HR Classification Specialist

West 4th Strategy; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 115,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

West 4th Strategy seeks an experienced HR Classification Specialist to support FTC HCMO in Washington, DC. You will provide expert federal position classification across General Schedule, SES, and SL levels, develop PDs, conduct desk audits, and advise leadership on complex classification issues.

The role involves producing classification packages, supporting agency-wide updates, and ensuring data integrity while handling sensitive information.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience applying federal classification standards and position management principles.
• Experience with SES and SL classification requirements.
• Experience classifying positions at all grade levels and job families.

Responsibilities

• Conducts classification evaluations for General Schedule, SES, SL, and other federal positions
• Develops new or revised position descriptions, evaluation statements, and related records
• Conducts desk audits, interviews, and position management reviews, including requests for accretion of duties
• Produces classification packages including PD narratives, OF8 cover sheets, FLSA determinations, and coding recommendations
• Supports classification projects such as agency wide PD updates and classification standard application reviews
• Provides expert consultation on complex HR issues, including SES/SL and political position classification, for staff who lack sufficient training or OJT experience
• Offers recommendations for workforce planning, position management, and organizational alignment
• Assists HCMO in building internal capacity through collaboration with trained but less experienced classification staff
• Maintains data integrity and secure handling of sensitive personnel information

Skills

Federal classification

SES/SL experience

Position management

Policy drafting

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

HR Classification Specialist

ROLE

We need an experienced HR Classification Specialist to support the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Human Capital Management Office (HCMO) in Washington, DC. In this role, you will provide expert federal position classification and position management services across all position levels, including General Schedule, SES, and SL positions. You will conduct classification evaluations, develop position descriptions and evaluation statements, perform desk audits and position management reviews, and advise HCMO leadership on complex classification issues including executive resources. This is a full‑time opportunity contingent upon contract award. We can offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts classification evaluations for General Schedule, SES, SL, and other federal positions
• Develops new or revised position descriptions, evaluation statements, and related records
• Conducts desk audits, interviews, and position management reviews, including requests for accretion of duties
• Produces classification packages including PD narratives, OF8 cover sheets, FLSA determinations, and coding recommendations
• Supports classification projects such as agency wide PD updates and classification standard application reviews
• Provides expert consultation on complex HR issues, including SES/SL and political position classification, for staff who lack sufficient training or OJT experience
• Offers recommendations for workforce planning, position management, and organizational alignment
• Assists HCMO in building internal capacity through collaboration with trained but less experienced classification staff
• Maintains data integrity and secure handling of sensitive personnel information

REQUIRED EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE / SKILLS

• 10+ years of experience applying federal classification standards and position management principles, including:
• Demonstrated experience with SES and SL classification requirements — the primary screen for this role
• Experience classifying positions at all grade levels and job families
• Experience drafting policies, SOPs, and applying OPM classification standards
• Working knowledge of the Classifier’s Handbook and Occupational Group Handbooks
• Working knowledge of 5 U.S.C. Chapter 51 and 5 CFR Parts 214, 511, and 551
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to maintain secure handling of sensitive personnel information

LOCATION

• Washington, DC 20580 — FTC Headquarters, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW; on‑site, with telework used at FTC’s discretion

CLEARANCE

• No security clearance required
• Must pass a federal background investigation and be eligible for a PIV card under HSPD-12
• Must be a U.S. Citizen; must have resided in the U.S. for three of the past five years and be registered with Selective Service, where applicable

CLIENT

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Human Capital Management Office (HCMO)

WORK HOURS

• 40 hours per week
• 8 hours per working day

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION

• Employment Classification Eligibility — W2

COMPENSATION

• Salary range: $115,000 – $122,000 per year
• Benefits: Benefits package includes options for health, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401k contribution options

West 4th Strategy is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, marital status, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, pregnancy, political affiliation, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law.

Other Considerations:

Contract award is required before this position can be filled. Selected candidates must pass a federal background investigation and obtain PIV eligibility prior to entry on duty; required security forms are due no less than 15 business days before the start date. Individual’s primary workstation is located in an office area. The noise level in this environment is low to moderate. Regularly required to sit for extended periods up to 80% of the time; frequently required to move about to access file cabinets and use office equipment such as PC, copier, fax, telephone, cell phone, etc. Occasionally required to reach overhead, bend, and lift objects of up to 10 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the use of computer monitor screens up to 80% of the time.