Human Resources Specialist (government)

Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas.

O*NET definition of Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071) · Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed.

Education workers say the job requires

Share of surveyed workers in Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071) naming each level as required to be hired, 41 respondents, O*NET survey August 2019. Each employer sets its own minimum.

To enter the occupation, human resources specialists typically need a bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or a related field.

From the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile “Human Resources Specialists”, published August 27, 2026 · Read the full profile. National guidance; each employer runs its own hiring process.

Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.

State government pay plans

Official pay ranges for the job classes that match Human Resources Specialist (government) in 28 state civil-service plans. They cover state employees only, not cities, counties or school districts.

Lowest class minimum to highest class maximum. Hourly rates are converted at 2,080 hours a year, and other rates at the plan's pay periods; the plans publish the exact rates. Classes are matched to this job by title (GovJobsWiki editorial rule).

Sources: 28 official state pay plans, linked in each row.

1. Interpret and explain human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations.4.7
2. Hire employees and process hiring-related paperwork.4.5
3. Maintain current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).4.4
4. Prepare or maintain employment records related to events, such as hiring, termination, leaves, transfers, or promotions, using human resources management system software.4.3
5. Address employee relations issues, such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other employee concerns.4.3
6. Inform job applicants of details such as duties and responsibilities, compensation, benefits, schedules, working conditions, or promotion opportunities.4.2
7. Review employment applications and job orders to match applicants with job requirements.4.2
8. Select qualified job applicants or refer them to managers, making hiring recommendations when appropriate.4.2
9. Schedule or conduct new employee orientations.4.1
10. Maintain and update human resources documents, such as organizational charts, employee handbooks or directories, or performance evaluation forms.4.0

The 10 most important of 19 core tasks for Human Resources Specialists, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of August 2019.