Real people do these jobs. Talk about a hard day at work. The federal jobs described below, and many more not listed here, address some of America’s most complex issues and problems.
What I want to know is this: Are these jobs worth the money, or any amount of money, that the employee receives for the headaches, frustrations, difficult negotiations, etc., that will undoubtedly be part of these positions?
Take, for example, the State Department analyst who is responsible for promoting communication and cooperation among the various government agencies and private sector organizations that support the US mission in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. This employee is the ultimate negotiator and must demonstrate optimal patience, negotiation skills, flexibility, and the ability to navigate complex national and international security issues.
Is this job worth $51,630.00 – $81,204.00 a year?
Here are some real-life examples of challenging federal jobs:
1. DC Ranger: Is this job worth $89,033.00 – $115,742.00 a year?
Homework:
Negotiate the terms of right-of-way permits that authorize the use and occupation of National Park Service lands within the various units of the National Capital Region in response to requests submitted by the government of the District of Columbia for a wide variety of municipal projects, from the US Army Corps of Engineers for wetland rehabilitation and utility installations and upgrades, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for new and expanded metrorail installations, from private utility companies for new and expanded telecommunications installations and electric power lines, and from a variety of Federal, State and local government agencies for various utility connections, including those of a sensitive nature serving agencies of the Department of Defense and Homeland Security.
my take:
This federal employee must be an incredible multitasker, problem solver, negotiator, communicator, and coalition builder. He or she needs to know the ins and outs of real estate and be tough and KEEP their GROUND (The American Public’s Ground). To me, this job seems too much for one person. This work should be divided among at least 2 or 3 workers, so that each member of the team can specialize and work with a particular topic or target audience.
2. USDA Stakeholder Analyst: Is this job worth $62,467.00 – 97,333.00 a year?
Homework:
Maintain contacts and establish relationships with organizations including, but not limited to, those representing segments of the dairy, beef, poultry, swine, and equine industries; horticultural production; biotechnology industries and associations; wildlife organizations; and animal welfare interests.
my take:
I am amazed that this work serves to protect not only humans with respect to food safety, but also the welfare of animals. This analyst must be a subject matter expert who can speak to all types of agricultural experts and represent USDA regarding all types of issues and requests from defense and manufacturing organizations with specific interests to protect. This USDA stakeholder analyst will represent the American taxpayer before these groups. This is important work, because we all like to eat healthy food and we like to be outdoors.
3. Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor (CSTA) for Flight Loads/Aeroelasticity: Is this job worth between $114,600.00 and $168,500.00 a year?
Homework:
Serve as the FAA-recognized expert for structural loads on fixed-wing aircraft and defines and promotes new technologies in flight and ground loads to establish leadership in the field.
my take:
This job is a lot of pressure for one person. Airline manufacturers will depend on new and updated payload policies from this chief scientist, who must continually update his expertise on new technologies. American public life depends on this work.
4. Veterans Administration Budget Analyst: Is this AD-0560-13/15 job worth undisclosed dollars?
Homework:
Estimates for Congress of veterans’ needs for the costs of providing emergency, acute, and long-term care, specialized care for women veterans, treatment of diseases resulting from exposure to environmental hazards, and residential and community care.
my take:
America’s veterans have tremendous needs and the VA has tremendous budget challenges. This budget analyst must analyze, present solid facts, be a strong advocate, and negotiate for veterinarians and families. This person helps thousands of people.
5. Army Food Service Worker: Is this job worth $9.98 – $13.16 per hour?
Homework:
Clean the cafeteria with a ‘task sequence’. Perform a variety of tasks that have multiple steps or a sequence of tasks that require attention to work operations in a kitchen or dining room following established procedures.
my take:
This food service worker must be diligent, responsible, upright and hard working! Military personnel will appreciate a clean and organized kitchen. This is a good job to help the morale of soldiers and their families.
ABSTRACT
All of these positions will require specialized experience to land the job. But they will need MUCH more than that. The skills necessary to perform well in these positions will require: communications, interpersonal relationships, negotiation, advocacy, coalition building, problem solving, vision, strategic thinking, subject matter knowledge, and more.
The people who are hired for these positions will handle some of the biggest challenges facing the federal government today. These positions require more involvement and performance than average. Are you interested in dedicating yourself to a complex and important mission? If so, read more jobs like these at USAJOBS.gov.