HR Specialist (Classification/Recruitment and Placement), IS-201-12

Application Deadline: 21 July 2025

Department: Office of Human Resources

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Compensation: $101,401 - $131,826 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: July 14, 2025                   CLOSING DATE: July 21, 2025  (This job will close once 100 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date.)                     POSITION TYPE: Trust FundAPPOINTMENT TYPE: Permanent   SCHEDULE: Full Time DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC 

Position sensitivity and risk:  Non-sensitive Low Risk

Open to all qualified applicants

What are Trust Fund Positions?Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).  Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 

OVERVIEW

The Smithsonian is seeking a dependable and exceptionally detail-oriented HR Specialist to support the mission and priorities of the Executive Resources Branch within the Office of Human Resources. The incumbent is responsible for managing and executing a variety of human resources functions related to the classification of senior level positions and the recruitment of candidates for competitive positions for Federal and non-Federal positions. The incumbent ensures that all classifications and recruitment efforts are conducted in accordance with federal HR policies, guidelines, and regulations. This incumbent will be a key contributor to the consistency, accuracy, and efficiency of carrying out senior level classification and recruitment actions. The ideal candidate brings a strong service mindset, thrives in fast-paced environments, and takes pride in managing HR functions with a high degree of professionalism and discretion in handing sensitive information.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Classification  The work requires comprehensive knowledge of position management and classification to assist managers in accomplishing their position classification responsibilities.  The incumbent serves as a technical expert on senior level classification matters to provide comprehensive advisory services to managers, supervisors, and other human resources liaisons on program requirements and practices.   Provides expert classification advisory services by applying a thorough understanding of position classification principles and guidance for a variety of senior level professional, administrative and technical positions. Conducts thorough analysis of complex, senior-level position descriptions (PD) to determine proper title and series, using applicable classification standards (e.g., OPM’s General Schedule Classification System, OPM’s Desk Guide). In collaboration with the hiring officials, prepares new or revised PDs that accurately reflect duties, responsibilities, and organizational structure for various offices throughout the Smithsonian. Ensures consistency with agency policies, classification principles, and merit system standards. Explains senior level distinguishing characteristics to managers, supervisors and employees.  Recruitment & Staffing  Applies an expert level of knowledge and skill of HR methods, principles, practices,