Classification Specialist

Kaiva Tech, LLC; Silver Spring (MD); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiva Tech, LLC in Silver Spring, MD seeks a Classification Specialist to support FDA position classification, PD/SOD development, and workforce planning. The role requires applying OPM standards, FDA guidance, and regulatory knowledge to classify federal positions across Centers, Offices, and Programs.

The ideal candidate will conduct desk audits, interviews, and analyses, maintain case files, track workflows, and contribute to process improvements while delivering accurate, timely

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three years of federal position classification experience.
• Experience with OPM standards, FDA guidance, and federal regulations.
• Experience developing and evaluating federal PDs and SODs.
• Experience conducting position interviews, fact-finding activities, or desk audits.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and classify federal positions per OPM standards and FDA guidance.
• Develop, review, and update PDs and SODs.
• Collaborate with managers and stakeholders on classification needs.
• Conduct desk audits and fact-finding activities.
• Prepare evaluation statements and supporting materials.
• Maintain classification case files and track processing timelines.
• Produce reports and metrics on workload and actions.
• Identify risks and support process improvements.

Skills

Regulatory Compliance

Quality Assurance

Stakeholder Engagement

Technical Writing

Data Analysis and Reporting

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Kaiva Tech, LLC is seeking a Classification Specialist for a Hybrid position (Silver Spring, MD)

Clearance: Must possess the ability to obtain up to Public Trust clearance.

Job Summary:

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

Essential Duties and 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 elevate 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.

Required Education and Experience:

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.

Required Skills:

Regulatory Compliance

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Stakeholder Engagement

Technical Writing

Data Analysis and Reporting

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

Desired Experience:

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.

Working Conditions:

This position requires the ability to manage multiple classification actions simultaneously while meeting established service-level expectations and government timelines. Work is primarily performed in a professional office or remote environment and may require participation in virtual or in-person meetings, interviews, and desk audits.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Kaiva Tech, LLC reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, where applicable and available, reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of this position.

Kaiva Tech is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran status