Classification Specialist

Kaiva Corp; Silver Spring (MD); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiva Tech, LLC in Silver Spring, MD is seeking a Classification Specialist to support FDA position classification practices in a hybrid work setting. You will develop and update PDs/SODs, perform position analyses, and maintain case files across FDA centers and offices, ensuring compliance with OPM standards.

The role requires collaboration with HR and program stakeholders, strong writing and analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple classification actions within government

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in federal position classification activities.
• Knowledge of OPM standards and federal classification principles.
• Experience developing PDs and SODs.
• Experience conducting position interviews and desk audits.
• Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Analyze and classify federal positions per OPM and FDA guidance.
• Develop, review, and update PDs and SODs for accuracy and compliance.
• Collaborate with managers and stakeholders to gather information and support planning.
• Conduct desk audits and interviews to validate duties.
• Prepare evaluation statements and supporting classification materials.
• Maintain complete case files per FDA/OPM requirements.
• Track actions, workload, and timelines; generate metrics.
• Participate in quality assurance to ensure timely, accurate outputs.
• Identify and escalate risks or delays impacting projects.
• Support process improvements to heighten efficiency and transparency.

Skills

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

Education

Bachelor's degree

3+ years federal classification experience

OPM standards knowledge

PDs/SODs development

Interviews/desk audits

Analytical skills

Communication skills

MS Office proficiency

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 escalation 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

• 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

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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