Personnel Specialist Jobs in Virginia
Personnel Specialist jobs in Virginia are among the most active in the mid-Atlantic region, concentrated in federal contracting, defense, and government services sectors that define the northern Virginia corridor, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. Major employers with sustained hiring presence include Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, and the U.S. Department of Defense installations across the state. The most in-demand specialties are federal HR compliance, benefits administration, and talent acquisition supporting cleared-facility environments. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Join Our Team as a FPS – Personnel Security Specialist - Intake!
Who We Are:
At Protection Strategies, Inc. (PSI), a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, we engage with industry professionals to provide top-tier security solutions and personnel security expertise for the U.S. Government. Our mission is to safeguard our clients' interests with integrity and innovation, reshaping the landscape of security.
Why PSI?:
Become part of a dedicated team that values people first and believes in making a meaningful impact. We offer cutting-edge solutions that promote safety and protect critical infrastructure. Your hard work will be recognized in our mission-driven culture.
Apply now** to join PSI and help shape a safer future!
What We Offer:
- Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine
- Financial Support: 401(K) Retirement Plan, Tuition Assistance, Disability Products
- Wellness Programs: Employee Assistance, GoodRx, Commuter Benefits
- Flexible Spending Accounts: HSA + HRA
Position Overview:
The Personnel Security Specialist (PSS) completes personnel security suitability intake tasks in support of DHS Federal Protective Services (FPS), Personnel Security Division (PSD).
Key Responsibilities:
- Initiates background investigations.
- Manages receipt of security documents submitted from contractor applicants.
- Conducts fingerprinting procedures.
- Verifies the appropriate level of background investigation being requested, and ensures all documents required for suitability processing have been completed and included in the individual files.
- Prepares, submits, monitors, and updates computer tracking systems concerning appropriate case material.
- Applies incident management, problem solving, and task performance.
- Participates in special projects.
- Additional duties as needed.
Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience.
- Relevant experience shall include experience within one or more of the standard securities and/or intelligence fields e.g., technical, physical, information, industrial, personnel and operational security.
- Subject matter expertise and hands-on experience in one or more security and/or intelligence discipline and experience implementing complex government security and/or intelligence programs and policies is preferable.
- Must be highly organized and have excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Shall demonstrate a proficiency in various types of information technology applications, such as Microsoft Office, including MS Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Familiarity with ISMS, eQIP, CVS, and/or DISS is preferred, but not required.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.
EEO Statement:
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. Employment offers will be contingent on passing a pre-employment drug screen.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Apply now to join PSI and help shape a safer future!
See All 21 Personnel Specialist Jobs in Virginia
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Find Personnel Specialist JobsPersonnel Specialist Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Personnel Specialist Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in personnel specialist jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a closely related field
- Working knowledge of federal HR regulations and OPM classification standards
- Experience administering benefits programs under FEHB or comparable employer plans
- Proficiency with HRIS platforms such as Workday, PeopleSoft, or SAP SuccessFactors
- Familiarity with position classification, staffing, and recruitment for federal or state agencies
- PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred by most Virginia government and contractor employers
Personnel Specialist Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a personnel specialist in Virginia?
Most personnel specialist roles in Virginia require a bachelor's degree in human resources, public administration, or business. Virginia does not issue a state-specific license for personnel specialists, but federal contractor and state agency employers strongly favor candidates who hold the PHR credential from HRCI or the SHRM-CP from the Society for Human Resource Management. Candidates targeting state agency roles should review the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management's classification standards, which outline the competencies required for each grade level.
Which companies hire personnel specialists in Virginia?
Companies currently hiring personnel specialists in Virginia include DTSV, Amentum, and iWorks Corporation, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Virginia's deep concentration of federal agencies and defense contractors means a significant share of openings require candidates who are comfortable working within federal HR frameworks or supporting cleared workforces.
Which Virginia cities have the most personnel specialist jobs?
Arlington, Springfield, and Reston lead Virginia for personnel specialist openings. Northern Virginia's concentration of federal agencies, defense contractors, and technology firms drives the largest share of demand, while Richmond anchors state government and financial services hiring, and Hampton Roads reflects the substantial military and federal civilian workforce tied to Naval Station Norfolk and surrounding installations.
Are there remote personnel specialist jobs in Virginia?
Yes, and more than many comparable HR roles, because personnel specialist work is largely desk-based and document-driven. About 20% of personnel specialist openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the broad shift toward flexible work in administrative HR functions. The tasks most commonly performed remotely include benefits processing, records management, and recruiting coordination, while on-site presence is more often required for roles supporting classified or secure facilities.
How can I get hired as a personnel specialist in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for HR assistant or HR coordinator roles within Virginia state agencies through the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management's careers portal, which regularly posts entry-level positions open to candidates without prior HR experience. Large federal contractors such as Booz Allen Hamilton and Leidos run campus recruiting programs that consider new graduates. Earning the SHRM-CP or completing coursework toward PHR eligibility while in an adjacent administrative role, such as a staffing coordinator or payroll assistant, demonstrates commitment and accelerates placement into personnel specialist positions.
Where can I find and apply to personnel specialist jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to personnel specialist jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across government, defense contracting, and private sector employers. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly.
See All 21 Personnel Specialist Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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