federal jobs

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.

Careers and Internships with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Posted on by Dennis Damp

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is primarily responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats. They manage federal programs related to migratory birds, endangered species, interjurisdictional fish and marine mammals, and inland sport fisheries.

They are a division of the Department of the Interior and employ 8,160 specialists and offers more than 70 careers to choose from. Positions are available in every state and U.S. territory.

USFWS FUNCTIONS

If you enjoy working outdoors and with wildlife there are many opportunities for you to explore. This Federal service performs the following functions:

  • Acquires, protects and manages unique ecosystems necessary to sustain fish and wildlife.
  • Operates a National Fish Hatchery System.
  • Protects fish and wildlife from dislocation or destruction of their habitats.
  • Provides financial and professional technical assistance to States to enhance their fish and wildlife resources.
  • Offers enforcement, management and professional technical assistance to other agencies.
  • Disseminates and enforces regulations for the protection of wildlife.
  • Conducts programs and provides professional technical assistance to other agencies for the proper use and protection of fish and wildlife habitat.
  • Educates the American public through high quality fish and wildlife-oriented experiences.
  • Communicates information essential for public awareness and understanding of the importance of fish and wildlife resources.

JOB AND INTERNSHIPS LISTINGS

Openings are available in law enforcement, administrative fields, budget analysts, IT, geographers, wildlife refuse managers, fish biologists, hydrologists, engineering maintenance, architects, surveyors, and various other occupations.

There are many jobs currently open nationwide and in the US Territories.

APPLYING FOR JOBS

When you identify a job announcement of interest, print out a copy and follow the detailed guidance provided. If you have questions there is a human resource specialist listed towards the end of the document that can answer your questions.

A federal application and resume is considerably different than the standard one page private sector resume. Submit all required forms and information listed in the job announcement and review the application process before submitting your application. A sample federal style resume is available for you to use as a template for your application.

SUMMARY

There are many reasons to consider federal employment. The average annual federal worker’s compensation, pay plus benefits, is $125,049 compared to just $70,081 for the private sector. Average salary exceeds $90,000 and new hires can receive student loan payoff assistance, relocation and cash incentives for hard-to-fill positions. The benefits and retirement packages are exceptional. A larger percentage of professionals and fewer service and clerical positions contribute to higher average salaries.

Logistics Specialists – Jobs Available Nationwide

Posted on by Dennis Damp

Logistics specialists direct, develop, or perform logistics management operations that involve planning, coordinating or evaluating the logistical actions required to support a specified mission, weapons system, or other designated program.

Logistics refers to the process of coordinating and relocating resources such as people, materials, inventory, and equipment from one point to storage at desired destinations.

Specialists are responsibility for planning, managing, and executing a comprehensive acquisition program to meet the needs of the organization. They exercise management control and provide technical and administrative supervision over procurement and contracting for recurring, special and emergency requirements.

They are administratively and technically responsible for all purchases within an organization; make decisions in matters pertaining to procurement regulatory guidance, methods of acquisition, and deviations from recognized procedures when required to meet peculiar circumstances or unprecedented transactions. Concurrently, they interpret and implement requirements imposed by higher authority involving regulations, laws, and good business practices.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS

There are 22,818 logistics specialists employed in the executive branch and currently there are over 118 job vacancy announcements open. The military organizations are the largest employers in this group followed by DOD with 645, Home Land Security with 557, DOT with 238, and the VA with 395. Most executive departments hire a limited number of this specialty.

Job announcements often list multiple vacancies at various locations. When you add up the multiple vacancies, you will discover many additional opportunities in this field for you to explore and at locations across the country.

OCCUPATIONAL INFORMATION

Logistics management work involves the coordination and integration of numerous activities and functions into an overall efficient and effective support effort. These activities may include such specializations as supply, maintenance, procurement, transportation, inventory management, quality assurance, facilities and property management, production control, and property disposal.

Some logistics work also involves activities such as housing management, food services, and management of test equipment. Logistics management work also typically involves such other specialized activities as resource and fiscal management, training, automated data processing, and manpower management.

The degree of involvement in any one or a combination of these functional specializations is dependent upon the purpose for which the logistics work is accomplished and the specific requirements of a particular position.

Characteristic of all logistics management work, however, is the overriding requirement to coordinate the activities of the individual functional areas into a unified program which will meet total support requirements.

All federal jobs include comprehensive benefits and a generous retirement plan consisting of a fixed annuity, 401k and Social Security.

QUALIFICATIONS

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described in the job announcement. Read it carefully and outline how you achieved each listed element on your application. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social).

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience as described in the job announcement for the grade level advertised such as experience entering medical data into applications, data banks: Encoder Grouper Coding Compliance Editor (CCE) and the Composite Health Care System (CHCS).

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

JOB VACANCY LISTINGS

The following link will take you to the GS 0346 Job Description that includes links to the current job announcements on USAJOBS.

Visit our jobs board to search for all other occupations by job title.

To find vacancies in your area, locate job announcements of interest and review the required qualifications. If you have the experience, education and/or work experience specified, apply online.

Don’t bypass an opportunity to apply for a federal job for fear of taking a civil service test. Discover which occupations have entrance exam requirements. Most exams have been waived over the years.

Each month we will feature a different occupation. Visit FederalJobs.net regularly to find information about federal jobs in your area.

VA Careers and Jobs

Posted on by Dennis Damp

The US Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) employs workers in a broad spectrum of occupations and has thousands of jobs available now. Most are health care specialists, with many administrative and management personnel, to hundreds of support positions including cooks, electricians, store clerks, laundry workers, engineers, and mechanics to name a few.  

There are currently over 5,000 vacancy announcements, many with multiple positions, advertised nationwide for VA jobs of all types and in multiple occupational groups. The VA employs 427,196 across the country in all occupations. The US Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) is one of the largest federal employers, half work for the VA Health Administration as medical specialists of all types. They provide medical services to over 9 million Veterans!

The following map was excerpted from their website and shows vacant positions by location. There are often multiple locations and jobs in the designated areas. Click on the map for updated listings.  

The following articles include interviews with VA employees and provide insight into the VA and the occupations / opportunities available:

Many other federal departments hire medical specialist. Expand your search and explore all opportunities for the largest health care occupations:

The federal government is this country’s largest employer and advertises thousands of vacancies daily. Explore this lucrative job market for areas of interest. The pay and benefits are exceptional, and opportunities abound if you are willing to seek them out.  

USAJOBS Website – Opportunities and More

Posted on by Donna Day

USAJOBS is an official Government site that provides a wealth of information about federal job opportunities. The myriad of resources available help links job seekers and agencies with the ‘right’ matches and opportunities for employment; as part of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), USAJOBS fosters recruitment and retention building of a world class government workforce for the people.

With hundreds of federal agencies and organizations taking advantage of all that USAJOBS has to offer, their hiring processes are better streamlined and efficient when it comes to finding the right applicant for the right job. USAJOBS fosters service and commitment, representing more than two million Americans and foreign nationals who are successfully working and fulfilling essential duties in Civil Service positions.

Since the website offers easy to follow steps, individuals can create a USAJOB profile through the portal, where favorite jobs and searches can be saved along with resumes and critical documentation for applications. Resumes would then be visible to potential employers searching the database, and finally, individuals can apply for any jobs posted by USAJOBS online. There is also an explanation of the federal application process and opportunities listed by industry to include: social sciences, engineering, math and more. Also offered are insights into unique hiring paths that represent diversity to include: veterans, native Americans, those with disabilities and more. Lastly, hiring events with specific dates/times are offered at the bottom of the site for planning purposes. There is even a help center and FAQ which serve as additional resources to include salary information, to help with your job search, among other critical tools, articles and links.

To date, many positions are in high demand, like cybersecurity professionals, nurses, human resource managers and more. There are over 750 jobs available and showcased as critical hiring opportunities right now in cybersecurity and more than 890 nursing positions alone! Go now, to www.USAJOBS.gov and see for yourself. Create a profile and explore opportunities that are available, or just upload your resume and let the site do the work for you. It’s quick, easy, secure, searchable and streamlined so that it is easy to use, organized and helpful; it’s a one stop shop for employment …and a must for federal job seekers.

Reference:

The information provided may not cover all aspects of unique or special circumstances, federal and postal regulations, and programs are subject to change. Our articles and replies are time sensitive. Over time, various dynamic human resource guidance and factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM, the postal service or any federal entity. You should consult with school counselors, hiring agency personnel offices, and human resource professionals where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.