Human Resources Specialist (McCain Fellows)
US Department of War, Alexandria, VA, United States
Human Resources Specialist (McCain Fellows)
The John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellowship Program is a 1-year Department of War (DoW) development program for recent advanced degree program graduates from across multiple academic disciplines. While these are temporary appointments, Fellows that successfully complete this program are eligible to be considered for conversion into permanent positions if vacancies are available. Help Accepting applications Open & closing dates 12/01/2025 to 09/30/2026 Salary: $77,001 - $131,826 per year Pay scale & grade: GS 10 - 12 Locations: Few vacancies in the following locations: Alexandria, VA Pentagon, Arlington, VA Remote job: No Telework eligible: Yesas determined by the agency policy. Travel Required: Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position. Relocation expenses reimbursed: No Appointment type: Temporary - 1 year Work schedule: Full-time Service: Excepted Job family (Series): 0201 Human Resources Management Supervisory status: No Security clearance: Secret Position sensitivity and risk: Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk Trust determination process: Suitability/Fitness National security Financial disclosure: No Bargaining unit status: No Announcement number: DE-12824786-26-MVP Control number: 851191800 This job is open to
Students: Current students enrolled in an accredited high school, college or graduate institution. Recent graduates: Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans. Clarification from the agency
This position is open to U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals and lawful permanent residents who have a graduate degree (or higher) from an accredited college/university in the U.S. no earlier than 2 years prior OR within 6 months after acceptance into the program. Acceptance into the program is the Fellow's Entry on Duty (EOD) date. There is no preferential authorities or provisions for veterans who apply to the McCain Fellowship. Duties
This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2026. The Department of War is seeking applicants for the John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellowship Program. The application period opens on December 1, 2025, with an initial cut off date of January 5, 2026. Applications received before 11:59pm on January 5, 2026 will be evaluated and assessed for current, available positions. Subsequent cutoff dates include March 5, 2026; May 5, 2026; July 6, 2026, and September 30, 2026. Qualified applicants that apply after the initial cut off date will be considered and referred if initial vacancies are not filled and if future vacancies become available. This Public Notice is to gather applications which may or may not result in a referral or selection. This position is being filled under Section 932 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019, and its later amendment Section 1113 of the NDAA Fiscal Year 2024. Assignments during the Fellows program are to an Excepted Service position either in the Office of the Secretary of War or other Department of War Components. Typical work assignments may include the following: Provide full-range human resources services, advice and guidance to management officials on all aspects of civilian personnel programs. Ensure that merit staffing principles are implemented and that processing of all staffing, recruitment, classification requests are legal, appropriate and completed within time-to-hire standards. Support and prepare for panels, brief members on the process and their responsibilities. Requirements
Help Conditions of employment
U.S. Citizenship, U.S. National or lawful permanent residency is required Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration) Total salary varies depending on location of position May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period. Must be determined suitable for federal employment Required to participate in the direct deposit program This position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing Position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance The incumbent must adhere to DoD Standards of Conduct Position may require occasional travel away from your normal duty station for official business on military or commercial The incumbent may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays and/or overtime Qualifications
In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the requirements described below.
You may qualify at the GS-12 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates your ability to: 1) Develop and implement recruitment strategies for hard-to-fill positions, 2) Advise managers on staffing options, hiring flexibilities, pay setting, promotions, and other compensation-related matters, and 3) Use USA Staffing or other HR systems to manage the recruitment process. You may qualify at the GS-11 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates your ability to: 1) Develop and implement recruitment strategies for hard-to-fill positions and 2) Use USA Staffing or other HR systems to manage the recruitment process.
OR
Have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.
OR
Have a combination of specialized experience and education. You may qualify at the GS-10 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement: Have a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.
Education must have been completed in a college or university in the U.S. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts for verification)
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
All qualifications and education requirements must be met by the cut-off date for which you applied for and clearly documented in your resume.
Read more about what should I include in my federal resume at
https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include Education
THIS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM HAS AN EDUCATION REQUIREMENT.
To be eligible for this Fellowship Program, you MUST have a graduate degree (or higher) from an accredited college/university in the United States, in any field of study, that was earned no earlier than two (2) years prior to the acceptance into the program; OR will have earned a graduate degree from an accredited college/university in the United States, in any field of study, within six (6) months of acceptance into the program. Acceptance into the program is defined as the Fellow's Entry on Duty (EOD) date. For those who apply before the initial cut off date of 1/5/2026, the projected EOD date is in June 2026. IF YOU ARE RELYING ON EDUCATION TO MEET THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION: This position has an education requirement. You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Education must
The John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellowship Program is a 1-year Department of War (DoW) development program for recent advanced degree program graduates from across multiple academic disciplines. While these are temporary appointments, Fellows that successfully complete this program are eligible to be considered for conversion into permanent positions if vacancies are available. Help Accepting applications Open & closing dates 12/01/2025 to 09/30/2026 Salary: $77,001 - $131,826 per year Pay scale & grade: GS 10 - 12 Locations: Few vacancies in the following locations: Alexandria, VA Pentagon, Arlington, VA Remote job: No Telework eligible: Yesas determined by the agency policy. Travel Required: Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position. Relocation expenses reimbursed: No Appointment type: Temporary - 1 year Work schedule: Full-time Service: Excepted Job family (Series): 0201 Human Resources Management Supervisory status: No Security clearance: Secret Position sensitivity and risk: Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk Trust determination process: Suitability/Fitness National security Financial disclosure: No Bargaining unit status: No Announcement number: DE-12824786-26-MVP Control number: 851191800 This job is open to
Students: Current students enrolled in an accredited high school, college or graduate institution. Recent graduates: Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans. Clarification from the agency
This position is open to U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals and lawful permanent residents who have a graduate degree (or higher) from an accredited college/university in the U.S. no earlier than 2 years prior OR within 6 months after acceptance into the program. Acceptance into the program is the Fellow's Entry on Duty (EOD) date. There is no preferential authorities or provisions for veterans who apply to the McCain Fellowship. Duties
This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2026. The Department of War is seeking applicants for the John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellowship Program. The application period opens on December 1, 2025, with an initial cut off date of January 5, 2026. Applications received before 11:59pm on January 5, 2026 will be evaluated and assessed for current, available positions. Subsequent cutoff dates include March 5, 2026; May 5, 2026; July 6, 2026, and September 30, 2026. Qualified applicants that apply after the initial cut off date will be considered and referred if initial vacancies are not filled and if future vacancies become available. This Public Notice is to gather applications which may or may not result in a referral or selection. This position is being filled under Section 932 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019, and its later amendment Section 1113 of the NDAA Fiscal Year 2024. Assignments during the Fellows program are to an Excepted Service position either in the Office of the Secretary of War or other Department of War Components. Typical work assignments may include the following: Provide full-range human resources services, advice and guidance to management officials on all aspects of civilian personnel programs. Ensure that merit staffing principles are implemented and that processing of all staffing, recruitment, classification requests are legal, appropriate and completed within time-to-hire standards. Support and prepare for panels, brief members on the process and their responsibilities. Requirements
Help Conditions of employment
U.S. Citizenship, U.S. National or lawful permanent residency is required Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration) Total salary varies depending on location of position May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period. Must be determined suitable for federal employment Required to participate in the direct deposit program This position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing Position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance The incumbent must adhere to DoD Standards of Conduct Position may require occasional travel away from your normal duty station for official business on military or commercial The incumbent may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays and/or overtime Qualifications
In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the requirements described below.
You may qualify at the GS-12 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates your ability to: 1) Develop and implement recruitment strategies for hard-to-fill positions, 2) Advise managers on staffing options, hiring flexibilities, pay setting, promotions, and other compensation-related matters, and 3) Use USA Staffing or other HR systems to manage the recruitment process. You may qualify at the GS-11 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates your ability to: 1) Develop and implement recruitment strategies for hard-to-fill positions and 2) Use USA Staffing or other HR systems to manage the recruitment process.
OR
Have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.
OR
Have a combination of specialized experience and education. You may qualify at the GS-10 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement: Have a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.
Education must have been completed in a college or university in the U.S. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts for verification)
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
All qualifications and education requirements must be met by the cut-off date for which you applied for and clearly documented in your resume.
Read more about what should I include in my federal resume at
https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include Education
THIS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM HAS AN EDUCATION REQUIREMENT.
To be eligible for this Fellowship Program, you MUST have a graduate degree (or higher) from an accredited college/university in the United States, in any field of study, that was earned no earlier than two (2) years prior to the acceptance into the program; OR will have earned a graduate degree from an accredited college/university in the United States, in any field of study, within six (6) months of acceptance into the program. Acceptance into the program is defined as the Fellow's Entry on Duty (EOD) date. For those who apply before the initial cut off date of 1/5/2026, the projected EOD date is in June 2026. IF YOU ARE RELYING ON EDUCATION TO MEET THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION: This position has an education requirement. You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Education must