DOD CIVILIAN CAREERS

Eligibility and Qualifications

Eligibility - Once you have found a job that you are interested in applying to, the first step is to make sure that you’re eligible to apply for the position. The specific requirements for each job are outlined in the vacancy announcement. Some examples include citizenship, whether you are a current or former Federal employee or the type of hiring appointment that you are on. It is important to read these eligibility requirements carefully to see if you meet the requirements. If you do not, your application will not be reviewed any further. If do meet the requirements, you will move to the next step where a Human Resources Specialist will review your application to see if you meet the minimum qualifications required for the position.

Qualifications - Each job that is posted has unique qualification requirements. These requirements are based upon multiple factors such as basic standards set by the OPM, educational or licensure requirements, and specialized experience that is required for that specific job. All of these requirements are outlined in the Qualifications portion of the Requirements Section of the vacancy announcement. You must meet all qualification, educational, and licensing requirements as outlined in the vacancy announcement to proceed to the next step in evaluating your application. Be sure that your application includes pertinent information to validate your qualifications such as dates (month/year) of employment, titles, and duties of previous positions, or license/certification numbers. Also, remember that, in some instances, copies of documents (e.g., license or transcript) may be required to validate the qualification requirements.

Types of Hiring Appointments

The DOD has been granted various authorities to hire civilian employees. These authorities may change the employment benefits and the hiring process identified in other position descriptions. Listed below are some of the categories for these authorities. Be sure to read each vacancy announcement carefully to understand the authority(ies) that are applicable to that position as well as the associated employment benefits.

Competitive Service Hiring - Many positions in the competitive service are eligible to obtain career status (tenure) upon completion of three years of continuous service. There are some Agencies that have interchange agreements that allow their employees that are not in the competitive service to apply for positions that are in the competitive service at different Agencies. Additionally, some Foreign Service employees are also eligible to be appointed to competitive service positions.

If this is the first Federal position in the competitive service that you are applying to, you will need to apply to vacancy announcements that are open “to the public.” Each vacancy announcement will specify those that are eligible for the position.

Excepted Service Hiring - There are some positions within the Government that are excepted by law from the competitive service. As a result, these positions are also exempt from obtaining career status (tenure). Some initial appointments are done through the excepted service but are either required or have the option to be converted into the competitive service without the need to compete (i.e., advertise and apply) after certain requirements (e.g., two years of service) are met. Here are some examples of these types of appointments: Veterans Recruitment Authority (VRA), 30% or greater Disabled Veterans, Schedule A Disability, some student internships (detailed in the vacancy announcement), recent graduates, and Presidential Management Fellows (PMF).

Direct Hiring - Due to the criticality or difficulty in filling certain positions, some jobs have been granted authority to “direct hire.” Typically, this means a shorter hiring process as not all of the same regulations apply. There are several positions across the Federal Government where Agencies have the authority to direct hire. These include some Medical occupations, Information Technology (Information Security), some Acquisition positions, and some Veterinarians.

The Department of Defense has been granted the authority to hire for additional positions using direct hiring. As critical needs arise, these authorities are updated. Each vacancy announcement will detail if the position being advertised is using a direct-hire authority.

Nonappropriated Fund - Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) positions are very similar to other Federal positions except that they are paid from a different funding source. As a result, the pay scales and employee benefits are also slightly different. NAF positions are similarly advertised as other positions on USAJOBS, where you must apply and meet qualification requirements. Each vacancy announcement will detail if the position is a NAF position and outline the requirements, salary, and benefits.

Documentation

When applying for a position with the DOD, make sure to include all required documentation as outlined in the vacancy announcement. Most commonly requested documents include:

• A resume that includes:
  • Dates (month/year) of previous position(s) held;
  • Full time or part-time status of the position(s);
  • Detailed duties performed in the position that demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and abilities; and
  • Paid and unpaid positions
  • If applicable, transcripts and/or licensures and/or certifications
  • If applicable, any Veterans information (e.g., DD214)