us government jobs

us government jobs

Exploring Career Opportunities in the U.S. Government: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Introduction to U.S. Government Jobs

If you are interested in the legislative branch—the Congress—you may want to find a job with a member of the Senate, the House, or with the Architect of the Capitol, the Comptroller General of the United States, the Congressional Budget Office, or the Library of Congress. If a career in the executive branch interests you, the following chapter exhaustively catalogues the myriad of federal agencies that may have the job you would be interested in. There are many programs which offer opportunities for summer jobs, internships, and part-time work for high school and college students. Some programs allow you to earn academic credit or obtain valuable job experience. Many programs are designed specifically for students who want to learn more about government and public policy. This guide will help you to discover which programs are right for you.

The federal government has a huge variety of job opportunities available to people seeking a career, or summer or part-time employment. Whether you are interested in crime, education, environmental protection, or politics and public service, you can find a position with the federal government dealing with any of these and many other issues. This comprehensive guide provides examples of federal jobs in both the legislative and executive branches of government, provides a catalogue of specific federal agencies and the kinds of work they do, and introduces you to methods for developing the skills, education, and qualifications needed to qualify for federal job openings.

2. Benefits of Working for the U.S. Government

There are Federal Government jobs for many entities including corporate enterprise, technical work, financial management, health and medical, construction/maintenance labor, human resources, safety and law enforcement, accounting/audit, secretarial and clerical support, and more. Federal jobs (career employment) often provide pay which is competitive with the private sector. However, federal employment generally also offers high job security, three weeks or more of paid vacation each year, thirteen days or more paid sick leave each year, and ten paid holidays each year. The government usually allows employees to enjoy a relatively predictable and enjoyable work schedule, such as having weekends and evenings off. Many federal employees enjoy the opportunity to serve their communities.

Federal employees receive one of the most generous benefits packages available. It consists of a wide range of benefits including insurance, retirement, work-life programs, and a comprehensive leave program. The government offers superior benefits, which is why more and more people are finding federal employment attractive. Across the United States and around the world, the government offers employees opportunities far beyond the imagination. Wherever your career takes you, chances are good that you can find a federal agency nearby—whether you are in a big city or small town, the United States or abroad.

3. Types of U.S. Government Agencies and Positions

Agencies either form part of an Executive Department or are independent. Executive Departments are the major organizational subunits of the federal government, typically headed by a Cabinet Secretary. An independent agency stands on its own and is required by law to be free from budgetary restructuring and partisan politics that would inhibit its involvement in its mission. Agencies vary widely in terms of their missions, sizes, and general roles. Some agencies are large and control multiple programs and field offices. Others are divided into subagencies, each of which may have a distinct role and be the equivalent of a small business. Some focus on a particular geographic area of the country or on issues limited to a specific group of constituents. Finally, as is the case with any organization, agencies vary in terms of their working cultures, work settings, and staff makeup, which includes each person’s outlook, experience, and skill set.

3.2 Characteristics of the Agencies

There are three branches of the U.S. government: the legislative branch, which is comprised of the Senate and House of Representatives, both of which make up the U.S. Congress; the executive branch, which is made up of the executive office; the judicial body, which is the Supreme Court. It is important to note that there are several independent federal agencies that do not fall under these branches. Some large and well-known federal agencies include the Departments of Defense, State, Justice, and Treasury. The opportunity to work within federal government services is tremendous, and there are more than seventy distinct agencies and even more sub-offices. Many of them are focused on specific matters such as relations with foreign countries, national security, the collection of taxes, and delivering health and social services.

3.1 Overview

4. Navigating the Application Process and Required Qualifications

Competitive service positions can be filled either by federal employees or members of the public who are well qualified for the job. The parties selected for these positions must agree to the conditions of employment, including the length of time they must commit to the appointment before seeking another job. Some individuals are eligible for special consideration or preference when applying for federal jobs. For example, family members of U.S. military veterans may be eligible for preference for many federal civil service positions, as well as job training and other employment-related programs. This preference does not, however, guarantee a job to an applying military veteran. Note that you must submit supporting documentation in order to receive consideration for a special hiring authority, appointed, or non-competitive appointment. Note also that additional vetting is required for many U.S. government jobs, including criminal background check, prior employment and residence verifications, travel requests, and other requirements. For this reason, it is important to start the job search process well before desired employment timeframes require it.

How to become authorized: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents seeking employment in the U.S. federal government generally must provide evidence of their legal status to be accepted for any civil service position. Employment of non-U.S. citizens is limited to those jobs where there are no qualified U.S. citizens available to do the work. Prospective employers are asked to fill out the Competitive Service Staffing Request and to send the completed form, along with appropriate documentation, to the Office of Personnel Policy and Procedures (PPSC) for review. The qualifications required for government jobs vary by agency and specific positions. Broadly speaking, the positions are grouped into two categories. Non-competitive positions are filled directly by the agency that has the vacancy. These positions are most often at the executive and administrative levels.

The federal government offers numerous both part-time and full-time job opportunities in Washington D.C. and throughout the U.S. and its territories. These jobs offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including a substantial paid vacation, retirement benefits, and special health and life insurance benefits that retirees can retain into their later years. Many U.S. government jobs are in large cities, but the majority is located in all 50 states and in U.S. territories. They require the services of experts in a wide variety of fields, including national defense, scientific research, law enforcement, public health and welfare, environmental protection, and many others. Most of the jobs are available in over 100 major federal government agencies.

5. Career Development and Advancement in the U.S. Government

The civil service has several leadership development programs that are highly regarded as the best in the nation. Some of these programs are the President’s Management Fellows Program, the Executive Leader’s Program, the Presidential Management Intern Program, the Congressional Fellowship Program, as well as the Senior Executive Service candidate development programs. All of these programs offer exceptional candidates opportunities to work in a variety of business and management fields. These programs work to ensure that the American people will receive public services that are first-rate, of high quality, and fill important needs in their communities. Over the next few years, large numbers of government employees will retire, creating many vacancies and opportunities for the next generation of leaders at every level of the government. In fact, while the number of employees in non-executive political appointee positions and Senior Executive Services positions has been largely constant, the rest of the federal government suffered a loss of nearly 20% of employees between 1970 and 1999. In some agencies, the decline was much larger. The combination of an aging workforce, a substantial number of employees eligible to retire, and fewer new employees hired in the interim has grave ramifications for the government’s ability to attract, retain, and manage a first-rate workforce to meet the challenges of the future and of maintaining a world-class government.

The days have passed when most Americans worked for one employer throughout their careers. In today’s diverse, competitive labor market, individuals must maintain a broad set of skills, adapt comfortably to new roles, and network inside and outside the offices. There is no single, correct “career path.” Many employees in federal service are encouraged to try new jobs, rotate among different organizations, participate in projects that allow them to learn and demonstrate new skills, travel to different parts of the country or world to experience different office environments, mentor colleagues, and attend schools.