HR Assistant: Staffing, Onboarding & Records

Smithsonian Institution; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Transit/Commuter Benefits

Annual and Sick Leave

403b Retirement Plan

Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships

Job summary

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) in Cambridge, MA seeks a Human Resources Assistant to support staffing, data entry, and HR operations. The role focuses on maintaining personnel records and contributing to efficient HR workflows.

Key duties include handling onboarding, background investigations, and ensuring compliance with federal and Smithsonian policies while supporting personnel data integrity and confidential information handling.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized HR experience equivalent to the next lower grade level 6.
• Knowledge of Federal and Smithsonian Trust Fund policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to review and correct HR and pay actions.
• Knowledge of HR regulations and guidance to resolve personnel issues.
• Familiarity with personnel records and data entry; maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Process personnel actions in the HRMS and maintain electronic records.
• Coordinate vacancy postings, eligibility, and applicant inquiries.
• Oversee onboarding including verification, system entry, and orientation.
• Manage background investigations and security standards compliance.
• Develop SOPs to improve efficiency and compliance.
• Oversee HR emails and correspondence records.

Skills

Federal HR policies

Trust Fund policies

HR data entry

Recordkeeping

Analytical skills

Tools

Staff Database

National Finance Center payroll system

Job description

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) in Cambridge, MA seeks a Human Resources Assistant to support staffing, data entry, and HR operations. The role focuses on maintaining personnel records and contributing to efficient HR workflows.

Key duties include handling onboarding, background investigations, and ensuring compliance with federal and Smithsonian policies while supporting personnel data integrity and confidential information handling.