Jobs Available at Federal Employers
Federal civil service laws, regulations and executive orders regulate government jobs. Agencies have the flexibility to offer competitive compensation and benefits.
Administrative employees are accountable for handling tasks like payroll training, as well as routine operating procedures. They work in government facilities and offices, as well at remote sites.
Administrative
The government agencies need people to perform a variety administrative tasks, ranging from data collection and analysis to specific research. Some of these jobs require a bachelor's degree while others require only an high school diploma or GED. No matter what the position, it's important to follow the directions in the job opportunity announcement carefully to ensure that your application is considered complete and has all the requirements.
As as a Federal employee you are protected from discrimination on the basis of gender, race religion, age national origin or sexual orientation by civil service laws and Executive Orders, including Title VII. These laws cover every aspect of employment, including hiring and firing, compensation and promotions, classifications, transfers and layoffs. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces these laws.
Working for the Federal Government has another benefit: the government will do everything it can to help you find a job even if the one you've been offered is eliminated as a result of a budget cut or a consolidation. But this doesn't mean that you aren't able to be fired due to cause, such as ineffective performance or disciplinary actions.
Many federal employers offer good health insurance and retirement benefits, which include a defined benefit pension. Federal employees can also take advantage of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to help pay off their loans for education. Many agencies have an Employee Assistance Program, staffed by trained professionals to help employees deal with depression, stress and drug abuse. The programs also provide support for elderly or children. They can also assist with financial issues, such as the balance of your checking account or filing your taxes. The federal government also offers flexible options for working, such as telework and shorter work schedules.
Professional
Federal workers can find fulfilling work in a variety fields. They can create vaccines, fight racism and sexual discrimination or address climate-change issues. Also, they receive excellent compensation and benefits, such as low-cost life insurance, as well as flexible schedules including telecommuting. They also enjoy generous sick and vacation days. Many companies offer educational assistance which includes funding for graduate degrees.
The job can be difficult and demanding, but many employees report that it is satisfying and rewarding. They feel they have a sense of importance and feel that their efforts can make a difference to the lives of people. This is why some of the most sought-after jobs on the annual "Best Workplaces" lists are provided by the federal government.
USAJobs is the best place for federal job seekers to look into their career options and apply. The website offers a range of resources to help you explore possibilities and applying for jobs, including advice on how to navigate the long and complicated federal application process.
A common misconception is you need to be connected with someone at the federal level to obtain a job. The majority of positions in the federal government are available to all. All applications are scrutinized by human resource professionals and the most qualified applicants are forwarded to hiring managers. The site is also a great source for jobs that match your major or experience.
Technical
The federal government offers many technical jobs where candidates can make use of their talents and knowledge. Tech jobs in the federal government are typically more lucrative and have competitive benefits than those in private sector. The average salary is higher in the federal sector than in the private and non-profit sectors, and pension and health insurance plans are higher than those offered by most private companies.
The number of federal jobs has increased by 22% on Handshake since last year according to a report published in January. As a result, the number of applicants for the positions has risen by 55 percent. The higher job security, benefits, and the work-life integration that comes when working for the government draw applicants.
A career in technology within the federal government is a great choice for those interested in working with many different industries which include national security, medicine and science. Federal agencies require workers to design buildings as well as conduct medical research. They also need people to ensure the safety of aircraft. There are also jobs for those with a background in technology like managing and maintaining computer systems.
The requirements for these positions are different depending on the organization, but should include the educational background of the applicant and relevant experience in the field. For example, an application for a computer occupation might require a bachelor's degree in information technology or a related field and prior experience working with databases. A candidate may also have to be familiar with the movement of information from source to destination and possess an understanding of how to develop and support the performance of a system. Digital forensics administrators and web administrators analyst are two computer occupations available in government. These positions are not as common in the federal government as they are that have a military orientation, but still exist in some agencies such as the Department of Defense and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Blue-Collar
There are a variety of blue-collar jobs that are available to federal employees. These are typically manual labor jobs and include welders and plumbers as well as electricians and construction workers. A lot of these jobs require specialized training or apprenticeships. They can pay hourly wages or be based on salary and are usually accompanied by the benefits of unions.
Blue-collar jobs are more physically demanding than white collar jobs, but they also provide a sense of security. These workers will always be required to offer the skills and services they provide. Toilet pipes may break, wires could burn, and packages must be delivered. Work-life balance is difficult but there are a variety of ways to achieve an appropriate balance between work and life.
Federal workers, as well as those employed in the private sector, are involved in a wide range of valuable and essential tasks. They include creating vaccines to fight dangerous diseases, fighting racial, sexual and gender discrimination, and tackling climate changes. Many people choose to work in the government because of the security of their job and the chance to serve their country.
If a job announcement declares that it is open to "Agency Employees," this usually means that the current Federal employees of the Department which has released the job announcement are eligible to apply. However, it is important to read the "Area of Examination" or "Who May Apply" section carefully as some announcements don't specify that temporary (also called time-limited) and student Federal employees are excluded.
Meeting with people working in the field is a great way to find a blue-collar federal job. It's common for a friend or family member to know someone working in the field you're interested in So don't be afraid to reach out to your network of friends.
Clerical
Clerical work, also referred as office support or administrative jobs, focuses on the specifics and the completion of tasks for an organisation. The most common clerical jobs include answering calls, managing office or customer inquiries, as well as recording and preserving important records and company information. They also have office machine tasks like operating photocopiers, voicemail systems, and scanners. Office clerks also communicate with colleagues and clients to answer questions, collect messages or address complaints. Other clerical duties that are common to office clerks include re-creating mailing databases as well as delivering and collecting documents and mail, and handling packages.
Office clerks work in a variety industries and government agencies. For example, a medical billing clerk records and files health insurance claims, and also handles mail that is incoming or outgoing for a health facility. A hospital receptionist is responsible for managing the front desk telephones and directing patients or visitors to rooms for patients. She also keeps the records of outpatients and inpatients.
The qualifications most relevant to clerical jobs depend on the job and industry. For fela accident attorney of entry-level positions, computer skills are essential. A high school diploma or equivalent is also required. Clerical jobs also require the ability to work under pressure and pay attention to the smallest of details. Math is useful for clerical jobs, since most of them require the use of numbers. The most successful candidates will have a professional appearance and a thorough understanding of proper telephone etiquette as well as email protocol. They should also have excellent customer service experience. It is helpful to provide examples of instances where they have demonstrated excellent customer service or problem-solving capabilities in previous jobs.