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Hiring Process

Federal Employment Process

Permanent positions within the Federal government are filled through competitive recruitment procedures. This means you compete with others who have applied for the position by submitting an application or resumé. These procedures are outlined in each vacancy announcement and should be followed to ensure that your application is given complete consideration. Please indicate the vacancy announcement number on your application materials.

The recruitment and selection process may take several weeks from the time a position is advertised to when a selection is made. Don't be deterred by this. Ask questions and keep in touch during the application process. Contact information is provided in each vacancy announcement.

You may apply for Federal positions using a resume, curriculum vitae, or Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612). You can download application forms at:

http://www.ars.usda.gov/careers/docs.htm?docid=1348

You can also obtain the OF-612 by calling 301-504-1482 (or the D.C. Relay Service at (TDD) 202-855-1234).

Special Hiring Authorities

Individuals with disabilities, former Peace Corps, Vista, action cooperatives, and volunteers may be considered for employment under special hiring authorities. Qualified disabled veterans, Veterans Readjustment Appointment Eligibles, and veterans who are preference eligibles or who have been separated from the Armed Services under honorable conditions after 3 or more years of active service may also be considered for positions under special hiring authorities. Applicants covered by these special appointing authorities can identify specific vacancies for which to apply and submit their applications through the normal application process to receive consideration under these special hiring authorities.

Citizenship

You must be a U.S. citizen to be considered for permanent positions within the Federal Government. Resident aliens from certain countries may be considered for some temporary positions, for example, student and postdoctoral positions. Additional information on citizenship is available from:

http://www.opm.gov/employ/html/non_cit.htm

Qualifications

Qualifications for positions being advertised are identified in each vacancy announcement and indicate the required education and experience necessary to be considered. Additional information on qualification requirements can be found at:

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI27.asp

Pay

The rate of pay for each grade is set by law and adjusted periodically. Locality pay may be added to base pay depending on where the position is located. Complete pay scales for the Federal Government can be viewed at:

http://www.opm.gov/oca/payrates/index.asp

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Last Modified: 12/28/2005

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