Employment FAQs
Do I need to be a U.S. Citizen to work at Fermilab?
Citizenship is not required to be considered for employment at Fermilab, but you must have proper work authorization and an accompanying Visa that allows for legal employment in the United States.
Do I need a security clearance to work at Fermilab?
No.
Is Fermilab a Federal employer?
Fermilab is a private employer who operates under a contract between the Department of Energy and the Fermi Research Alliance.
Can I give you a paper copy of my resume?
We are not able to accept resumes via mail, fax, or e-mail. Please submit your resume online by visiting /employ
How do I apply for a job?
- Click on "search exciting career opportunities" on the Fermilab careers homepage
- If the link does not work, type https://fermi.hodesiq.com/ into your web browser.
- Select "area of interest" or "view all jobs."
- Review the job announcements for opportunities of interest to you.
- Select "Apply Online" within the job announcement.
- Follow the instructions as you navigate through the completion of your online resume submission.
- You will receive an automatic confirmation e-mail message if your resume has been properly submitted online.
I applied for a job last week, do you have my resume?
When you submit your resume online for a posted opening, it is available for view by the Recruiter on the online system. Depending on the volume of applicants, the time to process your resume will vary. The recruiter will review your resume to determine if your skills match the position's qualifying criteria. If your skills match an opening, the resume is forwarded to the appropriate hiring manager who will then review it and decide if there is further interest in your candidacy.
How soon is my job going to be posted after I fill out the online requisition? (Fermilab manager)
After the online requisition is submitted, the hiring manager will receive a courtesy notification e-mail. The requisition form will need to be printed and routed for approval signatures by the D/S/C and the Directorate. After the approved hard-copy form is received by Employment, the Recruiter will contact the Hiring Manager within 3 business days to schedule a client engagement meeting to discuss recruiting strategy, job requirements, and a draft posting. The position will be posted online as soon as possible, usually within 1 business day, after all parties approve of the posting language.
How many people do I have to interview? (Fermilab manager)
There is no requirement for the number of candidates to interview as it varies on a several factors (such as number of qualified candidates, level of difficulty to find the required skills, etc.). A hiring manager may choose to conduct phone interviews and bring in the top candidate(s) for personal interviews at Fermilab. Other managers may prefer to conduct all first interviews in person.
How are the 1000 hours calculated for the on-call program?
On-call employees must work less than 1000 hours within both a calendar year and a service anniversary year. The hours re-set at the beginning of each year (Jan 1st for calendar year and service anniversary date for anniversary year). For example, if an on-call employee starts on 2/1/2010, that employee cannot work more than 1000 hours between 02/01/2010 and 12/31/2010 as well as between 02/01/2010 and 02/01/2011.
How long does an employee have to wait if they reach their 1000 hours mid-year?
It depends. If an employee works 40 hours per week, the 1000 hours will be reached about 6-months into the calendar/anniversary year. The employee will need to wait about 6-months until they are eligible to work again. For example, an employee is hired on March 1, 2010 working 40-hours per week to fill a temporary project need. The employee reaches 1000-hours on August 20, 2010. Even though the calendar year resets on January 1, 2010, the employee will not be allowed to work again until March 1, 2011 (at the service anniversary date).
If an employee works less than 40 hours per week on a continuous basis, once the 1000 hours is reached, the calculation will reset to 0 at the service anniversary date. For example, an employee was hired June 1, 2009. The employee works 20 hours per week and reaches 1000 hours on May 14, 2010. Even though the employee is within the 1000-hour parameter of the calendar year which resets on January 1, 2010, the employee will not be able to work again until June 1, 2010 when the clock resets at the anniversary date.
When does the summer program start, what is the process? (Fermilab manager/employee)
Summer students are allowed to work between May 1st and September 30th each calendar year. The online summer personnel requisition is open between February and April each year. The hiring manager submits the online form and routes the hard copy for approvals similar to a full-time personnel requisition. The summer positions are posted online in March and April in a few categories (general, roads and grounds, Day Camp, etc.). The students apply to the category of their interest, stating more details about their interests in the online resume (IT, Engineering, Finance, etc.). A Recruiter forwards resumes to the hiring manager for review. The Recruiter makes the employment offer to the top selected candidate on a first-come, first-serve basis if the student is selected by more than one hiring manager. In those cases, the Recruiter will move to the next selected candidate(s) until an offer can be made.
What is the procedure for hiring a new employee?
See the Fermilab Recruitment Process Map
What do I need do when I resign from employment?
See the Fermilab Resignation Process Map
What paperwork is needed in order to extend a Term employee?
In order to extend a term, a memo signed by section/division head & approved by Directorate needs to be sent to the Employment Office. It should state the new ending date and if any changes will occur such as a new supervisor or job duties.
How do I apply for a promotion?
There are two types of promotions: competitive and non-competitive.
- Competitive promotions may be applied for through the job bidding process as positions are posted.
- Non-competitive, "career ladder" promotions are made at the recommendation of the department/group management with the approval of the D/S Head and are not posted. If you aspire to achieve the next job level and would like to be considered for additional responsibilities, then you are encouraged to make your current manager/supervisor aware of your desires. The Performance Review and Development process is also a good opportunity for you to have this discussion with your current manager/supervisor. See the Fermilab Non-Competitive Promotion Process Map.
Who has the authority to verify my employment (ie. Mortgages or apartment leases)?
The Records office; Laurie Pederson at x3324 (ofc.), 630-840-2306(fax),or couperus@fnal.gov.
I am a Fermilab employee, how do I apply for a posted opening (bid on job that's open)?
You will need to apply online at http://fermi.hodesiq.com.
Do I have to tell my supervisor that I've applied for another job?
Laboratory policy requires you to inform your current supervisor of your application only if/when you are formally invited to interview for the position. The Employment Department will inform/remind you of this requirement at the appropriate time.
How long do I have to work in one position before applying for another job?
You must be in your current position six months or receive special permission in writing from your current supervisor.
Must all internal candidates who apply for an opening be interviewed?
Yes, if they meet the minimum qualifications.
How will I be notified if I am not chosen for a position I applied for?
The responsible recruiter will contact you.
What does my performance level have to be in order to be considered for another position?
Your performance needs to be at least at a satisfactory level.
Will I be considered for a new position if I have any recent disciplinary actions?
Yes, but the hiring supervisor may review your personnel file which would contain any disciplinary actions.
Who will make the offer to me if I get the new position?