Classification Specialist

Kaiva Corp•Silver Spring, MD

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Classification Specialist provides professional human resources classification support services to assist the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in eliminating classification backlogs, ensuring accurate and compliant position descriptions, and supporting strategic workforce planning initiatives. The incumbent applies expert knowledge of federal classification principles, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) standards, and agency-specific requirements to develop, review, evaluate, and classify a broad range of positions across FDA Centers, Offices, and Programs. Working closely with management officials, human resources professionals, and program stakeholders, the Position Classification Specialist conducts position analyses, develops classification documentation, supports desk audits, and maintains comprehensive case files while ensuring compliance with applicable federal regulations and policies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience performing federal position classification activities.
Working knowledge of OPM position classification standards, federal classification principles, and human capital regulations.
Experience developing and evaluating federal Position Descriptions (PDs) and Statements of Duties (SODs).
Experience conducting position interviews, fact-finding activities, or desk audits.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Federal Position Classification
Position Description Development
Workforce Planning Support
Regulatory Compliance
Position Management Analysis
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Stakeholder Engagement
Technical Writing
Data Analysis and Reporting
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), FDA, or another federal civilian agency.
Experience classifying positions across multiple occupational series and pay systems.
Knowledge of federal workforce planning and organizational design principles.
Experience maintaining electronic case management or personnel systems.
Project support experience within a government contracting environment.

Responsibilities

Analyze and classify federal positions in accordance with OPM standards, FDA guidance, and applicable regulations.
Develop, review, and update Position Descriptions (PDs) and Statements of Duties (SODs) to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with organizational needs.
Collaborate with managers, HR personnel, and stakeholders to gather information, provide classification guidance, and support workforce planning efforts.
Conduct desk audits, position interviews, and related fact-finding activities to validate duties and support classification determinations.
Prepare evaluation statements, classification documentation, and supporting materials for classification actions, reviews, and appeals.
Maintain complete and accurate classification case files in accordance with FDA, HHS, and OPM requirements.
Track classification actions, workload status, and processing timelines, and prepare reports and metrics as required.
Participate in quality assurance activities to ensure classification products are accurate, compliant, and delivered within established timelines.
Identify and escalate risks, issues, or delays that may affect project performance or service delivery.
Support continuous process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness of classification operations.