How To Find Work With The Federal Government

There is no larger employer in the world than the United States Government. Positions are available on a
near regular basis, despite recent cutbacks. Not only are there opportunities domestically, but employment
outside the United States is a possibility on military bases, overseas embassies and various departments of
defense and state agencies.
Initial contact to determine types of employment that are open in the various government agencies at any
one time should be made with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) at 1900 E Street, NW, Room
E453, Washington, DC 20415, 1–202–606–2440. Here, you can obtain specific job listings and other
personal information. The Federal Personnel Manual covers all aspects of personnel management within
the federal government structure and is available on a subscription basis.
You will have to become familiar with a whole new employment language. This is the federal
government, after all. A special occupational classification system exists which determines pay and job
grades.
There are four basic types of positions within the federal government:
1. Career. The career position is the one to which most federal workers ultimately subscribe. This is
full–time, entitled to all rights and privileges of government employment. A three–year probationary
period must be completed first before you achieve this category classification.
2. Career–Conditional.This position is of a probationary nature, lasting three years, after which you
become eligible for a career classification. During this period of time, employees are measured on their
abilities and effort in an attempt to decide if they can be upgraded to career at the end of the three–year
period. Since the career employee is generally the last one affected by
cutbacks (like those being experienced now), this probationary period is a critical one for the individual
aspiring to full–time permanent status within the US Government.
3. Term. These are positions filled for a finite period of time. Generally, an agency may be given a project
or research study lasting for a set period of time (one, two, three years, for example), after which a report
is due. Since assistance may be needed to complete this project, the grant money awarded is used to hire
term employees, hired until the end of the project. Health benefits will likely be available. Pension
benefits probably will not. The term employee who performs well may have an inside track to future
employment within the career–conditional employment level mentioned above.
4. Temporary. These positions are less than one year in length and do not carry any special privileges or
benefits like health insurance. However, work well done is generally remembered. In addition, you may
be privy to hearing about other openings and if your work has been satisfactory, a supervisor’s
recommendation can help move you into position for other work.