Federal
HR Specialist (Payroll & Benefits)
Federal Communications Commission Β· Other Agencies and Independent Organizations
About This Position
This position is in the Payroll Benefits Service Center (PBSC), Human Resources Management (HRM), Office of Managing Director (OMD), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) located in Washington, DC. THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL POSITIONS WITHIN 90 DAYS. RELOCATION EXPENSES ARE NOT AUTHORIZED.
Qualifications
Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. Applicants must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. IN ORDER TO BE DEEMED AS QUALIFIED, CANDIDATES MAY QUALIFY BY VIRTUE OF EDUCATION, SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE OR A COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE. GS-9 A. EDUCATION 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 B. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE In order to be deemed as qualified, candidates must have one year of specialized experience which is equivalent to the GS-7 grade level in the federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience: 1. Processing routine and complex federal personnel actions, payroll documents, and benefits forms, including retirements. 2. Using HR systems including National Finance Center (NFC), electronic retirement system(s), electronic official personnel file (eOPF) system, electronic time and attendance system(s). 3. Anticipating problems and providing solutions to payroll, benefits, and processing errors/issues. 4. Handling military pay and leave inquiries. OR C. Combination of both education and experience. GS-11 A. EDUCATION 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 B. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE In order to be deemed as qualified, candidates must have one year of specialized experience which is equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience: 1. Independently processing routine and complex personnel actions, payroll documents, and benefits forms, including retirements. 2. Conducting informational presentations and providing consultation to new and current employees on FEHB, FEDVIP, FEGLI, and TSP programs. 3. Independently conducting retirement annuity estimates and processes civilian and military deposit requests. 4. Developing and delivering informational briefings and training materials on payroll and benefits programs, whether federal or non-federal. 5. Using HR systems and granting access to HR systems including National Finance Center (NFC), electronic retirement system(s), electronic official personnel file (eOPF) system, electronic time and attendance system(s). OR C. Combination of both education and experience. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: 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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Major Duties
Independently processes routine and complex personnel actions, payroll documents, and benefits forms, including retirements, Death cases, Service Computation Date (SCD) adjustments to include applicable leave accrual adjustments, FEHB/FEGLI elections, final lump-sum payments, child support cases, and transfer-in of pay, leave, and benefits. Reviews, corrects suspense errors, and validates personnel actions and corrective actions for accuracy and timeliness in accordance with OPM, NFC, and FCC requirements. Conducts retirement annuity computations and process civilian and military deposit requests. Handles all inquiries related to military leave, processing of military orders, and military pay differential requests in compliance with applicable regulations. Conducts informational presentations and provides consultation to new and current employees on FEHB, FEDVIP, FEGLI, FLTCIP, and TSP programs. Advises employees on coverage options during qualifying life events and validates/certifies enrollment eligibility. Handles the Payroll and Benefits Service Center (PBSC) with Open Season activities, reaches out to health care provides to attend in-person and virtual health fairs, retirement seminars, and financial literacy webinars. Develops and delivers informational briefings and training materials on payroll and benefits programs. Serves as the ASO, and point of contact for NFC debt management, including bills and waiver requests. Research and resolves payroll and leave discrepancies, processes manual payments, garnishments, child support claims, back pay for settlement agreements, conduct leave audits, and retroactive salary adjustments.
Conditions of Employment
CURRENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST SUBMIT AN SF-50 TO DOCUMENT ONE YEAR OF TIME IN GRADE. ALL FCC EMPLOYEES MUST provide a legible Personnel Action, SF-50, that verifies your status and highest permanently held grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted, the application will be rated as ineligible. To request a copy of your SF-50 please send an email to [email protected]
How You Will Be Evaluated
Optional Four Essay Questions At the time of application, applicants have the option of answering the following four short, free-response essay questions. 1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience. 2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes. 3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired. 4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position. Applicants will be required to certify that they are using their own words, and did not use a consultant or AI (such as a large language model [LLM]). The responses to each question cannot exceed 200 words per question. At the time of application you are required to take an external skills-based assessment which is based upon government-wide recognized competencies and consistent with OPM Merit Hiring Plan requirements and the Chance to Compete Act. Should you receive a passing score of 70 or higher, your application will be reviewed by HR to determine if you meet the OPM qualification requirements for this position. COMPETENCIES Work requires comprehensive technical knowledge of HR payroll and benefits regulations. Ability to apply OPM retirement handbooks, BALs, OPM benefits guidance, FRTIB rules, Title 5 USC/CFR, NFC manuals, and court order regulations to independent casework. Ability to interpret conflicting documentation, evaluate service credit, calculate deposits, provide advisory counseling, and prepare comprehensive written determinations. Communication skill is required to brief employees and supervisors and to translate complex regulatory frameworks into understandable formats. Ability to conduct retirement annuity computations and process civilian and military deposit requests. Ability to conduct informational presentations and provides consultation to new and current employees on federal or non-federal benefit programs. You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Additional Information
EEO Policy Statement Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement Veterans Information Legal and Regulatory Guidance Other: - Before hiring, an agency will ask you to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. The agency will also ask you to sign and certify the accuracy of all the information in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be fined or jailed. If you are a male over age 18 who was born after December 31, 1959, you must have registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to be eligible for a Federal job. - If applicable, you will be required to serve a trial period of one year. - In order for you to be employed at the FCC, there are certain Commission and Federal laws governing the financial interests of you and members of your immediate family. If selected for the position, you must submit a financial disclosure statement upon assuming the position. DEU What is the Rule of Many If you ask to be considered under DEU, the FCC adheres to the Rule of Many. The Rule of Many means that more than one applicant can be referred to the hiring manager, not just the top few, nor will candidates be placed into scored qualification categories (i.e. Best Qualified, Fully Qualified, Minimally Qualified). Everyone who meets minimum qualifications and scores 70 or higher may be referred, even if many applicants qualify. There is no fixed limit on how many people can be referred. What this Means for Applicants You do not need to be the highest scorer You must meet the qualification criteria and receive a score of 70 or above Multiple applicants can be considered fairly Selection is based on overall qualifications, not just test scores Merit Promotion If you ask to be considered under Merit Promotion, you will be considered in accordance with the agency's merit promotion plan and union agreement. Time in grade restrictions apply. Under Merit Promotion procedures, applicants must meet the qualifications criteria and receive a score of 70 or above in order to be deemed as Best Qualified. Candidates who ask to be considered non-competitively also only have to receive a score of 70.
How to Apply
To apply to this announcement go to the website: https://www.usajobs.gov/Search/Results?a=FC00&k=Federal%20Communications%20Commission As outlined in the "Required Documents Details" section of the announcement, resumes must meet be no longer than two pages in length and must meet the resume formatting requirements. Your application, including resume, all supplemental documents, registration information and answers to job specific questions must be received no later than midnight U.S. Eastern time of the closing date. For more information on applying federal jobs, please check this webpage: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/process If applying online poses a hardship, you may contact either the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement or you may contact the Monster Government Solutions help desk (prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement) via e-mail at [email protected] or you may reach them directly at 866-656-6831. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm EST. Qualified applicants may be further reviewed and rated by Subject Matter Experts to determine the validity of on-line question. The Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) are programs designed to afford selection priority to well-qualified Federal employees who meet the definition of a βsurplusβ or βdisplacedβ employee. To be eligible for consideration under CTAP you must meet all of the following criteria: 1) Be a current FCC employee who has received an official notice stating that your position is no longer needed, or that you will be separated by reduction in force (RIF); 2) Have a current performance rating of at least "fully successful" or equivalent as substantiated by the submitted/uploaded performance appraisal. This must be submitted with your application package; 3) Occupy a position in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; 4) Apply for a specific vacancy at or below your current grade level with no greater promotion potential than your current position; 5) Meet the application deadline in the announcement; and 6) Be deemed as "qualified" by meeting all of the required qualification criteria. To be eligible for consideration under ICTAP, you must be a displaced Federal employee and have a current duty station within the local commuting area of this vacancy. You must submit a copy of the appropriate documentation such as a RIF separation notice, a letter from OPM or your agency documenting your priority consideration status with your application package. The following categories of candidates are considered displaced Employees: Current or former career or career-conditional (tenure group I or II) competitive service employees who: Received a specific RIF separation notice; or Separated because of a compensable injury, whose compensation has been terminated, and whose former agency certifies that it is unable to place; or Retired with a disability and whose disability annuity has been or is being terminated; or Upon receipt of a RIF separation notice retired on the effective date of the RIF and submits a Standard Form 50 that indicates "Retirement in lieu of RIF", or Retired under the discontinued service retirement option, or Separated because he/she declined a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area. The additional following types of candidates are considered displaced Employees: Military/National Guard Technician--you were a Military Reserve or National Guard Technician and now receive a special OPM disability retirement annuity. To be eligible for consideration under ICTAP you must: 1) Have a current performance rating of at least "fully successful" or equivalent; 2) Occupy (or have been separated from) a position in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; 3) Apply for a specific vacancy at or below the grade level you are being (or have been) separated from that does not have greater promotion potential than your last position; 4) Meet the application deadline; and 5) Be deemed as "qualified" by meeting all of the required qualification criteria. NOTE: To be considered for an announced vacancy in the area of consideration within which the employee is eligible to compete, the employee must apply online using the Commission's automated recruitment system. Employees must submit all necessary application materials identified in the announcement by the specified closing date.
Required Documents
Merit Hiring Plan Resume Requirements In compliance with Executive Order 14170, Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service resumes must not be longer than two pages in length. The resume must address minimum qualifications and other requirements listed in the job announcement. Resumes must include all of the following information outlined below: Contact Information Name and how best to contact you, including email address and phone number. Relevant Work Experience Job Title and Employer (including series and grade for any Federal positions) Start and end dates with month/year (e.g., 05/2019 β08/2022) The number of hours you worked per week Ensure work experience descriptions are aligned with the job announcement and address all required qualifications. Brief descriptions should demonstrate your ability to perform the tasks at the required level as stated in the job announcement. Resumes must be formatted as outlined above. If the two page resume criteria and/or the resume formatting requirement is not met candidates will be rated as ineligible and will not be referred for hiring consideration. The FCC is providing the following applicant resume resources: Applicant Guidance on the Two-Page Resume Limit USAjobs-How to Write a Federal Resume Your resume must clearly document how you meet the specialized experience in order to meet the minimum qualification requirements for this vacancy. Some positions require supplemental document(s). All required supporting documents MUST be received by midnight U.S. Eastern Time of the closing date of the announcement, as specified in this announcement. If you do not submit a required document (e.g. transcripts, etc.) your application will be considered incomplete and you will not receive further consideration. Once you apply to this vacancy you will be prompted by the system to upload the documents. If you are unable to upload the required documentation, contact the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement prior to 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. Electronic Supplemental Documents Required: 1. When the area of consideration is "Government-Wide" (Merit Promotion) current Federal employees, including those eligible for noncompetitive transfer or reassignment, must provide an electronic copy of Personnel Action, SF-50, that verifies your status and highest permanently held grade. 2. If applying for consideration under a non-competitive appointment such as Schedule A, Excepted Service, all documentation establishing your non-competitive eligibility must be provided. 3. Veterans MUST upload and submit a Member 4 DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" or a "Statement of Active Service". The type of discharge must be annotated. Disabled veterans MUST upload and submit the VA letter and/or Schedule A letter which demonstrates the overall percentage of disability. Any/all documentation verifying or confirming veterans preference or non-competitive eligibility as a veteran must be uploaded and submitted electronically at the time of application. If veterans preference is claimed but the appropriate documentation is not provided to substantiate the veterans preference claim, the veterans status will be adjusted to reflect "non-veteran". 4. College Transcripts (For Positive Education Required positions and if qualifying based on education and or experience and education.), if applicable. For positions which require education as a qualifying factor, transcripts MUST BE SUBMITTED. If the transcript is not submitted, the application will be rated as ineligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the HR Specialist (Payroll & Benefits) position at Federal Communications Commission?
The salary range for this position is $70,623 - $111,087/yr. This is a GS-09/11 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the HR Specialist (Payroll & Benefits) job located?
This position is located in District of Columbia, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. Applicants must meet eligibility and qua...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Mar 2, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does GS-09/11 mean?
GS-09/11 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.