Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment), IS-0201-09

Smithsonian Institution•Cambridge, MA

17d•$69,905 - $90,882•Onsite

About The Position

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is seeking a Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment) to provide recruitment and placement services. This role involves advising managers and applicants on recruitment procedures, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and supporting various recruitment activities. Assignments are developmental, with guidance provided for complex recruitment actions. The incumbent will serve as a Recruitment Administrator in the Human Resources Department, offering end-to-end recruitment and placement services for both Federal and Trust positions.

Requirements

One year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity at least at the grade 7 level. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular qualifications to perform successfully the duties of the position, and this is typically in or related to the work of the position.
Knowledge of the laws pertaining to entry of foreign specialists on permanent resident and temporary visas.
Intermediate knowledge of Federal position classification, and techniques for developing position descriptions.
Intermediate knowledge of Federal staffing regulations and procedures, private sector recruiting techniques, and the use of special recruiting strategies for hard-to-fill positions.
Knowledge of the principles, practices and regulations governing employee relations, benefits, and training.
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., if related.
Ability to conduct or assist with job analyses and apply rating factors to assess applicant qualifications.
Knowledge of EEO and OFCCP requirements related to recruitment and outreach.
Skill in using applicant tracking systems (ATS) and sourcing tools; experience with USA Staffing is desirable.
Skill in oral and written communication to prepare vacancy announcements, correspondence, and reports.
Ability to interpret and apply staffing regulations, hiring authorities, and standard HR procedures to recruitment and placement actions.
Ability to analyze position descriptions and assist in determining appropriate qualification and rating criteria.
Must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
Must pass a pre-employment background check and subsequent background investigation.
Must complete a probationary period if applicable.
Must maintain a bank account for direct deposit/electronic transfer.
Eligible to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Experience with USA Staffing is desirable.

Responsibilities

Provides end-to-end recruitment and placement services for Federal and Trust positions, including preparing vacancy announcements, reviewing applications, and making qualification determinations.
Advises managers and supervisors on recruitment procedures, qualification standards, and appropriate sources of candidates.
Screens resumes and applications, coordinates interview coordination, and assists in preparing and extending job offers in consultation with management.
Maintains communication with applicants throughout the recruitment process and ensures timely updates and follow-up.
Maintains communication with hiring managers throughout the recruitment process and ensures timely updates and follow-up.
Provides regular communications to the COO and SAO leadership on active recruitments.
Maintains and updates vacancy information in the applicant tracking system (ATS); prepares basic reports on recruitment activity.
Participates in workforce planning discussions to understand upcoming recruitment needs.
Assists in outreach and diversity recruitment efforts to strengthen applicant pools.
Supports activities related to SAO’s employment brand, including advertising campaigns, website postings, and recruitment events.
Learns to apply strategies for recruiting scientific, technical, and hard-to-fill positions under supervision.
Assists in developing and presenting training sessions on recruitment procedures and applicant tracking systems.
Provides support for temporary staffing vendor coordination and contributes to evaluating vendor effectiveness.
Assists in identifying process improvements and efficiencies in recruitment operations.
Advises management on recruitment strategies, hiring authorities, and position management to attract and retain a high-quality workforce.
Prepares vacancy announcements using USA Staffing or equivalent systems, ensuring alignment with classification standards and merit system principles.
Reviews job analyses and position descriptions to determine appropriate qualification requirements and rating criteria.
Evaluates applicant qualifications using OPM standards and makes eligibility determinations for competitive and excepted service positions.
Issues certificates of eligibles and coordinates with selecting officials to ensure timely and merit-based selections.
Provides guidance to hiring managers on special hiring authorities (e.g., Veterans Recruitment Appointment, Schedule A, Direct Hire).
Coordinates onboarding activities, including tentative and final job offers, pay setting, and entrance-on-duty processing.
Conducts audits of recruitment actions to ensure compliance with federal regulations, agency policies, and DEU procedures.
Participates in workforce planning initiatives, analyzing staffing trends and recommending solutions to address skill gaps.
Drafts standard operating procedures, desk guides, and training materials to support hiring managers and HR colleagues.
Performs other duties as assigned.