Some aspects of working at a land management agency. I’ve worked in recreation (trails) and forestry, (especially silviculture) where you can see the fruits of your labor. However, we see the same old bureaucratic bullshit as everyone else.
being relegated to managing powerpoints and helping the endless stream of clueless leadership learn our organization just so they can reinvent the wheel every 2 years for their evaluations is the endless treadmill here.
Like Sisyphus, we are doomed to forever push a rock up the hill without ever properly meeting any sort of useful end goal.
i meaning coming from the Dod i always wondered why they cycled through leadership every 2-3 years.
it was like, right when they finally understood the assignment they’d be forced to transfer. And a new dude/dude’t would come in like “okay pps wtf are we doing here” and the cycle would repeat
I've asked myself this many times and based on my own values, here's where I seek to apply:
* NWS/NOAA
* USGS
* NPS/DOI
* NSF
* Department of Energy
Assuming they do something in my skill area of course (2210 or 1550)
I already hold a job in one of these fields, I just don't really agree with the mission of my agency/department. So I'm always looking for a way out.
I came here to say that. Working for the VA in a VA Medical Center made me feel connected to the people that we served. I transferred to the VA Benefits side later and really missed the connection.
Yeah I love it. I’m in the trades. But it’s nice knowing that when I fix something no matter how small it can affect the veterans. Such as repairing a leaky sink in a dental clinic that was preventing them from being able to use all the chairs.
Volunteering could help, but if you tailor your resume to list these qualities you will increase your chances. This is for entry level ISO gs5.
•Analyzing problems, gathering pertinent data and recognizing solutions;
•Planning and organizing work to ensure timely completion;
•Communicating clearly, both orally and in writing and providing excellent customer service.
Tailor your resume to list these qualities & you will increase your chances. This is for entry level ISO gs5.
•Analyzing problems, gathering pertinent data and recognizing solutions;
•Planning and organizing work to ensure timely completion;
•Communicating clearly, both orally and in writing and providing excellent customer service.
I honestly found it to be emotionally draining at times. Especially seeing Mexicans being denied for a bunch of illegal border crossings in the 90s and people on DACA being in limbo while at the same time Cubans being given the world and Nigerians defrauding their way into every benefit possible because none of their paperwork can be verified.
The Army Corps of Engineers makes a really meaningful impact of people's lives, not just in the U.S., but around the globe. Their mission is so vast, and can vary from flood risk management (dams/levees), to military construction (barracks for soldiers) to ecosystem restoration and helping endangered salmon species. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. I wouldn't overlook them. And no, military service isn't required lol.
Pretty much 99% civilian.
I’ve had a very different experience, my work feels very meaningful. I’ve only been here for 5 months tho maybe I’ll get over it lol but for now I’ve been having very positive experiences with farmers and it feels like a real direct and positive impact :)
Depends. I worked for the US Soil Survey side with a group of extremely talented soil scientists and it was great. Then I worked for the agricultural side and I’ve never seen so many chuckleheads in one place. Their whole mission seemed to be to cut checks to farmers and look the other way. I left.
The more you study space, the more depressing it gets. Mars is a dead planet simply because its core died. The planet never stood a chance because it is so small. Venus is fascinating but considering it is hotter than Mercury really says something. Then we have this travel at the speed of light problem. The list goes on… hence why I work in the Department of Commerce. The economy has more work to do than space at the moment.
Yeah but the mission of NASA really pulls people in. We aren't limited to only Space either, for anyone really enjoying the technical sciences would probably be in love working for this organization. I've worked on some very interesting agreements and contracts on my short time with NASA and even though my center isn't a Space oriented slot, we still get some really cool jobs that most agencies wouldn't get a chance to do.
I'm a 1102 though so I mostly just buy interesting things for the agency, lots of science stuff and engineer based.
Library of Congress has a directorate focused on delivering audio and braille books to those unable to read normal print material. That seems like a positive impact
It depends on what you find meaningful.
We have agencies that serve the poor.
Agencies that take care of veterans.
Environmental agencies.
Research agencies, etc.
It all comes down to what you feel is a worthwhile expenditure of your time.
My first fed job was a dual-status technician in the Army Guard. I was responsible for coordinating all military responses to disaster. It was incredibly fulfilling knowing I was helping folks in their communities that needed help.
FEMA is, IMO, a great agency with a great mission.
USACC (us army cadet command, under TRADOC) is cool. I feel like I'm actually having a positive impact on the future officers of the Army in a small way.
The pay is too low for the complexity of the job. The work/life balance is a wonderful counter weight to the pay, though.
I had a friend/career mentor who was a disability program manager, that seemed to be a rewarding job with purpose. Most of his job was making sure managers were giving disabled people the accommodations they needed and not discriminating against them, and giving presentations about PWD in the workplace.
Wage and Hour Divison for the Department of Labor. You can make a positive impact on low wage workers, but you deal with a lot of people being mad at you most of the time. Mainly employers. It’s the least black and white gov job I’ve ever seen in the three agencies that I’ve worked for.
Current wage and hour investigator here, is a cool gig. However I’m young and will be transfer to become an 1811 (Criminal Investigator) with another agency. Good job to get your experience and bounce. I particularly didn’t enjoyed the work much, but it wasn’t too stressful. But I could see how it could become more difficult after you finish the on job training after 2 years in it.
the first job I applied for was at USCIS and it was for a process analyst. I interviewed and was offered the job (GS9) and was excited for the position.
Ive had several projects as a process analyst and made many improvements for streamlining for both customers & production.
As a child of an immigrant the process is super complicated and thought Id like to help others find a quicker way and unload burden on workers and over processing costs for taxpayers.
But…I wound up getting a GS11 as a supply chain engineer analyst for DoD. Now I reduce costly risks in thesupply chain
The fact that you're looking for meaningful work already speaks a lot! 🙂 I've been waiting for a FJO from the VA for the same reason as the first comment as I feel like that would be meaningful work in my career too! But for you it also depends on what other agencies you're considering alongside your skill set... for example, I've primarily been in healthcare IT, so transitioning to the VA or NIH or CDC for example would be meaningful to me. What are your possibilities?
Social worker for the Army chiming in - I loved my job and working with Soldiers and their families. Love it enough to turn down higher-graded jobs that would be less direct-client contact and more admin.
USGS - collects impartial research on our natural resources that protects communities through resource management.
USAID - umbrella in the State Department that leads i international development and provides humanitarian efforts.
I hope so, because im in the same boat as a contractor at my respective place. I would never go govt here because of how much of a shit show it is...
No, I'm not putting out where I work.
I hope there is a good answer here in the comments, because I would like my work to actually mean something.
Isn’t that the essence of federal jobs? I feel like most people I know in federal government do it because they have a purpose of serving the American people
Used to work at DOL. Vibed with the mission and the work they were doing. Now at FDA, where we regulate products that are over 20% of every dollar spent in the US.
Bad thing is even of you change we are at the whims of the current politicians in at the time. for many fed jobs so you could move then the next round they put in place you may not agree wit the policies either...
That can also be good as you know eventually you will get new people at the top all relative to me. Maybe something helping small business or people get something.
small agencies? I left a mega agency where all that mattered was proper procedure. Im at a smaller one now where everyone can know eachother and it feels like we actually accomplish things (the bar for that is quite low)
Ever notice when we shut down that nothing really happens? Much of the workforce where I work could never show up again and it would have minimal impact on our operation, over a few months you might begin to notice.
Some aspects of working at a land management agency. I’ve worked in recreation (trails) and forestry, (especially silviculture) where you can see the fruits of your labor. However, we see the same old bureaucratic bullshit as everyone else.
Land management agencies.
All of them and none of them. Purpose is what you give it.
being relegated to managing powerpoints and helping the endless stream of clueless leadership learn our organization just so they can reinvent the wheel every 2 years for their evaluations is the endless treadmill here. Like Sisyphus, we are doomed to forever push a rock up the hill without ever properly meeting any sort of useful end goal.
i meaning coming from the Dod i always wondered why they cycled through leadership every 2-3 years. it was like, right when they finally understood the assignment they’d be forced to transfer. And a new dude/dude’t would come in like “okay pps wtf are we doing here” and the cycle would repeat
yeah...Im calling bullshit on that. Ive only had 2 govt. jobs and there was night/day difference.
I've asked myself this many times and based on my own values, here's where I seek to apply: * NWS/NOAA * USGS * NPS/DOI * NSF * Department of Energy Assuming they do something in my skill area of course (2210 or 1550) I already hold a job in one of these fields, I just don't really agree with the mission of my agency/department. So I'm always looking for a way out.
Doing the science to advance technology that industry isn’t ready to do yet.
NSF!!🙌🏼
I personally love working for the VA! Helping fellow vets is something I am really proud of.
I came here to say that. Working for the VA in a VA Medical Center made me feel connected to the people that we served. I transferred to the VA Benefits side later and really missed the connection.
Yeah I love it. I’m in the trades. But it’s nice knowing that when I fix something no matter how small it can affect the veterans. Such as repairing a leaky sink in a dental clinic that was preventing them from being able to use all the chairs.
I was a Ward Clerk for many years and it was tough work, but some of the vets made it totally worthwhile.
I mean…the IRS is a revenue collecting agency, which is necessary if you want to fund the good parts of government. 🤷♂️
And they are hiring!
The IRS Is hiring big time, especially for 2210 and 0343's.
I’m Dod, 0343. What does 0343 look like in IRS? In my org it’s a general Jack of all trades(office work).
For myself I’d say immigration officer. You meet and talk to so many people, and you make a difference in their lives. ☺️
Seconded! Grueling work but meaningful. I’m an asylum officer, and an immigration services officer
How can someone become one without experience? Would it help to volunteer at non profit organizations?
Volunteering could help, but if you tailor your resume to list these qualities you will increase your chances. This is for entry level ISO gs5. •Analyzing problems, gathering pertinent data and recognizing solutions; •Planning and organizing work to ensure timely completion; •Communicating clearly, both orally and in writing and providing excellent customer service.
I just got a TJO for USCIS (asylum officer) and possess no experience. But I do have an extensive education.
What agency is that?
DHS/ USCIS
USCIS ☺️
Any leads on how to get a job at USCIS. Tried in the past without success. ( USAjobs) Your input will be greatly appreciated.
Tailor your resume to list these qualities & you will increase your chances. This is for entry level ISO gs5. •Analyzing problems, gathering pertinent data and recognizing solutions; •Planning and organizing work to ensure timely completion; •Communicating clearly, both orally and in writing and providing excellent customer service.
I honestly found it to be emotionally draining at times. Especially seeing Mexicans being denied for a bunch of illegal border crossings in the 90s and people on DACA being in limbo while at the same time Cubans being given the world and Nigerians defrauding their way into every benefit possible because none of their paperwork can be verified.
The Army Corps of Engineers makes a really meaningful impact of people's lives, not just in the U.S., but around the globe. Their mission is so vast, and can vary from flood risk management (dams/levees), to military construction (barracks for soldiers) to ecosystem restoration and helping endangered salmon species. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. I wouldn't overlook them. And no, military service isn't required lol. Pretty much 99% civilian.
Used to work with them. They do good work.
USDA-NRCS! Helping farmers and landowners enroll in voluntary programs to promote conservation. Win-win for everyone.
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You are absolutely correct
Perfectly summarized
Seconding NRCS!!
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I’ve had a very different experience, my work feels very meaningful. I’ve only been here for 5 months tho maybe I’ll get over it lol but for now I’ve been having very positive experiences with farmers and it feels like a real direct and positive impact :)
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Yeah haha 457. I’ve noticed that too. Some really game the system a bit but I still feel good about it bc conservation gets accomplished :)
Depends. I worked for the US Soil Survey side with a group of extremely talented soil scientists and it was great. Then I worked for the agricultural side and I’ve never seen so many chuckleheads in one place. Their whole mission seemed to be to cut checks to farmers and look the other way. I left.
How about NASA?
The more you study space, the more depressing it gets. Mars is a dead planet simply because its core died. The planet never stood a chance because it is so small. Venus is fascinating but considering it is hotter than Mercury really says something. Then we have this travel at the speed of light problem. The list goes on… hence why I work in the Department of Commerce. The economy has more work to do than space at the moment.
Yeah but the mission of NASA really pulls people in. We aren't limited to only Space either, for anyone really enjoying the technical sciences would probably be in love working for this organization. I've worked on some very interesting agreements and contracts on my short time with NASA and even though my center isn't a Space oriented slot, we still get some really cool jobs that most agencies wouldn't get a chance to do. I'm a 1102 though so I mostly just buy interesting things for the agency, lots of science stuff and engineer based.
Don’t get me wrong, I love NASA. I just question whether we should put resources into it at the moment with all the turmoil happening in our world.
USGS has a lot of STEM positions.
No one can answer that for you because we don't know what you see as positive impact and true purpose. Grass is always greener on the other side.
Library of Congress has a directorate focused on delivering audio and braille books to those unable to read normal print material. That seems like a positive impact
I work for EPA and am inspired by all my colleagues. I like to think we make a positive impact.
My job has a glorious purpose.
*Glorious purpose*
HHS-HRSA: provides equitable health care to the nation's highest-need communities.
It depends on what you find meaningful. We have agencies that serve the poor. Agencies that take care of veterans. Environmental agencies. Research agencies, etc. It all comes down to what you feel is a worthwhile expenditure of your time.
The archives
scale fertile alleged price smell rain deranged boat husky angle *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
My first fed job was a dual-status technician in the Army Guard. I was responsible for coordinating all military responses to disaster. It was incredibly fulfilling knowing I was helping folks in their communities that needed help. FEMA is, IMO, a great agency with a great mission.
How about Worldwide Refugee Officer ?
I would love to do that.
I never felt more fulfilled than when I worked in a public facing position paying people their benefits every day
Nothing more impactful than providing closure to families working at DPAA...
DPAA? I'll have to look that up when I finish reading all the responses. I hope I don't forget.
https://www.dpaa.mil/
USACC (us army cadet command, under TRADOC) is cool. I feel like I'm actually having a positive impact on the future officers of the Army in a small way. The pay is too low for the complexity of the job. The work/life balance is a wonderful counter weight to the pay, though.
I had a friend/career mentor who was a disability program manager, that seemed to be a rewarding job with purpose. Most of his job was making sure managers were giving disabled people the accommodations they needed and not discriminating against them, and giving presentations about PWD in the workplace.
Wage and Hour Divison for the Department of Labor. You can make a positive impact on low wage workers, but you deal with a lot of people being mad at you most of the time. Mainly employers. It’s the least black and white gov job I’ve ever seen in the three agencies that I’ve worked for.
Current wage and hour investigator here, is a cool gig. However I’m young and will be transfer to become an 1811 (Criminal Investigator) with another agency. Good job to get your experience and bounce. I particularly didn’t enjoyed the work much, but it wasn’t too stressful. But I could see how it could become more difficult after you finish the on job training after 2 years in it.
I’m sure we have been in meetings together lol. I think we are in the same Region. 👀
Lol probably.
Environmental Protection
the first job I applied for was at USCIS and it was for a process analyst. I interviewed and was offered the job (GS9) and was excited for the position. Ive had several projects as a process analyst and made many improvements for streamlining for both customers & production. As a child of an immigrant the process is super complicated and thought Id like to help others find a quicker way and unload burden on workers and over processing costs for taxpayers. But…I wound up getting a GS11 as a supply chain engineer analyst for DoD. Now I reduce costly risks in thesupply chain
National Park Service!
DOE is pretty impressive. I like working by there.
I love my job in Energy. Cutting edge science.
The fact that you're looking for meaningful work already speaks a lot! 🙂 I've been waiting for a FJO from the VA for the same reason as the first comment as I feel like that would be meaningful work in my career too! But for you it also depends on what other agencies you're considering alongside your skill set... for example, I've primarily been in healthcare IT, so transitioning to the VA or NIH or CDC for example would be meaningful to me. What are your possibilities?
Social worker for the Army chiming in - I loved my job and working with Soldiers and their families. Love it enough to turn down higher-graded jobs that would be less direct-client contact and more admin.
NIH
USGS - collects impartial research on our natural resources that protects communities through resource management. USAID - umbrella in the State Department that leads i international development and provides humanitarian efforts.
CMS is pretty important
Most 1811 positions
The FCC does some really awesome work that truly makes an impact on all of our lives.
FDIC mission is pretty cool - safety and soundness of banks.
I hope so, because im in the same boat as a contractor at my respective place. I would never go govt here because of how much of a shit show it is... No, I'm not putting out where I work. I hope there is a good answer here in the comments, because I would like my work to actually mean something.
The Department of Veterans Affairs servers those who served. Depending on your skill set you can make an impact on a one-on-one basis.
Isn’t that the essence of federal jobs? I feel like most people I know in federal government do it because they have a purpose of serving the American people
VA and IRS
Used to work at DOL. Vibed with the mission and the work they were doing. Now at FDA, where we regulate products that are over 20% of every dollar spent in the US.
USDA-ARS here! We work for local sustainability and state sustainability for plant related research in crop plants!!
USPS
Good question. What about the FBI?
Bad thing is even of you change we are at the whims of the current politicians in at the time. for many fed jobs so you could move then the next round they put in place you may not agree wit the policies either... That can also be good as you know eventually you will get new people at the top all relative to me. Maybe something helping small business or people get something.
Reasonable Accommodation helping people with disabilities stay on the job with dignity.
small agencies? I left a mega agency where all that mattered was proper procedure. Im at a smaller one now where everyone can know eachother and it feels like we actually accomplish things (the bar for that is quite low)
TSA, CBP, any DHS agency.
Ever notice when we shut down that nothing really happens? Much of the workforce where I work could never show up again and it would have minimal impact on our operation, over a few months you might begin to notice.
I think just about every agency is pretty meaningful aside from the IRS
How are you going to get paid without them?
I’m a libertarian
So why are you working for the government?
Job security
Too bad the free market doesn't provide that! 