Special Appointment Types and Other Information
Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA)
Intergovernmental Personnel Act Mobility Program
Provides for the temporary assignment of personnel between the Federal Government and state and local governments, colleges and universities, Indian tribal governments, federally funded research and development centers, and other eligible organizations.
Superior Qualifications Appointments
Advanced in Hiring Rate Appointments and Request Form
The Office of Human Resources has recently updated guidance on making Superior Qualifications Appointments within the USGS. The authority to approve these types of appointments has been delegated to division/office officials as provided for in SM 205, Chapter 1, Appendix B.
USGS Human Resources Management Letter on Term Appointments (USGS HRML-98-1)
Provides guidance on the use of the term appointing authority and explains management's responsibility for certifying that the appointing authority is used appropriately.
USGS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program
A program designed to provide highly motivated recent Ph.D. graduates with the opportunity to conduct concentrated research in association with selected USGS Scientists.
Hiring Freeze Guidance
Guidance for the Hiring Freeze put into place in January 2003 and updated September 2003.
USGS Employment Handbook A guide for supervisors and selecting officials to provide information on the various recruitment methods and appointments available.
Information for Merit Promotion Panel Members Serving as a panel member or a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on a Merit Promotion Panel? Then this information is for you.
Position Designation Questionnaire (PDF, 26K) Supervisors are required to complete this form when requesting the establishment of a new position (new hire, reassignment, promotion, conversion, etc) or redescription of duties.
USGS Pathways Programs
Volunteer for Science Program
USGS Volunteer for Science Handbook (PDF, 72 KB)
The complete handbook for providing contact information and program guidance for the USGS Volunteer Program. Includes the Individual Volunteer Services Agreement OF-301A (Rev 2010) and the Emergency Care for Minors Form available separately below.
Volunteer for Science Q&A
Information for supervisors and volunteer coordinators on common issues associated with volunteers in the USGS.
Submitting New Volunteer Opportunities
USGS Volunteer for Science Program Memo.
Downloadable forms
- Form: OF301A Volunteer Services Agreement for Natural Resources Agencies (for Individuals or Groups)
Used to document the acceptance of volunteer services. (Webforms requires log in) - Emergency Care for Minors Form (PDF, 12 KB)
Specifies who to contact in case a minor volunteer is injured.
Interviewing and Reference Checks
Conducting Effective Interviews (PDF, 80 KB)
The employment interview is an effective way of determining who possess characteristics required for the job and therefore, who is right for a job.
The following guidelines provide practical information on planning for interviews.
Interviewing Guidelines
Need to do an interview? Here's how you do it.
Past Employment / Academic Training Checks
Here's how you do reference checks, and how to respond when someone asks you for a reference. Also check out:
- Preemployment Interview Guidelines
- USGS Previous Employment Inquiry Form (MS Word, 32 KB)
Travel and Transportation Expenses
August 20, 1999 Memo
Memo establishing USGS policy on determining when Travel and Transportation Expenses are authorized for new and transferred employees. Also see the
DOI policy memo for more information.
