EQUAL EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. GS-09: The primary purpose of this position is: This is a developmental position with known promotion potential to the target position of 8N9GA43 (Equal Employment Specialist, GS-0260-11). Incumbent works closely with the supervisor in performing duties identified in the full performance standard core personnel document/core document. Continued in Duties Section.

Duties

• Continued from Summary Section: GS-11: The primary purpose of this position is: To process a variety of difficult and complex Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Military Equal Opportunity (MEO) cases requiring thorough and detailed knowledge of program methods and techniques used in fact-finding, analysis, and resolution. Identifies equal opportunity problems and develops concrete recommendations for actions to resolve complex problems. Provides a wide variety of advice regarding processes, rights and responsibilities, unusual complaint processing, and mediation, facilitation, and/or other conflict resolution services to military members, civilian employees, supervisors, and management. Duties, GS-09 and GS-11: As an Equal Opportunity Specialist in an AF Equal Opportunity (EO) function, processes inquiries into complex and difficult informal and formal complaints; observes the distinct policies and procedures required for civilian and military personnel. Determines training requirements and organizes classes and seminars for all counselors and supervisory personnel on a periodic basis to maintain current and full understanding of the latest directives from higher headquarters. Uses Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including mediation, facilitation, other dispute resolution techniques, and/or a combination of techniques for assigned workplace disputes which are complex, require determination of multiple cause and effect relationships, and involve concerned parties who are reluctant to cooperate. Conducts Unit Climate Assessments (UCA) and prepares and submits reports with recommendations; plans or participates in planning the UCAs.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions, GS-0260 Series. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE, GS-09: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes 1) Applying knowledge of the principles, concepts, legal requirements, and methodology of the federal EEO and MEO programs program to perform independent assignments involving civilian employees and military members for which there are precedents. 2) Providing knowledge of common federal personnel administration regulations, principles, policies, operations, and practices for civilian personnel programs including special emphasis employment and the military personnel system. 3) Using knowledge of the organizational structures and functions of federal agencies, both civilian and military. 4) Providing knowledge body of law, regulations, and procedures to describe and clarify these for management, supervisors, employees, military members, parties to complaints, and the public. 5) Providing advice regarding referral and support services. 6) Advising management officials on various affirmative actions, special emphasis, and complaint processing programs. 7) Communicating orally and in writing to make presentations, conduct training seminars, negotiate settlements, and write proposed decisions in complaint cases. 8) Establishing effective working relationships with managers, supervisors, specialists, and employees including military personnel outside of the immediate work area and the public representing a variety of backgrounds and differences. OR EDUCATION: Successfully completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B or J.D., in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position. NOTE: You must submit a copy of official transcripts with your application. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of specialized experience and education as described above. This education was received from an accredited University, College, etc. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs), GS-09: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of federal equal employment opportunity program laws, regulations, principles, concepts, UCMJ articles, Executive Orders, Presidential Proclamations, court decisions, methodology, and complaint processing for civilian employees and military members. Knowledge of regulations, laws, policies, and procedures pertaining to the dispute systems and the processes involved with negotiated appeal and grievance procedures, equal employment opportunity (EEO) discrimination complaints, military equal opportunity (MEO) complaints, disciplinary and adverse action procedures, and the current trends and developments associated with alternate dispute resolution (ADR) to include mediation. Knowledge of the specifics of some federal personnel administration regulations, principles, policies, operations, and practices for civilian personnel programs including special emphasis employment; the military personnel system; and the structure and functions of federal agencies. Skill in fact-finding and analysis of a variety of facts and opinions concerning controversial complex issues by determining meaning, relevancy, and significance of a large body of complex and interrelated pieces of information from many sources to include identification of interests of disputing parties, weighing evidence, identifying problems, making conclusions and recommendations, and reporting and presenting findings. Skill in advising and counseling on EEO and MEO programs, compliance and enforcement, and requiring the interpretation and explanation of a body of laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and practices. Ability to establish effective working relationships with managers, supervisors, specialists, employees, and military members and persons outside of the agency such as equal opportunity specialists and community organization representatives. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE, GS-11: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include 1) Applying knowledge of federal equal employment opportunity program laws, regulations, principles, concepts, UCMJ articles, Executive Orders, Presidential Proclamations, court decisions, methodology, and complaint processing for civilian employees and military members. 2) Providing knowledge of regulations, laws, policies, and procedures pertaining to the dispute systems and the processes involved with negotiated appeal and grievance procedures, equal employment opportunity (EEO) discrimination complaints, military equal opportunity (MEO) complaints, disciplinary and adverse action procedures, and the current trends and developments associated with alternate dispute resolution (ADR) to include mediation.3) Administering knowledge of the specifics of some federal personnel administration regulations, principles, policies, operations,and practices for civilian personnel programs including special emphasis employment; the military personnel system; and the structure and functions of federal agencies. 4) Fact-finding and analyzing a variety of facts and opinions concerning controversial complex issues by determining meaning, relevancy, and significance of a large body of complex and interrelated pieces of information from many sources to include identification of interests of disputing parties, weighing evidence, identifying problems, making conclusions and recommendations, and reporting and presenting findings. 5) Advising and counseling on EEO and MEO programs, compliance, and enforcement, and requiring the interpretation and explanation of a body of laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and practices. 6) Establishing effective working relationships with managers, supervisors, specialists, employees, military members and persons outside of the agency such as equal opportunity specialists and community organization representatives. OR EDUCATION: Successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. Education must be directly related to the position to be filled and obtained in an accredited college or university. Note: You must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of specialized experience and education as described above. This education was received from an accredited University, College, etc. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs), GS-11: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of basic principles of the Equal Employment Specialist or related field. Skill in communicating factual and procedural information clearly, orally and in writing. Ability to learn basic techniques of the Equal Employment Specialist. Ability to analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions. Ability to plan and organize work, and consult effectively with co-workers.

Education

Qualifications Continued: FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in­-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education: IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. ********************ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ACTIVE DUTY SERVICES MEMBERS******************** ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD-Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander. Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt

How to apply

Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before starting the application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/09/2026, closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13053834 Click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date, 09/09/2026. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume. 5. A complete Application Questionnaire 6. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. 7. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here 8. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBs you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. 9. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. 10. Review all instructions prior to beginning your Assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. 11. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. 12. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources, click here To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Click here Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.