined ineligible, and you will not receive consideration for this position. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter, links to social media such as LinkedIn, to determine your qualifications. Cover letters are optional

How to Apply

Carefully review this entire announcement and all instructions before starting your application. To be considered for this position, you must complete the online application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Your complete application must include your resume, responses to all vacancy questions (if applicable), and any required documents that prove your eligibility to apply.

You have two options for submitting these required documents:
1.    Upload from USAJOBS: Utilize the "USAJOBS" feature to download documents directly from your existing USAJOBS portfolio.
2.    Direct Upload: Use the "Upload" feature to upload files directly from your computer. Acceptable file types include: .gif, .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, and .docx.
To begin your application, select the "Apply" button located on the right side of this screen. Follow the subsequent prompts to log in or register, submit all required documents, answer the questions, and complete the application process.

Important Considerations:
•    Paper Applications: Paper applications will not be accepted unless you can demonstrate hardship circumstances through the agency contact listed below.
•    Application Extensions: Requests for application extensions will not be granted.
•    Hardship Assistance: If you experience hardship applying online, please contact the agency contact Human Resources Specialist listed below for assistance. You must reach out during business hours before the announcement closing date and speak with someone who can provide support for your online submission.

Agency contact information

Erica Mosley-Ferebee
Phone
301-415-1577
TDD
240-428-3217
Fax
000-000-0000
Email
erica.mosley-ferebee@nrc.gov
Website
https://www.nrc.gov
Address
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Office of the Chief Human Capital OfficO/er
Attn: Please Complete
Washington, District of Columbia 20555
United States

Next steps

You may check the status of your application at any time after the announcement closes by logging onto USAJOBs and selecting "Application Status."


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


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