Federal Career Exploration

Civilian Jobs with the Military Establishment

Posted on by Dennis Damp

The United States Armed Forces consists of six service branches: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. All orchestrated from a central command, the Department of Defense. Their tentacles reach to the far corners of the world and they require a huge federal civilian workforce to support their many missions.

The Space Force was established on Dec. 20, 2019, when the National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law, creating the first new branch of the armed services since 1947. The establishment of the USSF resulted from widespread recognition that space is a national security imperative.

Their mission is to secure our Nation’s interests in, from, and to space. All of the departments listed have a similar mission particular to their operations by land sea and air.

Misconception

Many job searchers bypass great opportunities because they believe you must be a service member or a veteran to hold a position with one of the service branches. There is a similar misconception for those seeking employment with the Veteran’s administration.

Job seekers believe the positions are reserved for veterans, only a third of those working for federal government are veterans including in the VA.

Don’t exclude any job vacancy posted on USAJOBS, the job announcement will outline all qualifications and you can select to apply for jobs open to the public to find all available vacancies.  

The Military Establishment

The Department of Defense and related cabinet level departments employ over 746,464 federal employees currently working across the country and overseas. There are abundant opportunities to work as a civilian with the following Cabinet Level Agencies:

  • Department of Defense *(152,949)
  • Department of the Army *(218,422)
  • Department of the Air Force *(163,765(
  • Department of the Navy *(212,237)

*Number Employed

Locations Worldwide

With few exceptions, any occupation, that you can imagine is employed by these huge Departments. Most of the Wage Grade (WG) trade jobs are employed here from carpenters, plumbers, and HVAC specialists to cooking staff, laundry and housekeeping.

These positions aren’t limited to the United States, 26,984 work overseas and 3,344 are employed in the U.S Territories; American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Midway Island, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Wake Atoll.

Jobs aren’t limited to military establishments; you can find them across the country in all major metropolitan areas and many rural areas as well.  

Vacancies

Currently there are over 14,000 job announcements posted on USAJOBS for positions with the military establishment, all civilian federal employees; no boot camp required.  Don’t limit your search there, also search for vacancies in the following departments. Click on the Department to go direct to the USAJOBS listings for that group.

JOB Vacancy Listings

You can dig a little deeper if you like and search for Space Force or any organization of interest. There are 161 job announcements listed for them.

Many of the job announcements are for multiple positions at different locations around the country. There are many opportunities for those who are looking for a challenging position that supports our national security and interests.

Summary

All of these groups work with the most technologically advanced systems, IT, and equipment.  Yet, the jobs run the gambit from entry level to senior positions in all occupational groups. You can work high tech, IT, the trades and everything in between. Search out suitable positions in your area and apply online.

Don’t let the application discourage you from applying. Yes, the application process can be challenging, and you will have to provide considerably more information than what the private sector requires. Review the application process and sample federal style resume that we posted online to help you through the process.

Agencies Extending Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) for STEM Positions

Posted on by Dennis Damp

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is authorizing an interim extension to the government wide direct hire authorities (DHA) for Scientific, Technical, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) positions, Acquisitions, as well as Cybersecurity and related positions where they identified severe shortages of candidates and/or critical hiring needs.

OPM is amending the authority by adding two occupational series, data science (GS-1560) and operations research (GS-1515) to support agency efforts to expand artificial intelligence capabilities in the Federal government.

This authority expires September 29, 2024 or until OPM terminates this authority, whichever occurs first.

Direct Hire Authority

Direct hire authority is granted to agencies with specific hiring needs in one or several job series. The Office of Personnel Management allows agencies with this Delegated Examining Authority — often referred as Direct Hire Authority — to advertise job openings, rate applicants, establish their own eligibility lists and registers, conduct interviews and hire.

This offers a fast track for agencies when they find a qualified applicant and need to expedite the process to bring them on board as soon as possible. Direct hire agencies may forward their critical need occupations lists to state agencies to find suitable applicants.

Covered Positions

The following list of direct hire positions will help you explore vacancies. Click on the occupation title to review the occupation qualifications and you will find a direct link to all vacancies in that occupation that are listed on USAJOBS. We also provide interviews with active federal employees on many occupations that you can read to discover how they feel about their job.

Scientific, Technical, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM)

Acquisitions

Cybersecurity and Related

Appointments Under Direct Hire Authorities

Individuals may be appointed into the occupations identified above at the specified grade levels (or equivalent) nationwide. They may be appointed to competitive service career, career-conditional, term, or temporary positions, as appropriate.

Hiring agencies must identify and use proper assessment tools for the positions being filled with these direct hire authorities to determine who is qualified for the covered positions. Applicants must be assessed in the order in which the applications were received and select any qualified applicant in an order that approximates order of receipt.

Summary

When I was recruiting and had direct hire authority, we were able to pick up several employees the same day they applied and upon completion of their interview. These appointments are often made at the end of the fiscal year. If agencies don’t fill a position before September 30, they may lose the position the following year.  

Explore your options, apply for as many vacancies as you can find to improve your chances. Direct hire authority can work to your favor in many instances.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Job Opportunities

Posted on by Dennis Damp

The Department of Homeland Security employs over 230,000 to secure the nation from the many threats this country faces. Jobs range from aviation and border security to emergency response, from cybersecurity analyst to chemical facility inspector. Jobs are available nationwide and overseas.

Their duties include detection, preparation for, prevention, protection against, response to, and recovery from terrorist attacks; enhancing security; securing and managing our borders; enforcing and administering immigration laws; safeguarding and securing cyberspace; and ensuring resilience to disasters. They keep America safe.

According to the DHS 2020-2024 Strategic Plan, “The Nation faces a complex threat landscape with enemies and adversaries who are constantly evolving. Accordingly, the Department will build on the considerable progress since its formation and lead homeland security initiatives across this Nation and the globe that meet the threats of today and the future. The Department’s dedicated operators and personnel will safeguard against threats both foreign and domestic, respond to national emergencies and contingencies, and preserve the Nation’s prosperity and economic security.”

Available Jobs

Most agencies find it difficult to hire the talent they need. Competition between the private and public sectors requires agencies to be creative when advertising job vacancies.

Currently, The DHS has over 670 job announcements listed on USAJOBS and many are for multiple locations nationwide. Literally thousands of vacancies for those willing to seek them out and apply online.

There are many opportunities for a broad spectrum of occupations, from management specialists, administrative, contract specialists, advisors, numerous IT positions, duty officers, investigators and everything in between.

They also employ numerous law enforcement officers that work for Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Secret Service

Operational and Support Components

A review of the following organizations, agencies and services reveals the scope of DHS services. If you are interested in one of these components, explore their website for occupations of interest:

Diversity of Opportunities

USAJOBS allows job seekers to filter their search to remote and telework jobs for those who need the flexibility for personal reasons. Other filters allow users to limit their search to a specific location, full-time, part-time or intermittent jobs, appointment type, travel percentage and more.

Many positions advertise multiple locations and offer incentives for those selected for the job. These include student loan payments, and the ability to negotiate your starting salary in some cases. It may also be possible to have the agency pay for your initial move. However, this is limited to hard to fill, critical occupations.

Summary

The ability to locate job announcements with DHS and many other agencies that meet your personal needs make Federal employment an attractive option for many. Federal employment incentives and benefits are exceptional and you can search for related occupations with all agencies if no DHS vacancies are available in your area.

Exploring Federal Jobs – The First Step

Posted on by Dennis Damp

Have you ever wondered why some who land jobs with Uncle Sam have half the experience, education, and special qualifications that you do — and you’re still looking? Many who approach the federal sector don’t take the time to understand the federal hiring process. Others get frustrated by the required paperwork and give up prematurely.

Introduction

The hiring process today is streamlined compared to when I applied for my first federal job. Federal recruiters are hard pressed to find the talent they need for critical vacancies and are trying everything possible to attract the limited talent available.

This includes incentives such as the ability to negotiate salary, student loan payments, the potential for remote or telework options, and multiple duty locations.

Their USAJOBS recruiting site centralized recruiting for agencies that in the past had to do this on their own. You apply online, submit your application for jobs of interest and posted resumes are searched by recruiters, even if you don’t apply for a specific job.  

USAJOBS

Their centralized job search site, www.usajobs.gov offers everything an applicant needs to explore jobs in related fields, find active job announcements, and apply online.  

The first step is to create a profile which allows you to save job searches and specific job vacancies for further review. Before uploading your resume and related documents, locate jobs of interest and apply online. Upload your tailored resume, and you can elect to make it searchable so all federal recruiters can review it and contact you for positions you qualify for in their organization.

Job Announcements

When applying for any federal job print out a copy and read the job announcement front to back. Highlight key qualifications, skills, and other requirements. The job announcement explains everything you need to know to apply for that specific job.

Every job announcement is unique, so don’t assume because you read one for the exact same job series and grade that the requirements are the same for this new job. This is especially true for the required key Duties, Responsibilities and Specialized Experience. Each advertised job has specific requirements such as proficiency and experience with computer software, equipment, programs, reporting systems, skills, and other factors.

Job applicants shouldn’t submit the same resume for every job they apply for.  Your resume must be tailored to the announcement’s qualifications. Applicants can save multiple resumes on their account and tailor them as needed when applying for other jobs.

Apply Early and Often

Start your employment search early, applications take several weeks or longer to process and evaluate. Plus, the top-rated applicants must be interviewed.

Contact the recruiting specialist that issued the announcement if you haven’t heard anything within a reasonable period of time. The recruiting specialist contact information is located towards the end of each job announcement. They can also answer any questions you may have about the vacancy.

Many submit one application and wait to hear back from the agency. Be proactive, and apply for any vacancies that you meet the qualifications for and are interested in.  

Summary

Competition for federal positions increases during times of economic uncertainty, when workers seek the stability of federal employment. In general, employment in the federal government is relatively stable because it is less susceptible than private industries to economic fluctuations.

If you take the time to understand the differences between the private and public sectors, thoroughly complete your application package, and seek out all available job vacancies, your chances for employment increases substantially.  

Federal Infrastructure Jobs Available NOW

Posted on by Dennis Damp

With the increased emphasis on the bipartisan infrastructure bill that was passed last November, many federal positions are now available. This legislation reauthorizes surface transportation programs for FY 2022-2026 and required federal agencies to manage and implement the funding authorized in the law.

The bill authorized up to $108 billion for public transportation – the largest federal investment in public transportation in the nation’s history. With this funding many federal agencies such as the Departments of Transportation, Energy, Interior, Commerce, Homeland Security, and others are staffing up to support the infrastructure build out.

Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

The FTA’s Infrastructure Law Program fact sheets provide details about new programs created by the legislation as well as how other FTA programs have changed under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The legislation will advance public transportation in America’s communities through four key priorities:

  • Safety: The law will enhance state safety oversight programs by strengthening rail inspection practices, protecting transit workers and riders from injuries, and ensuring safe access to transit.
  • Modernization: The law will reduce the maintenance backlog by repairing and upgrading aging transit infrastructure and modernizing bus and rail fleets.
  • Climate: Funding in the law will support replacement of thousands of transit vehicles, including buses and ferries, with cleaner, greener vehicles.
  • Equity: Investments in the law will improve transit service for communities that have historically had more limited access to transit and provide for substantial upgrades to accessibility.

Available Jobs

The USAJOBS federal job search site currently has 147 job announcements posted for infrastructure, many for multiple positions across the country. A good number of the open announcements have statements such as, “Many vacancies in the following locations” listed in the overview section of the bid package. There are thousands of vacancies nationwide in a broad spectrum of job titles.

Typical Occupations

Every administration and agency hiring in this category require support personnel of all types to manage the funding and resulting projects. You will be pleasantly surprised at the diversity of positions available. Click on the links for details about that specific occupation.

Apply Now

Many of the job announcements are open for extended periods up to early 2024. However, it is best to apply early. There are remote eligible and telework opportunities as well. Seek out jobs of interest and print out the job announcement. You must submit all required information and understand the federal application system to land a high paying, benefit loaded federal job.

Federal Government Remote and Telework Job Opportunities

Posted on by Dennis Damp

Many companies and governments now offer an expanded array of remote and telework options to attract competent employees. During the COVID crisis, work from home became the norm while traditional at-work activities basically ceased for the majority of Americans.

Workers generally became accustomed to the new work ethic and the family friendly aspects of the option especially for patents with young children. It isn’t uncommon today for tried-and-true traditional workers to seek out remote and telework options and that is why many companies are adjusted to this new norm for suitable positions.

Abundant Federal Jobs

Now is a great time to find federal jobs across the country and in hundreds of occupations. The IRS is hiring over 20,000 specialists this year alone, with more to come next year. Currently USAJOBS has more than 10,000 job announcements posted, many with multiple positions available.  

The diversity of positions is staggering by any standard; you can find everything from traditional to remote and telework opportunities.

Remote Work

There are currently over 1400 remote and/or telework job announcements posted on USAJOBS. A remote federal job doesn’t require the employee to report to an official agency worksite regularly. Instead, you work from your home or other approved alternative worksite either within or outside of the commuting area of your agency’s worksite.

Telework Positions

These positions offer the option to work from home and from an office location. This is often referred to as hybrid work. How often you are required to report to an office depends on the agency and the duties required by the position.

Telework eligible jobs are not the same as remote positions. Review the job announcement to understand the requirements before applying for a job.

Identifying Remote and Telework Positions

Under the Overview section, located at the top and far right side of the job announcement, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) lists whether or not the position is approved for remote or telework options. This section provides the key features for the vacant position including: salary, location, travel, work schedule, appointment type, security clearance requirements, drug testing, and other key information.

If you intend to apply for a position, print the job announcement and keep it for future reference. All of the required qualifications are listed along with other critical guidance that you must follow to successfully apply for the position. The last section of the job announcement lists contact information if you should have questions or issues when applying online.   

Many of the job announcements list (Remote Eligible) in the job title.

Searching for Remote and Telework Job Announcements

Visit www.usajobs.gov to begin your job search. Enter remote in the Keyword search box at the top of any page. To limit the search to your area, enter the city and state or zip code in the Location box. You may have to click on the Search icon, at the top of the page, to display the Location box.

Use the filters on the right side of the screen to display the most relevant positions. For example, if you are not currently a federal employee select “Open to the public” to display the jobs you can apply for. Many jobs are limited to those already working in the federal sector.

Summary

Now is a great time to not only find but land a high paying, secure, and benefit loaded government job. OPM has changed the entry requirements for many jobs and approved direct hire authority under new policies to expand participation in the federal sector. Start your search now to get a head start on the competition.

Hiring Federal Air Marshals Nationwide – Apply Now

Posted on by Dennis Damp

The TSA announced that it is hiring Federal Air Marshals to work in more than a dozen regions across the country including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Newark, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Applications will be accepted from March 1-29, 2023.

Applicants don’t need previous experience working in security, the military or law enforcement fields. New hires will receive extensive training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and they are paid while undergoing training.

Responsibilities

Federal Air Marshals detect, deter and defeat criminal, terrorist and hostile activities that target our nation’s transportation systems. They perform a critical role in securing the nation’s transportation in a variety of federal law enforcement capacities on board aircraft and on the ground in transportation sectors such as mass transit, rail and ports.

They are involved with a range of law enforcement responsibilities including:

  • Serving a variety of civil writs and criminal warrants issued by Federal courts
  • Tracing and arresting people wanted under court warrants
  • Seizing and disposing of property under court orders
  • Safeguarding and transporting prisoners
  • Providing for the physical security of court facilities and personnel
  • Providing for the physical security of jurors and key Government witnesses and their families
  • Preventing civil disturbances or restoring order in riot and mob violence situations; and
  • Performing other special law enforcement duties as directed by a court order or by the Department of Justice.

Applicant requirements

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals between the ages of 21 and 36 (veterans may receive a waiver allowing for employment prior to their 40th birthday) with a valid driver’s license with a minimum of either three years of work experience or a bachelor’s degree or higher, or combination of education and experience. Applicants must pass a pre-employment background check, including a polygraph and pass a medical evaluation and a physical fitness assessment.

Salary Range

The salary range for entry-level Federal Air Marshals is $46,428 to $71,932 plus locality pay based on the region where an individual is stationed. Locality pay for the New York City/Northern New Jersey region is currently an additional 36.16%.

Benefits

Marshals receive paid annual and sick leave, life insurance, comprehensive health care plans (including dental and vision), a three-tiered retirement system including a generous fixed annuity, a Thrift Savings Plan with a 5% salary match, and Social Security with early retirement possibilities. contributions to the

Summary

Don’t hesitate, they are accepting application now through March 31, 2023. There are many opportunities for those who want to make a difference and be a part of the federal law enforcement community.

Government Shutdowns Can Create Job Opportunities!

Posted on by Dennis Damp

Many seeking government jobs are searching for secure positions with good pay and benefits that many private sector companies don’t offer. Over the past 5 years there were several government shutdowns. When this happened, job hunters were hesitant to pursue federal civil service jobs.

When government shuts down, essential employees continue working to maintain primary functions. Employees labeled non-essential stay home. What most in the private sector don’t realize is furloughed employees full pay is restored after the shutdown according to the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act. Furloughed employees actually receive an extended paid holiday!

Federal non-essential workers living paycheck to paycheck could have a problem during extended shutdowns. Everyone, regardless of age needs an emergency fund to tap during these events. Since federal employee’s pay is restored after the shutdown, many companies will extend credit for the shutdown duration and reduce or eliminate late fees for the period.

Continue Your Job Search During Shutdowns

Even though there will be hiring freezes during these events, jobs will still be posted for critical positions on USAJOBS. Human resource offices often extend job vacancy announcement closing dates to allow applicants to prepare and apply.  Agencies know shutdowns are short lived and they need to back fill for retirements and fill essential vacancies.

These events can actually be beneficial to those who understand the impact shutdowns have on recruitment in general. Many potential applicants forgo their government job search and move on elsewhere. This reduces the number of applicants, and improves the changes of those who stayed the course and keep applying.

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Low Unemployment Rate Creates Opportunities

Companies and governments across the spectrum are competing for a limited number of applicants. There are far more jobs than there are applicants to fill them. When recruiting resumes after a shutdown, agencies may provide incentives such as relocation allowances, negotiate starting salary, pay off student loans, offer remote work possibilities, and even pay sign-on bonuses for certain careers.

Working Remotely

Occupations that can function remotely are now rather common in the private sector and growing in the federal sector as entities have to compete for the limited talent available. The possibility to negotiate working at least part of the week remotely is not uncommon today.  

According to an Office of Personnel Management government-wide survey released in October, nearly 40 percent of federal workers said they work fully remotely or at home three or more days a week. Another 17 percent say they are at home one or two days a week.

Summary

Even with the threat of a federal government shutdown, locate job vacancy announcement, and draft your application package and federal style resume. You may find far more opportunities than you imagined.

High paying federal jobs offer tremendous benefits included a three tiered retirement system with a fixed annuity, generous sick and vacation leave, flexible schedules and jobs worldwide.

Student Internships, Recent Grads, & Fellows Civil Service Opportunities

Posted on by Dennis Damp

More federal job opportunities are now available for current students, recent graduates, and those seeking fellowships in the federal civil service sector. These Pathway Programs are a great way to start your career or to simply explore agencies of interest. Many who take advantage of them are offered full time jobs upon graduation.

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released guidance in January to increase opportunities for these programs to enhances the federal government’s ability to attract, recruit, hire, develop, and retain the nation’s best talent.

Agencies were advised to increase the number of interns, fellows, and apprentices throughout the federal government, with an emphasis on increasing paid internship opportunities. These programs offer participants the opportunity to explore career interests and demonstrate their abilities and potential in an actual work environment.

Internships

The Internship Program provides job opportunities for students enrolled in educational institutions, from high school to graduate level. They offer opportunities to work in agencies and explore federal careers while still in school, and while getting paid for the work performed. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service.

Recent Graduates Program

The Recent Graduates Program provides developmental experiences in the Federal Government. It promotes careers in the civil service for individuals who, within the previous two years, graduated with an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from qualifying educational institutions.

To be eligible, applicants must apply within the previous two years of degree or certificate completion except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation, who will have up to six years after degree or certificate completion to apply.

Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program

The PMF Program is the Federal Government’s flagship leadership development program for advanced degree holders across all academic disciplines. It was established 45 years ago by Executive Order and has gone through changes over the years, but the essential mission remains the same: to recruit and develop a cadre of future government leaders drawn from all segments of society.

The PMF Class of 2024 Application is anticipated to be open in the fall of 2023. Potential applicants are encouraged to check OPM’s 2024 Application Page for specific dates, which will be posted once available, as well as any other application-related updates. The application process takes time and considerable effort to complete. Prepare ahead of time by reviewing the application criteria for this fall’s PMF program announcement.    

Eligible individuals apply to be selected as Finalists. Finalists then have 12 months to secure an appointment as a Fellow, which is a two-year, full-time, paid fellowship at a federal agency.

Available Positions

There are over 112 student internship and 31 recent graduates job announcements currently open nationwide, many have multiple openings. Check OPM’s USAJOBS internship and graduate’s listings frequently to find opportunities in your area.

GS Pay Raise of 4.7% Approved For 2024

Posted on by Dennis Damp

Federal Employees will receive an across-the-board pay raise of 4.7% in 2022, plus an additional locality pay adjustment.

The 4.7% pay raise 2023 charts are now available along with all special rates. Review the locality pay area definitions outlining the pay rates for all regions nationwide. If you are employed in the federal sector, use the 2023 Federal Employee’s Excel Leave Chart to track your weekly schedule and record your annual and sick leave, comp, and credit hours used.

The rates of basic pay or salaries of the statutory pay systems are included. The general categories are listed below:

  • The General Schedule
  • The Foreign Service Schedule
  • Schedules for the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Senior Executive Service
  • Certain Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Salaries
  • The Executive Schedule

The General Schedule (GS) Pay System

The General Schedule (GS) classification and pay system covers the majority of civilian white-collar Federal employees (about 1.5 million worldwide) in professional, technical, administrative, and clerical positions. This pay system is administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Agencies classify their GS positions and appoints and pays GS employees filling those positions following OPM guidelines.

The General Schedule has 15 grades, GS-1 (lowest) to GS-15 (highest). Agencies establish the grade of each job based on the level of difficulty, responsibility, and qualifications required. Individuals with a high school diploma and no additional experience typically qualify for GS-2 positions; those with a Bachelor’s degree for GS-5 positions; and those with a Master’s degree for GS-9 positions.

Each grade has 10 step rates (1-10). Within-grade step increases are based on an acceptable level of performance and longevity (waiting periods of 1 year at steps 1-3, 2 years at steps 4-6, and 3 years at steps 7-9). It normally takes 18 years to advance from step 1 to step 10 within a single GS grade if an employee remains in that single grade. However, employees with outstanding (or equivalent) performance ratings may be considered for additional, quality step increases (maximum of one per year).

A new GS employee is usually hired at step one of the applicable GS grade. However, in special circumstances, agencies may authorize a higher step rate for a newly-appointed Federal employee based on a special need of the agency or superior qualifications of the prospective employee.

Federal Wage System (FWS) 2024 Increase

FWS employees, those working in the trades and laborers (typically referred to as blue-collar workers) were specifically excluded from the GS locality pay system because they are paid under a separate, preexisting prevailing rate system that reflects private sector practices for setting pay at different levels of work for trades, craft, and laborer occupations. Thus, the Federal Government’s compensation practices mirror the private sector’s general practice of establishing separate and distinct pay structures and pay adjustment mechanisms for white-collar and blue-collar employees.

The 2023 FWS pay increase is delayed until the FY 2023 pay limitations are released. Once released the new pay rates will be retroactive to the beginning of the year.

Suggestion

If you are being considered for an appointment to a federal job, you are able to negotiate starting salaries under certain conditions. You can’t request a higher starting salary after you official accept an offer. Those with student loans can request student loan payoff assistance of up to $10,000 a year for a maximum of $60,000!  Explore all incentives before accepting a position.