Jobs Available at Federal Employers
Federal civil service laws, regulations, and executive orders govern government jobs. Agencies have the flexibility to provide competitive benefits and compensation packages.
Administrative employees are responsible for managing operations such as payroll, training, and routine operating procedures. They work in government buildings and offices, as they also work at remote locations.
Administrative
Government agencies require employees to fill a broad variety of administrative positions including data analysis and collection to specialized research projects. Some of these jobs require a bachelor's degree while others require the high school diploma or GED certificate. It's important that you adhere to the guidelines in the job announcement to ensure that your application will be considered complete.
Title VII and civil service laws protect Federal employees from discrimination due to race, gender or religion. These laws are applicable to every aspect of employment, including hiring and firing, compensation, assignments and classification promotion, transfer, and layoff. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces these laws.
Another benefit of working for the Federal government is that the government bends over backwards to help you find another job if the one you have is sacked as part of a budget reduction or a reorganization of offices and departments. This does not mean you can't be fired if there's a valid reason, like poor performance, disciplinary actions or budget reductions.
Many federal employers provide good health and retirement benefits such as defined benefit pensions. Federal employees also have the option of taking advantage of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to pay back their education loans. Many agencies have an Employee Assistance Program staffed by experts who can help employees cope with depression, stress and addiction. These programs can also help with child or elder care. They can also assist with financial issues such as balancing a checkbook or completing tax returns. The federal government also provides flexible work options, such as telework and reduced work schedules.
Professional
Federal workers have a wide selection of opportunities to get meaningful work. They can develop vaccines, fight racism and sexual discrimination or address climate-change issues. They also enjoy top compensation and benefits, including low-cost life insurance, flexible schedules such as telework and generous vacation and sick leave. Many agencies also provide education assistance, which includes paying for a graduate degree.
Many employees find the work difficult and demanding, but rewarding. They feel a sense purpose and that their efforts can make a difference to the lives of people. This is the reason why many of the top jobs on the annual "Best places to work" lists are provided by the federal government.
Federal job applicants can use various ways to explore career paths and apply, but the best way is through USAJobs. The site provides a wide range of resources to help you discover careers and apply for jobs. It also provides advice on how to navigate the lengthy and extensive federal job application process.
A common misconception is that you need to be a friend of someone in the federal government to get an employment. In reality, the majority of jobs are accessible to anyone. All applications are scrutinized by human resource professionals and the most qualified candidates are then referred to hiring managers. The site also offers a helpful resource for identifying positions that are available to you based on your particular major or background.
Technical
The federal government offers many technical jobs that allow candidates to use their skills and training. Tech jobs in government are usually more lucrative than those offered in private industry and offer competitive benefits. Average salaries are higher in the federal sector than the private and non-profit sectors, and retirement and health insurance packages are higher than those offered by most private companies.
The number of federal jobs has risen by 22 percent on Handshake since last year, according to a report released in January. As a result, the number of applicants for those positions has increased by 55%. Applicants are drawn to the increased job security as well as the benefits and work-life balance that come with working in the government.
Candidates who are interested in a career in the field of technology within the federal government can choose from a variety of jobs, including those in national security, medicine, and science. Federal agencies require employees to design buildings, conduct medical research and ensure the safety of aircrafts. There are also jobs for those with a background in technology like managing and supporting computer systems.
The qualifications for these roles can vary depending on the agency, but include a person's educational background and relevant experience in the field. For example, an application for a job in the field of computers could require a bachelor's or master's degree in information technology or a related field and experience working with databases. A candidate might be required to possess a good understanding of the flow of data from its origin to its destination and how to create and support an infrastructure. Certain computer jobs in the government sector include digital forensics and web administrators analysts. These positions are not as prevalent in the federal government as they are with a military focus however they are still found in some agencies such as the Department of Defense and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Blue-Collar
There are a number of blue-collar jobs that are available to federal employees. These are typically jobs that require manual labor, and include jobs such as plumbers, welders, electricians and construction workers. fela lawsuit settlements of these jobs require specialized training and apprenticeships. These jobs pay hourly or salary-based wages and usually come with the benefits of a labor union.
Blue-collar work is more physically demanding than white-collar work, but it also gives you a sense of security. There will always be a need for the skills and services these workers provide--toilet pipes break, wires burn and packages have to be delivered. The balance between work and family is a challenge but there are a variety of ways to maintain the balance of work and family.
Federal workers, like their counterparts in the private sector, perform many crucial and important tasks. They include creating vaccines to fight deadly diseases, fighting gender, sexual and racial discrimination, and tackling climate changes. Many people decide to work for the government because of the security of their job and the opportunity to serve their country.
When a job announcement declares that it is open to "Agency Employees," this usually means that current Federal employees of the Department which has released the job announcement are eligible to apply. However, it is advisable to read the "Area of Examination" or "Who could apply" section with care as some announcements don't specify that temporary (also called time-limited) and student Federal employees are not eligible.
Meeting with people working in the field is an excellent way to locate federal jobs that are blue-collar. It is common for a friend or relative to know someone working in the field you are interested in Don't be shy to connect with your circle of friends.
Clerical
Clerical jobs, also referred to as administrative or office support roles are focused on managing the details and completing routine tasks for organizations. The most popular clerical tasks include answering phone calls, handling office or customer inquiries, and archiving and maintaining important records and company information. They can also be accountable for office machines, such as operating photocopiers, scanners, and voicemail systems. Office clerks also communicate with clients and colleagues to answer questions, collect messages or respond to complaints. Other typical clerical tasks include updating databases for mailings and delivering and picking up mail and documents, and handling packages.
Office clerks work in a variety of sectors and government agencies. A medical billing clerk, for example, documents and files insurance claims and handles incoming and outgoing mail for a health care facility. A receptionist at a hospital handles front desk telephones, directs patients or visitors to rooms for patients and keeps inpatient and outpatient records.
The qualifications that are most relevant to clerical positions will depend on the industry and job. In general, good computer skills are required, and an high school diploma or equivalent is required for the majority of entry-level clerical jobs. The ability to work well under pressure and attention to detail are also desirable skills for clerical positions. Math is essential for clerical jobs, since many of them require some form of working with numbers. The most qualified candidates have a professional demeanor, and they are well-versed in proper telephone manners as well as email protocol. They should also have excellent customer service experience. It may be helpful to provide examples of instances where they have demonstrated strong customer service or problem-solving abilities in previous jobs.