In today’s economy, job security is one of the most essential benefits you can ask for. The federal government can offer that. Most federal jobs are essential,as well as funded, which means they are not as insecure as private-sector jobs when the job market is down. Additionally, the federal government runs a program that puts displaced workers at an advantage to gain new employment within a different department. This program provides workers with extra security should their position come into jeopardy.
When considering federal employment, you want to look for entry level positions that coincide with your qualifications. Most federal jobs use the General Schedule (GS) for pay. Each position is assigned a GS level, and that level determines the pay for the position, as well as the minimum qualifications. Although every position is different, generally speaking, a GS-4 position is for an individual with an Associates Degree or equivalent experience. A GS-5 position is for an individual with a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience. A GS-9 position is for an individual with a Master’s Degree, and a GS-11 position is for an individual with a PhD. Although there are entry level positions at each GS level, it is important to keep in mind that those who are able to enter the federal government at a level higher than a GS-7 are individuals with a clear specialization. The following list provides examples of entry level positions at four different GS levels.
GS-4 entry level positions
Forestry Technician – Forest Service
Police Officer – National Geospatial Intelligence Agency
Park guide – National Park Service
Information Technology Specialist – Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation command
Administrative Assistant – Homeland Security
Resource Clerk – Forest Service
Management Assistant – Federal Aviation Administration
Area Assistant – Rural Housing Service
Medical Records Technician – Army medical Command
Statistical Clerk – Bureau of the Census
GS-5 Entry Level Positions
Rangeland Management Specialist – Forest Service
Foreign Service Diplomatic Courier – Department of State
Park Ranger – National Park Service
Testing Clerk – U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command
Customs and Border Protection Officer – Homeland Security
Recreation therapist – Veterans Affairs
Pharmacy Technician – Veterans Affairs
Accounting Technician – Homeland Security
Food Inspector – Food Safety and Inspection Service
GS-9 Entry Level Positions
Nurse Practitioner – Veterans Affairs
Social Worker – Veterans Affairs
Suicide Prevention Specialist – Veterans Affairs
Archeologist – Forest Service
Realty Specialist – Forest Service
Environmental Engineer – Environmental Protection Agency
Fire Management Specialist – Forest Service
Foreign Service information Management Specialist – Department of State
Auditor – Agency for International Development
Occupational Therapist – Veterans Affairs
GS-11 Entry Level Positions
Program Analyst – Homeland Security
Supervisory Wildlife Biologist – Forest Service
Infection Control Coordinator – Federal Prison system
Foreign Affairs Officer – Department of State
Marriage and Family Therapist – Veterans Affairs
Correctional Program specialist – Federal prison System
Entomologist – Agriculture, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service
Sources:
USAJobs: http://www.usajobs.gov/
Williamson, M. (2011) How to Write the Perfect Federal Resume and Resume Cover Letter. Ocala, FL: Atlantic Publishing Company.
