Human Resources Specialist (Recent Graduate)
About this role
The U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division, is hiring a Human Resources Specialist through the Pathways Recent Graduate Program at grades GS-7 and GS-9. You do not need a degree in Human Resources to apply: if selected, you will receive formal training, mentoring, and on-the-job experience while building a career in federal human resources. The role covers recruitment and staffing, personnel actions, HR data, and policy questions, with pay following the GS-7/9 federal scale and locality pay set at selection. Applications close October 30, 2026, and a USA Hire assessment is required.
This listing sits in our Government Jobs section and was posted on October 27, 2026. The role is based on site in Washington, DC, USA, so it suits candidates within commuting distance. On this page you will find the responsibilities, the requirements the employer is screening for, the benefits on offer, and a step-by-step route to submit your application.
Job snapshot
| Employer | U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division |
|---|---|
| Job title | Human Resources Specialist (Recent Graduate) |
| Location | Washington, DC, USA |
| Workplace | On-site |
| Job type | Full-time |
| Category | Government Jobs |
| Salary | See official listing |
| Posted | October 27, 2026 |
| Listing source | USAJOBS (DOJ listing, published Oct 23, 2026) |
What you will do day to day
Based on the employer's posting, a typical week in this position at U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division would centre on the following duties:
- Support the delivery of human resources services to employees, supervisors, and HR staff
- Research HR questions and help prepare recommendations consistent with laws and policies
- Prepare and update HR documents for personnel actions, organizational changes, and policy updates
- Collect, verify, enter, and maintain personnel information in automated HR systems
- Run reports supporting workforce planning, compliance, and decision-making
- Respond to customer inquiries and coordinate HR actions with internal stakeholders
What you will need
- U.S. citizenship and a qualifying degree or certificate completed within the past two years (or six years for eligible veterans)
- No degree in Human Resources required — applicants from many academic backgrounds are welcome
- Qualify at GS-07 with one year of specialized experience at GS-05 level, graduate education, or Superior Academic Achievement
- Qualify at GS-09 with one year of specialized experience at GS-07 level or a master-level education
- Pass a security/background investigation and drug screening
- Complete the USA Hire assessment within 48 hours of the closing date
This role suits a candidate who is comfortable with formal processes, documentation, and eligibility rules, and who values long-term stability and public service.
Pay and benefits
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division has not published a fixed salary range in this listing, which is common for roles where pay is set by experience, grade, or location. Check the official application page for the current pay details, and compare the benefits below when judging the overall package.
Benefits listed by the employer
- Federal GS-7/9 pay scale with locality pay
- Formal training, mentoring, and structured on-the-job learning
- Federal benefits including retirement, health insurance, and paid leave
- A Pathways Recent Graduate appointment with a clear federal career path
- Work at the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division
How to apply
- Read the requirements above carefully and check you meet the essentials — US employers screen against them closely.
- Update your résumé so the skills named in this listing are easy to find, using the same wording where it honestly matches your experience.
- Click the Apply button on this page. It takes you to the official listing (USAJOBS (DOJ listing, published Oct 23, 2026)), where applications are submitted directly to U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division.
- Complete every field of the official application and double-check your contact details before submitting.
- Keep a note of the posting date and job title so you can follow up politely if you have not heard back within two weeks.
Tips to strengthen your application
- Apply well before the closing date — government portals rarely grant extensions.
- Answer every questionnaire item and align your résumé wording with the announcement.
- Check citizenship, clearance, and education requirements before investing time.
- Federal résumés can be longer than private-sector ones; include hours, grades, and duties in detail.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an HR degree?
No — you do not need a degree in Human Resources to apply, and applicants from many academic backgrounds are encouraged.
When does the announcement close?
The announcement closes at 11:59 PM ET on October 30, 2026.
How do I apply for the Human Resources Specialist (Recent Graduate) position?
Use the Apply button on this page — it opens the official listing on USAJOBS (DOJ listing, published Oct 23, 2026), where you submit your application directly to U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division. US Jobs Hub never charges job seekers and does not collect applications itself.
Where is this job located?
This position is listed for Washington, DC, USA and is a On-site role. Confirm the exact workplace address on the official listing.