Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results
 

HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST (EMPLOYEE RELATIONS)

Department of the Air Force
Air Education and Training Command

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

The primary purpose of this position is to the primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a Human Resources (HR) Specialist in Employee Relations with responsibility for planning, developing, and carrying out the full range of employee relations advisory services for assigned organizations. All training must be completed and requirements met prior to promotion.

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/16/2026 to 04/22/2026
Salary
$61,722 - $97,087 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9 - 11
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Holloman AFB, NM
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
11
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
5C-AFPC-257862-12937575-SH
Control number
865522300

Duties

Help

GS-09

  • Provides Employee Relations assistance to managers for assigned organizations characterized by a wide range of occupations where work processes are mental, judgmental, involve public contact, or are coordinative in nature.
  • Provides consultation and assistance on conduct-related issues. Advises managers and supervisors regarding appropriate disciplinary or other corrective techniques and the procedural and legal requirements for correcting conduct and administering disciplinary and adverse actions.
  • Manages assignments and/or projects. Administers one or more designated employee relations programs or subject areas such as the Performance Management Program, the Office of Workers' Compensation (OWCP)Program, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), the Physically Restricted Program, Unemployment Compensation Leave and Absences, Hours of Work, Labor Relations, etc.
  • Prepares written correspondence and other documentation. Writes a variety of documents to include articles for publication in newsletters and newspapers, briefings, reports, orientation materials for new employees, training courses for supervisors, policy letters, comments on impact of new supplements/regulations/ directives, local directives, position papers, and responses to inquiries from Congress, higher headquarters, and other federal agencies, and responses to Merit Systems Protection Board appeals, administrative and union grievances, and EEO complaints.

GS-11
  • Provides Employee Relations assistance to managers for assigned organizations characterized by a wide range of occupations where work processes are mental, judgmental, involve public contact, or are coordinative in nature.
  • Provides consultation and assistance on conduct-related issues. Advises managers and supervisors regarding appropriate disciplinary or other corrective techniques and the procedural and legal requirements for correcting conduct and administering disciplinary and adverse actions.
  • Manages assignments and/or projects. Administers one or more designated employee relations programs or subject areas such as the Performance Management Program, the Office of Workers' Compensation (OWCP)Program, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), the Physically Restricted Program, Unemployment Compensation Leave and Absences, Hours of Work, Labor Relations, etc.
  • Prepares written correspondence and other documentation. Writes a variety of documents to include articles for publication in newsletters and newspapers, briefings, reports, orientation materials for new employees, training courses for supervisors, policy letters, comments on impact of new supplements/regulations/ directives, local directives, position papers, and responses to inquiries from Congress, higher headquarters, and other federal agencies, and responses to Merit Systems Protection Board appeals, administrative and union grievances, and EEO complaints.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • Must complete initial online questionnaire and additional assessment(s)
  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
  • Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station.
  • The employee may be required to travel on military and commercial aircraft.
  • Occasional overtime may be required.
  • The work requires that the employee obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-09 and GS-11: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07, or equivalent in other pay systems for GS-09. Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems for GS-11. Examples of specialized experience includes Interpret the general employee relations laws, regulations, instructions, rules and local policies for management and conduct basic research as needed for problem situations. Interpret the negotiated union contract for management and employees with assistance from higher-graded specialist, as needed. Assist management with the preparation of answers to both administrative and union grievance to ensure responses are in compliance with regulations/union contract and are legally sufficient. Provide advice to supervisors on the Performance Management Program, providing basic directions as needed on procedural requirements for annual ratings, developing/modifying performance plans, preparing performance improvement plans, and initiating performance-based actions. Advise managers and supervisors on the procedural and legal requirements for correcting conduct and administering disciplinary and adverse actions. Inform employee regarding entitlements to use grievance/complaint/appeal procedures. Prepare and/or provide a variety of documents to include articles for publication, briefings for new employees, training for supervisors, etc. Review, analyze and evaluate established and projected training programs. Provide oral presentations such as briefings, training sessions, consultations, orientations, and discussions with managers, employees and co-workers. Provide employee relations assistance to managers for assigned organizations characterized by a wide range of occupations where work processes are mental, judgmental, involve public contact, or are coordinative in nature. Advise managers and supervisors regarding appropriate disciplinary or other corrective techniques and the procedural and legal requirements for correcting conduct and administering disciplinary and adverse actions. Advise management in the preparation of responses to both administrative and union grievances to ensure they are in compliance with regulations/union contract and are legally sufficient. Analyze each situation and conduct research of the case facts, laws, regulations, precedent decisions, etc. Apply seasoned judgment to resolve problems, which have no precedents, and to interpret and adapt available guidelines to specific problems or issues. Conduct extensive fact-finding to determine credibility of accusations and analyze possible underlying causes of performance problems. Assist legal staff in preparing and presenting management's case and represent management as a technical advisor during third-party proceedings such as arbitrations, mediations, and hearings. Prepare written employee notifications, ensuring such documents are within regulatory compliance and are legally sufficient. Perform self-assessment of employee relations programs as required to ensure assigned programs meet requirements outlined in agency self-evaluation regulation.

OR

EDUCATION:
GS-09: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B or J.D. in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application.

OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

OR
EDUCATION: GS-11:
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related, in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application.

OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

GS-09:
1. Knowledge of the fundamental principles, practices, and techniques of employee relations; standardized research techniques; and analytical and problem-solving methods required to advise on and resolve moderately complex, non-controversial, well-precedented factual, procedural, and/or recurring issues; make informed judgments on problems and issues; and perform advisory services for problems of limited scope.
2. Skill in gathering, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from information, and communicating information clearly, both orally and in writing.
3. Ability to analyze specific phases of common, well-precedented, and/or recurring cases or situations and to develop and prepare clear explanations of facts.
4. Ability to select the appropriate basic, legal, and regulatory provisions applicable to each situation and locate appropriate and applicable precedents and legal documentation.
5. Ability to interpret and analyze basic issues of fact and law.
6. Ability to identify and analyze numerous facts and allegations to determine accuracy and applicability to the cases.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

GS-11:
1. Knowledge of the full range of employee relations concepts, case law, principles, practices, legal and regulatory requirements sufficient to perform analyses and draw conclusions on complex legal issues, problems, and situations, and advise managers regarding appropriate corrective techniques in response to a range of conduct and performance issues.

2. Knowledge of Federal HR management functions, theories, and techniques and the basic relationships of various HR disciplines sufficient to advise management and employees regarding rules and procedures and their obligations and entitlements.

3. Knowledge of legal research methods, information-gathering techniques, and analytical capabilities sufficient to locate, interpret, and analyze for applicability and appropriateness, precedent and substantive decisions, and/or legal opinions that various courts and administrative bodies have rendered.

4. Knowledge of conflict resolution techniques sufficient to interact in highly-charged, emotional situations which may arise due to delicate or highly contested case matters and determinations.

5. Skill in gathering facts and using effective, analytical, and evaluative methods to accurately assess information and make sound decisions.6\. Ability to communicate with others, both orally and in writing, sufficient to formulate and present arguments and advisory opinions and prepare case documents.

Continue in Education Section:

Education

Continued from Qualifications Section:

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS:
Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-inĀ­-grade requirements to be considered eligible.
GS-09: One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level.
GS-11: One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level.
TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

********************ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ACTIVE DUTY SERVICES MEMBERS********************

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD-Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:

  • Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
  • Branch of Armed Forces
  • Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
  • Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
  • Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
  • Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
  • Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
  • Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.
Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt

Additional information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

Temporary and Term Appointments: If you are selected for a temporary or term position in the competitive service, your appointment may be extended to the maximum period allowed by law without further competition. NOTE: Current federal civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

Competencies Listed:

  • Occupational Reasoning Assessment
  • Occupational Interaction Assessment
  • Occupational Judgement Assessment (G2)
  • Occupational Reading Assessment
The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

BASIS OF RATING: The assessments for this job will also measure
  • Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) as listed under Qualifications
Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable.

Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements
Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements.
Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements.

To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record signed by a supervisor.
Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.
Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

Air Education and Training Command

The mission of the United States Air Force is: To fly, fight, and win ... Airpower anytime, anywhere. To achieve that mission, the Air Force has a vision of Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power. That vision orbits around three core competencies: Developing Airmen, Technology-to-Warfighting and Integrating Operations. Core competencies and distinctive capabilities are based on a shared commitment to three core values -- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.

Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide:

  • 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
  • AF DCIPS Interchange
  • AF Internal Employee
  • Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • DoD Transfer (Excluding Air Force)
  • EO 12721 Certain Former Overseas Employees
  • EO 13473 Appointment of Certain Military Spouses
  • Former Federal Employees (Reinstatement)
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Employee
  • Military Spouse Preference
  • National Service (Peace Corps and VISTA)
  • Non-AF DCIPS Interchange
  • Non-Appropriated Fund
  • Non-DoD Transfer
  • Other (Interchange Agreements)
  • People with Disabilities, Schedule A
  • PPP DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians
  • PPP DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • PPP Mil Res (MR) and Nat Guard (NG) Pref Eligible Technician Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunities Act
  • Veterans Recruitment Authority

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center
Phone
1-800-525-0102
Email
DO.NOT.EMAIL@CALL.ONLY
Address
Holloman AFB
681 Second Street
Bldg 222, Ste 201
Holloman AFB, NM 88330
US

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.