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Merit System Services Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

C Evans Consulting

HR Specialist I

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

... recruitment services in support of U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) human resources offices ... Ensure all staffing actions comply with merit system principles, 5 CFR, and applicable DOD and ...

Maximus

Journeyman System Administrator

VA · On-site +1

Our work focuses on sustaining, operating, and improving essential government systems and services ... and merit systems, as well as internal pay alignment. Annual salary is just one component of ...

Maximus

Journeyman System Administrator

VA · On-site +1

Our work focuses on sustaining, operating, and improving essential government systems and services ... and merit systems, as well as internal pay alignment. Annual salary is just one component of ...

Merit Restorations

Project Director

Lynchburg, VA · Hybrid

Best service. Extraordinary experiences. Every decision at Merit runs through the same value ... Everything we build-systems, training, markets, scoreboards, structure-exists to reinforce one aim ...

Merit Restorations

Project Director

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

Best service. Extraordinary experiences. Every decision at Merit runs through the same value ... Everything we build-systems, training, markets, scoreboards, structure-exists to reinforce one aim ...

Merit Restorations

Project Director

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

Best service. Extraordinary experiences. Every decision at Merit runs through the same value ... Everything we build--systems, training, markets, scoreboards, structure--exists to reinforce one ...

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Merit System Services information

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$49

$81

How much do merit system services jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for merit system services in Virginia is $49.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.77 and $61.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Merit System Services?

Merit System Services (MSS) is an organization that assists public agencies, especially in California, with the administration of personnel services such as recruitment, testing, and hiring in compliance with merit-based principles. MSS primarily supports county human services departments to ensure their employment practices are fair, open, and competitive. The goal of Merit System Services is to promote equal opportunity and to maintain the integrity of the hiring process for public sector jobs. They provide technical expertise, standardized procedures, and oversight to help agencies hire qualified candidates while complying with federal and state regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Merit System Services role?

To thrive in a Merit System Services position, you need knowledge of civil service laws and procedures, strong analytical abilities, and typically a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with applicant tracking systems, HRIS software, and standardized testing or selection tools is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and ethical judgment help candidates excel in managing recruitment, selection, and compliance functions. These skills ensure fair, transparent, and efficient public sector hiring processes that uphold merit-based standards.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working in Merit System Services, and how can they be addressed?

Employees in Merit System Services often navigate complex regulations and standardized hiring processes to ensure fair and equitable employment practices. A common challenge is staying current with evolving civil service laws and procedural updates, which can impact recruitment and promotion activities. To address these challenges, it’s helpful to participate in ongoing training sessions, collaborate closely with legal and HR teams, and maintain clear, organized documentation. Building strong communication channels within your team and with partner agencies can also streamline workflows and ensure compliance.

What does the merit system do?

The merit system in employment ensures that hiring, promotion, and other personnel decisions are based on qualifications, skills, and performance rather than favoritism or political influence. It promotes fairness and objectivity in government and public sector jobs by establishing standardized testing, evaluations, and eligibility criteria.

What are popular job titles related to Merit System Services jobs in Virginia?

For Merit System Services jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Merit System Services jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Merit System Services jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Merit System Services jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Merit System Services job openings:

Merit System Services jobs near you

Talent Management Specialist

Arlington, VA • On-site

FEDERAL MANAGEMENT PARTNERS INC
See more jobs at FEDERAL MANAGEMENT PARTNERS INCexternal

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

The Talent Management Specialist independently provides comprehensive staffing and recruitment support throughout the federal hiring lifecycle. Serving as a trusted advisor to management officials, this position ensures recruitment actions are executed efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations, merit system principles, and agency hiring policies. The role supports workforce planning, recruitment strategy development, candidate assessment, hiring operations, onboarding activities, and workforce reporting.
Key Responsibilities
Recruitment & Staffing Advisory Services
  • Advise management officials on federal recruitment and staffing strategies to meet workforce needs.
  • Provide guidance on hiring authorities, recruitment flexibilities, and workforce planning initiatives.
  • Consult with hiring managers regarding position requirements, recruitment approaches, and candidate qualification standards.
  • Recommend appropriate hiring methods, including Delegated Examining (DEU), Merit Promotion, Direct Hire Authority, and special hiring programs.
  • Support student employment, internship, Pathways, and recent graduate hiring programs.

Federal Hiring Operations
  • Conduct job analyses to identify critical duties, competencies, and qualification requirements.
  • Develop and post vacancy announcements through USA Staffing and USAJOBS.
  • Create assessment questionnaires and applicant evaluation criteria.
  • Develop crediting plans and rating methodologies consistent with federal staffing regulations.
  • Review and evaluate applications to determine eligibility and qualifications.
  • Apply veterans' preference and other statutory hiring requirements.
  • Prepare and issue referral certificates to selecting officials.
  • Coordinate selection documentation and hiring determinations.

Candidate Assessment & Qualification Review
  • Evaluate candidate qualifications against OPM qualification standards and agency requirements.
  • Verify specialized experience, education, certifications, and eligibility criteria.
  • Review merit promotion eligibility, time-in-grade requirements, and qualification determinations.
  • Ensure hiring actions are conducted in accordance with merit-based hiring principles.
  • Maintain accurate documentation supporting qualification and ranking decisions.

Onboarding & New Hire Support
  • Coordinate end-to-end hiring activities from selection through entrance-on-duty.
  • Prepare tentative and final offer letters.
  • Support salary setting, incentives, and onboarding documentation.
  • Coordinate with security, personnel processing, payroll, and onboarding teams.
  • Communicate hiring status updates to managers and candidates throughout the recruitment process.
  • Ensure timely completion of pre-employment and onboarding requirements.

HR Systems & Records Management
  • Maintain staffing case files and supporting documentation for audit readiness and regulatory compliance.
  • Utilize HR systems including USA Staffing, FPPS, eOPF, and related workforce management applications.
  • Track and manage recruitment actions throughout the hiring lifecycle.
  • Ensure personnel records and staffing data are complete, accurate, and current.
  • Support records management efforts in accordance with federal regulations and agency policy.

Reporting & Workforce Analytics
  • Analyze workforce and HR data to identify trends, forecast staffing needs, detect data quality issues, and develop recommendations.
  • Translate workforce analytics and reporting insights into actionable information that supports informed decision-making.

Core Competencies
  • Federal Staffing & Recruitment
  • Workforce Planning
  • Talent Acquisition
  • Applicant Assessment & Qualification Review
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Human Capital Consulting
  • HR Information Systems
  • Customer Service & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Data Analysis & Reporting
  • Project and Process Management

Required Qualifications
  • Five plus years of proven experience supporting federal staffing and recruitment activities.
  • Working knowledge of OPM staffing regulations, merit system principles, and federal hiring procedures.
  • Understanding of Delegated Examining (DEU) and Merit Promotion processes.
  • Experience reviewing applicant qualifications and applying federal qualification standards.
  • Experience using USA Staffing, FPPS, eOPF, and USAJOBS.
  • Strong customer service, communication, and consulting skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple recruitment actions simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and HR information systems.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience as a Human Resources Specialist (0201) or equivalent federal staffing professional.
  • Working knowledge of federal classification principles and position management.
  • Familiarity with special hiring authorities, veterans' preference, and Pathways Programs.
  • Experience supporting high-volume federal recruitment operations.

Salary: $90,000 - 120,000 commensurate with experience
Disclosures: Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. In addition, as a government contractor FMP follows federal guidelines which forbid drug use regardless of individual state laws.
EEO: All qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or other legally protected status.
Culture Statement: We are committed to an inclusive and positive culture that supports all employees. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and seek to create an environment that embraces innovation and information sharing in a safe and inclusive space. This isn't just a smart business practice; it is a fundamental characteristic of the organization we want to be and an area where we continue to learn and grow.

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