Did you know the federal government is the biggest employer in the U.S.? It has over 2.1 million civilian workers. These jobs cover many areas like infrastructure, intelligence, and public administration. If you’re starting your career or moving to public service, federal jobs offer great pay, benefits, and a chance to impact the nation.
Key Takeaways
- The federal government is the largest employer in the United States, with over 2.1 million civilian employees.
- Federal government jobs offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to serve the nation.
- Career paths in the federal government span a wide range of fields, including infrastructure, intelligence, public administration, and more.
- Both entry-level and experienced professionals can find rewarding opportunities in the federal government.
- The federal hiring process can involve unique requirements, such as security clearances and specialized documentation, but the USAJOBS platform simplifies the search and application process.
Explore Career Fields in Demand
The federal government is looking for skilled people for many needed jobs. From infrastructure jobs to intelligence careers, there are many opportunities for those with the right skills.
Infrastructure Jobs
With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the government is hiring more for infrastructure jobs. These jobs are in construction, engineering, and transportation. People with experience in these areas are wanted as the country updates its systems.
Intelligence Careers
The government also needs people skilled in intelligence and national security. These jobs help inform policymakers and protect the country. They also involve using new technologies to solve big challenges. Working in intelligence lets you tackle important national issues.
| Career Field | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Natural sciences managers | $163,610 |
| Lawyers and judicial law clerks | $161,680 |
| Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates | $153,700 |
| Public relations managers in government positions | $150,030 |
| Astronomers and physicists working in government positions | $147,800 |
| Industrial-organizational psychologists in government roles | $144,610 |
| Software developers in government positions | $132,930 |
The federal government has many job opportunities in different fields. These include accounting, office work, and helping others.
There are special programs for certain jobs like Advanced Asphalt Paving and Dental Assistant.
Jobs in medical fields are also available, including Dental Assistant and Certified Nurse Assistant.
Jobs in skilled trades like welding and electrical work are also in demand.
Specialized roles like AWS Cloud Practitioner and Emergency Medical Technician are also offered.
How to Search for government jobs
Looking for government jobs can lead to a rewarding career. You can find jobs in federal, state, or local government. A top resource is USAJOBS, the official job site for the U.S. federal government. It lists thousands of jobs, including full-time and internship positions across many agencies.
There are more places to look for government jobs too. Check out federal job postings on agency websites and government job databases at the state and local level. The American Job Center network and CareerOneStop are great for finding these jobs.
If you like to get help in person, try your local public library. Librarians know a lot about government job openings and can help with applying for them.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| USAJOBS | The official job portal for the U.S. federal government, hosting thousands of announcements for full-time positions and internships. |
| Individual Agency Websites | Many federal agencies post job opportunities on their own websites, including those within the Intelligence Community. |
| State and Local Job Databases | Comprehensive listings of government job openings at the state and local levels. |
| American Job Center Network | A nationwide network of employment centers that provide resources and assistance for finding government jobs. |
| CareerOneStop | A comprehensive website that aggregates federal job postings, state job postings, and other career resources. |
| Public Libraries | Local libraries often have knowledgeable staff who can provide guidance on the government job search process. |
Using these resources, job seekers can find great government jobs that match their skills and interests.
Federal Government Job Opportunities
The U.S. federal government is the biggest employer in the country. It offers many career paths across different agencies and departments. At the center of hiring is USAJOBS. This job portal connects people with federal civil service jobs.
USAJOBS: The Central Job Portal
USAJOBS is the main place for those looking for a federal government job. It lets users search for jobs, set up job alerts, and apply for different roles. The site is easy to use and has advanced search tools. This makes finding government job applications simple.
Special Hiring Paths
The federal government has special programs for certain groups, including:
- Veterans and military spouses – The government looks for and gives more chances to those with military backgrounds and their families.
- Students and recent graduates – There are internships and entry-level jobs for students and new grads. These offer training and a chance for permanent jobs.
- Individuals with disabilities – The government works to hire and support people with disabilities. It ensures they have equal job opportunities.
- Native Americans – The government has special programs to help Native Americans get jobs in the federal sector.
These special hiring paths show the government’s effort to create a diverse and inclusive workforce. It reflects the varied backgrounds and experiences of Americans.
State and Local Government Careers
There are many career options in state and local governments, besides federal jobs. Each state and local area has its own job boards and ways of hiring. You can find jobs from admin roles to public safety and social services.
The council-manager form is common in local areas. It combines professional management with elected officials. Local government managers handle daily tasks, set goals, and make strategies for their communities. Assistant managers have different duties based on the area’s size and needs.
People wanting to be local government managers come from various fields like humanities and business. A master’s in public administration helps with moving up in your career. Important courses include public finance and conflict resolution.
| Position | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| City Manager | $80,000 – $150,000 |
| Public Works Director | $85,000 – $100,000 |
| Police Chief | $75,000 – $110,000 |
Many state government jobs and local government jobs start with entry-level roles. These can be admin jobs or management analyst positions. Then, you can move up to managerial roles. Salaries vary a lot depending on the size of the area, the department, and where it is.
“More than half of U.S. cities with a population of over 10,000, and a growing number of counties, are managed by a mix of appointed professional administrators and elected officials.”
government jobs: The Hiring Process
Applying for government jobs is different from the private sector. It has its own set of rules and steps. Those looking to work in federal, state, or local government need to learn about these differences to do well.
Understanding the Application Process
The process starts with submitting resumes and finishing assessments, followed by interviews. It’s important to know how the hiring differs between competitive and excepted service positions in the federal government.
Competitive service jobs follow civil service laws. This means hiring is fair and based on skills. Candidates go through tests, evaluations, and interviews to show they have what it takes.
Excepted service jobs don’t have the same rules as competitive ones. This gives more freedom in choosing who gets the job. They might have different ways of applying and being assessed.
The Merit Promotion system looks at current or past federal workers based on their skills and experience. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 helps veterans apply for jobs using this system.
USAJOBS is a portal run by the OPM that lists all federal jobs. It shows job details, what the job involves, salary, and benefits. Job seekers can save searches, create profiles, and get updates on jobs they’re interested in.
Applying for a job goes through five steps. You’ll need to attach your resume and other documents. Sometimes, you’ll be asked for more personal info and to fill out a questionnaire.
After applying, you can check the status of your application on USAJOBS. Agencies will sort applicants into two groups: minimally qualified and highest qualified. This is based on how well you meet the job’s needs.
Interviews can be panel, in-person, video, or phone calls. How long it takes to schedule them depends on how many people applied. If you get a job offer, it’s subject to background checks and security clearances for certain jobs.
Knowing how the government job application works can help job seekers do better. It can make getting a job in the public sector more achievable.
Unique Benefits of Federal Employment
Starting a career in the federal government comes with amazing benefits. You get competitive pay and great health insurance. Plus, there are generous retirement plans and a focus on work-life balance.
You get 13 days of paid sick leave every year, no matter how long you’ve been working. And, you start with 13 paid vacation days, which goes up to 26 after 15 years. Plus, there are 11 paid holidays each year.
Flexible work schedules help you manage work and personal life better. The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) gives you over 200 health insurance plans. The government pays 70% to 75% of the costs.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Retirement | The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) offers benefits like a 401(k), with up to 5% agency match. The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) includes Basic Benefit Plan, Thrift Savings Plan, and Social Security. |
| Life Insurance | The Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance program (FEGLI) covers over 4 million federal employees and their families. |
| Student Loan Repayment | The Federal Student Loan Repayment program may give up to $10,000 a year, up to $60,000 total, towards student loans. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program forgives the balance on eligible loans after 10 years of public service. |
Federal jobs offer great job security and the chance to impact big issues. You get good pay, bonuses for performance, and help with student loans. It’s a rewarding career path.
Qualifications and Requirements
Getting a government job means you must meet certain qualifications and requirements. Many federal and state jobs need a college degree, relevant work experience, and sometimes passing civil service exams. It’s important to check the job descriptions and minimum qualifications to make sure you have what it takes.
Education and Experience Needed
The education and experience needed vary a lot by job and level. For entry-level government job qualifications, a high school diploma or equivalent is enough for jobs like clerk or administrative support. But, more advanced government job requirements often require a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree, along with work experience that fits the job.
Some government jobs, like those in the intelligence or foreign service, have even tougher education requirements and might need you to pass civil service exams. Make sure to check the specific government job qualifications for the job you want to apply for.
| Grade Level | Education Requirements | Experience Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| GS-2 | High school graduation or equivalent | 3 months of experience |
| GS-3 | 6 months of experience for Clerk-Steno, 1 year above high school for other roles | 6 months of experience for Clerk-Steno, 1 year above high school for other roles |
| GS-6 and above | No specific education requirements | 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level |
Along with formal education and work experience, you might need to show certain skills, like typing speed, for jobs like Clerk-Typist or Data Transcriber. Also, federal employees must often meet extra requirements, such as U.S. citizenship, minimum age, background checks, and security checks.
government jobs in Key Agencies
The federal government has many agencies and departments, each with its own mission and jobs. Some top agencies for job seekers are the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Transportation. These agencies offer a wide range of careers in public administration, national security, public health, and transportation.
Popular Federal Agencies
The Department of Education has less than 5,000 workers and a yearly budget of about $134 billion. The Department of the Interior has 70,274 employees and a yearly budget of about $90 billion. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) has around 96,000 workers and a yearly budget of about $134 billion.
Other key federal government agencies are the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). They offer national security career opportunities. The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have public health jobs. The Department of Transportation and its agencies, like the Federal Aviation Administration and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, focus on transportation roles.
Thousands of federal workers work in over 140 countries, helping the government around the world. Jobs include Administrative Staff GS-0301, Budget Analyst GS-0560, and Park Ranger GS-0025, among others.
| Federal Agency | Employees | Annual Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Education | Less than 5,000 | Approximately $134 billion |
| Department of the Interior | 70,274 | Approximately $90 billion |
| Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Approximately 96,000 | Approximately $134 billion |
Transitioning from Military to Civilian Career
For those with military experience, moving to a civilian government job can be a great choice. The federal government actively seeks out veterans, offering special hiring programs and resources. These help former service members use their skills and experience in new public service roles. It’s a way for those who want to keep serving their country in a different way.
A 2016 report found that 70% of jobs come from networking. Military OneSource gives tools and resources to those transitioning out of the military and their families. Transition offices offer job workshops, career advice, and help with online job searches.
The CareerOneStop website, backed by the U.S. Department of Labor, has free assessments and tools for those leaving the military. It also has salary info. Employers often look at social media during hiring, so keeping profiles professional is key.
Jobs fairs, both in-person and online, are great for meeting employers and sharing your resume. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management and USAJOBS are good places to find federal government jobs. Networking is a top way to find a job, using contacts made during military service.
Hard skills like technical knowledge and physical skills are valuable in civilian jobs. Soft skills like customer service and leadership are also in demand. These skills are often learned during military service.
Many veterans choose careers in healthcare, education, government, and public administration because they like mission-based work. The G.I. Bill can help fund further education for veterans.
Transition Assistance Programs from the VA offer resources and training for veterans going back to work. Using platforms like LinkedIn is stressed to connect with job leads. Veterans should look for companies that value their skills and have good policies for veterans. The way of communicating and the company culture can be different from the military.
Internships and Entry-Level Opportunities
Students and recent graduates can find internships and entry-level jobs in federal, state, and local governments. These jobs offer hands-on experience, mentorship, and a chance to move into full-time government work. They’re a great way to start a career in public service.
The Department of Defense (DOD) has the HBCU/MI/TCU Research Internship Program for undergrad and grad students. They work full-time. NASA’s NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program is for associate-level students. They intern part-time and unpaid in the fall and spring across the country.
- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has the Honors Paralegal Program for recent law graduates in Washington, DC.
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) offers the Federal Sector Social Science Research Internship program for undergrads in social sciences across the U.S.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provides the Student Volunteer Internship Program for undergrad, grad, and law students. They work part-time or full-time, unpaid, in various fields in different seasons.
The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) U.S. Secret Service has the Recent Graduates Program. It’s an entry-level job for recent grads in security and protection. They work full-time all year.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has Full-time CDC Fellowships for grad students in fields like medicine and public health. Applications open in different seasons.
The Department of Defense (DOD) offers the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program. It’s for grad students in fields like engineering and computer science. Applications are open in the fall and summer.
The Federal Government has internships for students in bachelor’s or master’s programs. These jobs last up to one year or more, not over four years. You must be a U.S. citizen or national and study at least half-time.
The College Graduate Hiring Authority is for those who’ve finished a degree in the last two years. Veterans can apply within six years. There are many student programs, like CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service, NASA internships, and Boren Scholarships and Fellowships.
Conclusion
The world of government jobs is full of career chances, great benefits, and the chance to help people. If you’re starting your career or moving from the private sector, the public sector has many options for you.
Learning about the job search, qualifications, and the perks of federal employment is key. Government jobs offer job security and stability, plus benefits like medical coverage and pension plans. This makes the public sector a great choice for a fulfilling career.
Choosing between a government job and a job in the private sector depends on what you want and need. By looking at the good and bad of each, you can pick what fits your career goals and values. With the right mindset, government jobs can be a rewarding and impactful career path.