Jobs Available at Federal Employers
Government jobs are subject to Federal civil service laws and regulations, augmented by additional statutes and Executive orders. The flexibility of agencies to offer competitive rewards and compensation packages is a major benefit.
Administrative employees handle operations like payroll, training and the development of standard operating procedures. They are employed in offices and government buildings and also in remote locations.
Administrative
Government agencies need people to fill a broad range of administrative jobs that range from data collection and analysis to specialized research projects. Certain positions require a bachelor's or master's degree, while others only need a high school diploma or GED certificate. It is essential to adhere to the guidelines in the job announcement to ensure that your application can be considered complete.
As a Federal employee, you are protected from discrimination on the basis of race, gender religion, age national origin or sexual orientation by civil service laws and Executive Orders, including Title VII. These laws are applicable to every aspect of employment, including hiring and firing pay, compensation, assignments, classification, promotion, transfer and layoff. The laws are enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Working for the Federal Government has another benefit that is that the government will do all it can to find you an opportunity in the event that the one you've got was eliminated because of the budget being cut or a consolidation. However, this doesn't mean that you are not fired if there is a valid reason, such as poor performance, disciplinary action or budget cuts.
Many federal employers offer excellent health and retirement benefits which include defined benefit pensions. Federal employees also have the option of taking advantage of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to pay off their loans for education. Many agencies offer an Employee Assistance Program staffed by trained professionals to assist employees in dealing with depression, stress, and substance abuse. They also offer assistance for elder or child care. They can also assist with financial issues like reconciling a checkbook, or filing taxes. Additionally, the federal government offers flexible work options such as telework, compressed work schedules and alternative work locations.
Professional
Federal employees have a wide range of opportunities to find meaningful jobs. They can help develop vaccines, combat sexual and racial discrimination, or tackle climate change issues. They also get great compensation and benefits like low-cost life insurance, flexible schedules such as telecommuting, and generous sick and vacation leave. Many agencies also provide aid to education, such as funding a graduate education.
The work can be challenging and demanding, but many employees report that it is satisfying and rewarding. They feel a sense of the importance of their work and believe that they can make a difference to the lives of the public. This is why some of the top jobs listed on the annual "Best Places to Work" lists are from the federal government.
Federal job applicants can use many different ways to look into career paths and apply, but the most effective option is to use USAJobs. The site provides a wide range of resources to help discover careers and apply for jobs. It also provides advice on how to navigate the lengthy and extensive federal job application process.
The most common misconception is that you must be connected to someone in the federal government to get an opportunity. In reality, a majority of jobs are open to everyone. All applications are reviewed by human resources professionals, and the most qualified candidates are referred to hiring managers. The site also offers an invaluable resource to find jobs that are available to your specific major or background.
Technical
The federal government provides a wide range of technical jobs where candidates can use their skills and training. Tech jobs offered by the federal government are generally more lucrative and come with advantages that are competitive compared to those in private sector. fela railroad settlements offers higher average wages than private sector and non-profits, as well as better health insurance and retirement benefits.
A report released in January has revealed that the number of federal positions has increased on Handshake by 22% from last year. The number of applications for these jobs has increased by 55 percent. The higher job security, benefits, and the work-life integration that comes with working for the government draws candidates.
A career in technology within the federal government is a great option for candidates who are interested in working in many different industries that include national security medical, science and research. Federal agencies require employees to design buildings and perform medical research. They also need people to ensure the security of aircraft. There are also jobs for those with technology backgrounds, such as managing and assisting computer systems.
The requirements for these positions will vary based on the agency, but they should include a person's educational background and relevant experience in the field. For example, an application for a computer occupation may 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 knowledgeable about the movement of information from source to destination and have a solid understanding of how to develop and support a system. Some computer-related jobs in the government include digital forensics analysts. These positions, while not as common as those with a focus on the military in the federal government, do are in place in certain agencies such as the Department of Defense and Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Blue-Collar
Federal employees can choose from a variety of blue-collar jobs. These are typically manual labor jobs that include plumbers, welders, as well as electricians and construction workers. Many of these jobs require special training and apprenticeships. These jobs can pay hourly or salary-based wages and usually come with the advantages of joining a union.
Blue-collar work is more physically demanding than white-collar jobs, but it also provides a certain sense of security. These workers will always be required to provide the skills and services they offer. Toilet pipes may break, wires could burn, and packages must be delivered. Work-life balance is difficult, but there are many ways to achieve the balance of work and family.
Similar to their counterparts in the private sector federal workers are also involved in an array of important and crucial tasks, ranging from developing vaccines to fight deadly diseases to fighting discrimination based on race and gender and tackling climate change. Many people choose to work for the government for job security, and the opportunity to serve their country in a role that is unique and important.
If a job announcement says that it is open to “Agency Employees," this means that current Federal employees from the Department that published the vacancy could apply. However, it is important to look over the "Area of Consideration" or "Who could apply" section carefully as some announcements don't specify that temporary (also called time-limited) and student Federal employees are not eligible.
Talking to people in the industry is an excellent way to locate federal jobs that are blue-collar. It's not uncommon for a friend or family member to know someone who works in the field that you are interested in, so don't be afraid to contact your social circle.
Clerical
Clerical jobs, sometimes called administrative or office support roles, are focused on managing the details and performing routine tasks for organizations. The most frequent clerical jobs include answering phones, managing office or customer requests, and recording and maintaining company records and information. They can also be involved in office machine tasks like operating photocopiers, voicemail systems and scanners. Office clerks are also responsible for contacting colleagues or clients to answer questions, answer messages, or address customer complaints. Other common clerical duties include updating databases for mailings and delivering and picking up documents and mail, as well as handling packages.
Office clerks are employed in a variety industries and government agencies. For instance medical billing clerks is responsible for preparing and filing health insurance claims and manages the incoming and outgoing mail for a health center. A receptionist at a hospital handles the front desk's telephones, guides visitors or patients to rooms for patients, and keeps the records of patients and outpatients.
The qualifications that are most relevant to clerical positions will depend on the job and industry. For the majority of entry-level positions, computer skills are required. A high school diploma or its equivalent is also required. The ability to work well under pressure and attention to detail are also desirable skills for clerical positions. Since a lot of jobs in clerical require numbers in some way and math skills are a must, being proficient is also a plus. The most qualified candidates will have a professional appearance and a thorough understanding of proper telephone manners and email protocol. They should also have excellent customer service experience. The ability to provide examples of times when they have demonstrated strong customer service and problem-solving in past jobs can be beneficial during the interview process.