7 Booming Federal Career Fields
Currin Berdine | Editor
The federal government is the largest employer
of any organization in the nation, with a plethora of job types and
career fields. In the government there is something for everyone,
especially if you have a college degree.
With a combination of information from the Bureau of Labor
Statistics, USAJOBS, the Partnership for Public Service and the
Economic Stimulus Bill, we've gathered important information about
seven career paths that are hiring at record paces this year. Current
events shape these numbers, reflected in opportunity in security and
accounting. Further, the Economic Stimulus package is creating
thousands of new jobs in construction, transportation, science and
beyond.
Inside each career profile you'll find job descriptions, salary information, custom job board searches, and more:
Engineering, Science & Technology: 22,274 New Hires
Openings in Last 30 Days Listed on USAJobs: 19,389+
Technicians (Non-Medical/Bio), Inspections & Construction: 21,069 New Hires
Openings in Last 30 Days Listed on USAJobs: 10,391+
Enforcement, Investigation & Intelligence: 20,954 Projected New Hires
Openings in Last 30 Days Listed on USAJobs: 4,950+
Program Managers, Administrators, & Office Support: 18,048 New Hires
Openings in Last 30 Days Listed on USAJobs: 23,281+
Accounting & Business: 13,802 New Hires
Openings in Last 30 Days Listed on USAJobs: 11,575+
Medical & Public Health: 11,783 New Hires
Openings in Last 30 Days Listed on USAJobs: 7,238+
Social Science, & Legal: 4,728 New Hires
Openings in Last 30 Days Listed on USAJobs: 3,580+
Engineering, Science & Technology
Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop
economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link
between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that
meet societal and consumer needs.
Engineers use computers extensively to produce and analyze designs;
to simulate and test how a machine, structure, or system operates; to
generate specifications for parts; and to monitor product quality and
control process efficiency. Nanotechnology, which involves the creation
of high-performance materials and components by integrating atoms and
molecules, also is introducing entirely new principles to the design
process. Most engineers specialize. The role of scientists is equally
important and diverse. Everything in the environment, whether naturally
occurring or of human design, is composed of chemicals. Chemists and
materials scientists search for and use new knowledge about chemicals.
Developments in the field of chemistry that involve life sciences will
expand, resulting in more interaction among biologists, engineers,
computer specialists, and chemists.
Jobs: Engineer, Biologist, Physicist, Chemist, Astronomer, Aerospace Engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Computer Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Instrumentation Engineer, Logistics Engineer, Maintainability Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Materials Engineer, Mining Engineer, Optical Engineer, Ordnance Engineer, Packaging Engineer, Photographic Engineer, Pollution-Control Engineer, Reliability Engineer, Software Engineer.
Median Annual Salary
Federal branch Scientists earn an average salary of $88,930.
In the Federal Government, mean annual salaries for engineers ranged from $75,144 in agricultural engineering to $107,546 in ceramic engineering in 2007.
Federally employed engineers and scientists who advanced to the GS-13 level earned salaries of between $80,510 - $104,910 (additional degree may be required).
Educational Requirements
A Bachelor's degree in engineering is required for almost all
entry-level engineering jobs. Most engineers enter the occupation with
at least an associate degree in engineering technology; scientists with
at least an associate degree in a hard science field. Most employers
prefer to hire someone with at least a 4-year Bachelor's degree in an engineering or science field.
Career Tips
- Opportunities will be best for individuals with a bachelor's or extensive job training in engineering.
5 Federal Careers Hiring at Record Pace
- Enforcement & Investigation
- Medical & Public Health
- Engineering & Sciences
- Program Managers & Administrators
- Accounting & Business
- Environmental engineering technicians are expected to have 25
percent employment growth between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the
average for all occupations. - Engineers who work in an aerospace related field generally receive higher pay than other types of engineers.
Technicians (Non-Medical/Biological), Inspections & Construction
Construction and building inspectors examine buildings, highways and
streets, sewer and water systems, dams, bridges, and other structures.
They ensure that their construction, alteration, or repair complies
with building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract
specifications. Building codes and standards are the primary means by
which building construction is regulated in the United States for the
health and safety of the general public.
Technicians use the principles and theories of science, engineering,
and mathematics to solve technical problems in research and
development, manufacturing, sales, construction, inspection, and
maintenance. Others work in quality control, inspecting products and
processes, conducting tests, or collecting data. In manufacturing, they
may assist in product design, development, or production.
These careers also branch into installation, maintenance, and repair
occupations. These workers repair or maintain various types of
electrical, electronic, or mechanical equipment.
Many job opportunities are also growing in architecture, as this is
a highly skilled but ultimately essential role in new building
projects. The Economic Stimulus Package's emphasis on public works and
transportation projects has made the needed number of construction
workers skyrocket.
Jobs: Compliance Inspection, Quality Assurance, Forestry Technician, Mechanic, Engineering Technician, Range Technician, Architect, Contract Specialists
Median Annual Salary
Engineering technicians earn an average salary of $43,920.
Construction and Inspection workers earn an average salary of $43,680.
Federally employed engineers who advanced to the GS-10 level earned salaries of between $48,159 - $60,199 (additional degree may be required).
Most technicians enter the occupation with at least an associate
degree in engineering technology; while inspections and construction
need at least an associate degree or relevant experience. Although it
may be possible to qualify for certain technician, inspection or
construction jobs without formal training, most employers prefer to
hire someone with at least a 2-year associate degree in a technical or analytical field.
Other training in technical areas may be obtained in the Armed
Forces. Many military technical training programs are highly regarded
by employers. However, skills acquired in military programs are often
narrowly focused and may be of limited applicability in civilian
industry, which often requires broader training.
Career Tips
- In this article we are focusing on federal careers, but it is wise
to note about 41% of inspectors work for local governments, primarily
municipal or county building departments.
Don't have a four year degree? Technical and construction careers are a well paying option.
The hottest area right now in this career field is Environmental and Green Jobs.
Related Information
More on Engineering and Architecture Careers
Security, Enforcement, Investigation and Intelligence
Security officers patrol and inspect property to protect against
fire, theft, vandalism, terrorism, and illegal activity. They also
interview witnesses or victims, prepare case reports, and testify in
court.
Law Enforcement Officers, Federal Agents and Detectives usually
specialize in investigating one type of violation, such as homicide or
fraud. Daily activities differ depending on occupational specialties -
such as police officer, game warden, or detective - and whether they
are working for a local, State or Federal agency.
Jobs: Inspector, Investigator, Detective, Police Officer, Security Officer, Airport Screener
Median Annual Salary
In 2007, agents entering the Federal service as GS-10 employees receive a salary of $48,159 - $60,199.
Federal employees who advanced to the GS-13 level earned salaries of between $75,414 - $94,268 (additional degree may be required).
Educational Requirements
Many entry-level applicants for security and police jobs have
completed some formal postsecondary education. A significant number are
college graduates. Many junior colleges, colleges, and universities
offer programs in law enforcement or criminal justice.
Considering an undergraduate or Master's degree (and good grades) in
any of these fields of study are your best shot and getting in and
advancing as a federal agent in this day and age.
Career Tips
- US Border Patrol agents protect more than 8,000 miles of international land and water boundaries.
- Immigration inspectors interview and examine people seeking entrance to the United States and its territories.
- Federal Air Marshals provide air security by guarding against attacks targeting US aircraft, passengers, and crews.
- US Secret Service agents and officers investigate counterfeiting,
forgery of Government checks or bonds, and fraudulent use of credit
cards.
Related Information
Secure Opportunities in Counter-Terror
Find a career with the US Border Patrol
Program Managers, Administrators, & Office Support
Administrators and Program Managers coordinate and direct the many
support services that allow organizations to operate efficiently.
Specific examples of management duties include: payroll,
administration, conference planning, data processing, printing and
production, records management, telecommunications, security, and
energy consumption.
Office support teams also include Human Resources careers.
Jobs: Program Manager, Analyst, Operations Manager, Public Administrator
Median Annual Salary
In 2006, the median annual earnings for program managers and administrators were $67,690. Median earnings for employees of State and Local departments were $68,410.
Educational Requirements
Some agencies require occupational health and safety specialists to have a bachelor's degree in occupational health, safety, or a related field, such as engineering, biology, or chemistry. For some positions, a master's degree
in industrial hygiene or a related subject is required. There also are
associate degree and 1-year certificate programs, which primarily are
intended for technicians.
Career Tips
- Applicants will face keen competition for the limited number of
top-level management jobs; competition should be less severe for
lower-level management jobs. - Employment of program managers and administrators is expected to increase 12 percent by 2016.
Related Information
Career Profile: Local government administrator
Federal Human Resources Careers
Highest Paying State Government Office Administration Jobs
Accounting and Business
Government accountants and auditors work in the public sector,
maintaining and examining the records of government agencies and
auditing private businesses and individuals whose activities are
subject to government regulations or taxation.
Accountants employed by Federal, State, and local governments ensure
that revenues are received and expenditures are made in accordance with
laws and regulations.
Those employed by the Federal Government may work as Internal
Revenue Service agents or in financial management, financial
institution examination, or budget analysis and administration.
Specific job duties vary widely among the four major fields of
accounting and auditing: public, management, government accounting, and
internal auditing.
Jobs: Accountant, Revenue Agent, Tax Examiner, Economist, Business Analyst
Median Annual Salary
Most accountants and business analysts enter the Federal service as GS-9 employees, and receive a salary of $47,200.
Federal employees who advanced to the GS-13 level earned salaries of between $75,414 - $94,268 (additional degree may be required).
Educational Requirements
Most accounting and auditing positions for the Federal Government
require 4 years of college or an equivalent combination of education
and experience.
Some employers prefer applicants with a master's degree in accounting, or with a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting.
Career Tips
- Opportunities will be best for jobseekers who have a master's
degree, obtain certification or licensure or who are proficient in the
use of accounting and auditing computer software. - Strong growth of accountants and auditor jobs over the 2006-16
decade is expected to result from stricter accounting and auditing
regulations, along with an expanding economy.
- Increased focus on and numbers of financial crimes such as
embezzlement, bribery, and securities fraud will increase the demand
for forensic accountants to detect illegal financial activity by
individuals, companies, and organized crime rings. - Accounting is one of the fastest growing state and local government jobs.
Related Information
Medical and Public Health
Medical and health services managers plan, direct, coordinate, and
supervise the delivery of healthcare. These workers are either
specialists who work in a specific clinical department, or generalists
who manage an entire facility or system.
Health information managers are responsible for ensuring that health records comply with Federal Government regulations.
Occupational health and safety specialists and inspectors help
prevent harm to workers, property, the environment, and the general
public. 2 out of 5 public health specialists work in Federal, State,
and local government agencies that enforce rules on safety, health, and
the environment.
Jobs: Health Services Manager, Public Health Specialist, Medical Technician
Median Annual Salary
Most medical and public health specialists enter Federal service as GS-9 employees, and receive a salary of $44,934 - $58,549.
Federal employees who advanced to the GS-13 level earned salaries of between $75,414 - $94,268 (additional degree may be required).
Educational Requirements
Some agencies require occupational health and safety specialists to
have a <a
href="http://www.govcentral.com/tracking/int?landing_page="http://edu.govcentral.com/articles/1573-bachelor_degrees_explained?referral=gc_org>bachelor's
degree in occupational health, safety, or a related field, such as
engineering, biology, or chemistry. For some positions, a master's degree
in industrial hygiene or a related subject is required. There also are
associate degree and 1-year certificate programs, which primarily are
intended for technicians.
Career Tips
- Most occupational health and safety specialists and technicians
work in large private firms or for Federal, State, and local
governments, most of which generally offer benefits more generous than
those offered by smaller firms. - Employment of occupational health and safety specialists and technicians is expected to increase 9 percent by 2016.
- Most Federal government jobs
are as Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors, who
enforce U.S. Department of Labor regulations and impose fines.
- Health care has been rated one of the 9 fastest growing government industries
Related Information
Growing Federal Jobs: Health Care
Department of Health and Human Services
Social Science, & Legal
Social science and legal fields have not been faltered by the
economy like many sectors have, especially within the Federal
Government. About 41 percent of Social Science workers are employed by
governments. Legalities will always be a top priority when dealing with
legislation and regulations, and therefore those familiar with law are
crucial.
The major social science occupations covered in this statement are
anthropologists, archaeologists, geographers, historians, political
scientists, and sociologists. Many of these workers are employed by
educational institutions.
While lawyers assume ultimate responsibility for legal work, they
often delegate many of their tasks to paralegals. In fact,
paralegals-also called legal assistants-are continuing to assume a
growing range of tasks in legal offices and perform many of the same
tasks as lawyers. Nevertheless, they are explicitly prohibited from
carrying out duties considered to be the practice of law, such as
setting legal fees, giving legal advice, and presenting cases in court.
Jobs: Paralegal, Legal Secretary, Attorney, Attorney, Sociologist, Political Science, Historian,
Median Annual Salary
The average salary for Federally employed paralegals is $56,080.
In the Federal Government, social scientists with a bachelor's degree and no experience often started at a yearly salary of $28,862 or $35,572 in 2007, depending on their college records. Those with a master's degree could start at $43,731, and those with a Ph.D. degree could begin at $52,912, while some individuals with experience and an advanced degree could start at $63,417.
Federal employees who advanced to the GS-11 level earned salaries of between $56,487 - $73,607 (additional degree may be required).
Educational Requirements
An associate's or bachelor's degree provides a suitable background
for many different kinds of entry-level jobs in related occupations,
such as research assistant, writer, management trainee, or market
analyst. Graduates with master's degrees in applied specialties usually
are qualified for positions outside of colleges and universities,
although requirements vary by field. A Ph.D. degree may be required for
higher-level positions.
Career Tips
- About 41 percent of Social Science workers are employed by governments.
- Employment of Anthropologists and archeologists is projected to increase 15% by 2009.
- Employment of Sociologist is projected to increase 10% by 2009.
- Judges typically have the highest salary of all legal careers in government.
Related Information
Highest Paying State Government Legal Jobs
Highest Paying State Government Social Sciences Jobs
Sources:
http://www.bls.gov
http://www.ourpublicservice.org/
http://www.usajobs.gov/
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