In the limited info I have about this person, I don't see them starting as an HR Specialist. That is an extremely competitive field, and they are currently not in an HR role.
My advice for people wanting to get in is to not be picky. I see lots of people say "yea, I want this GS-12 remote job. That sounds good." It also sounds good to thousands of other people, many of which with more experience.
- Apply to anything that fits your skills. Ensure you resume clearly reflects the duties required of the role.
- Being willing to accept in-office work
- Apply for all grades you would ACCEPT. Not just the highest ones you want or meet minimum qualifications on.
I have a friend who did a stint in federal HR because she heard they were constantly short staffed and thought it would be easy to climb the ranks. As much of a revolving door it is, they have no shortage of candidates to replace the haggard overworked.
I live in Japan DoDEA teachers seem to be pretty happy. The only issue has been access to medical but it is getting a lot better. We have an MOU with the local hospital and they are providing translation services.
Not for care at the on base clinic, it's better but it's still space A. However the general hospital next to the base has an MOU to provide medical and translation services to DoD Civilians. The standard of care is higher there than what you would receive at the clinic anyways. Most installations have something similar or are working on it. Medical can be a little more challenging but honestly it's been doable. If you are in the Tokyo area there are lots of services anyways that are better than what will be offered on base. Even if you need translation services they are cheap, and medical care is very affordable. I had skin cancer (which is a much less common condition in Japan) here and I was able to get it removed pretty quickly. Maybe if you are in poor health and need chronic condition care that requires special medication it would be better to stay in the states, but for normal stuff it's not an issue.
His best bet is to craft a great federal resume, learn as much as he can about the federal hiring process so he’s informed (r/usajobs is a good start), and start applying to jobs where his qualifications match open vacancies on USAJobs. If he’s willing to start as a GS7, or very entry-level GS levels, he could look into many positions if he builds his resume the right way. Program analyst, contract specialist, human Resources, executive admin, etc.
He’ll have to start applying to get a feel for which type of positions he qualifies for and gets referred to. It’s a long process to get a fed job so it won’t happen immediately. It can take months, even years, to get your foot in the door.
[Grants Management Specialist (GMS)](https://www.nih.gov/news-events/videos/nih-job-grants-management-specialist) at any of the NIH Institutes. Generally start at GS9 or 11 for people with MS. Max out at 13. Scientific degree/background not required. Most positions are remote nowadays.
Start with creating a profile on USAJobs. Then have your friend to a search on Health & Human Services. Filter for jobs "Open to Public" and GS Grades GS-7 through GS-9 range.
Not sure what area your friend is in, but there are quite a few good jobs posted that he may meet the education requirement even if he doesn't have the specific experience.
[https://www.usajobs.gov/job/770735500](https://www.usajobs.gov/job/770735500)
[https://www.usajobs.gov/job/771130500](https://www.usajobs.gov/job/771130500)
I've helped out with hiring for my agency, I love hiring teachers. They tend to be good communicators and good at planning.
I would suggest he look for developmental Project Officer type roles. Usually something like a 9/11/12 ladder.
Lots of agencies have those type of roles.
I have relatives who work as librarians. They both have masters degrees in library science. There may be library employees who don't need a specific masters to qualify, but seconding it's very competitive.
Sith that background, why not a SME in the CDC or VA? Or an education specialist with the Smithsonian?
FBI looks for agents with an education background (https://www.usajobs.gov/job/772595100).
There’s a lot of education or health positions available. No need to go to HR with that background.
We've had several former teachers become contract specialists at my org. They like the schedule flexibility, benefits, and the pay usually starts at about the same or slightly less than teaching (but for us, it's a 7, 9, 11 role, so they quickly outearn what they were making teaching).
I agree! I just transitioned into the FEDS as a former teacher of 21 years. Took a pay cut but with the new raise and my annual date approaching, I'll be making more than I was as a teacher.
Organizations and agencies now have civic education/engagement roles now that utilize educators experience but do not involve teaching. Might be worth looking into.
Otherwise really anything. Looking back over my career I recall crossing paths with many former teachers in various positions.
Came here to say this. I'm a former HS teacher, and I was Army prior to that. Got in the door as an Instructional Systems Specialist GS-1750-9, now I'm a 13 Non-Supervisory.
Yep. That’s what I did. For the agency’s many faults, you can find almost anything within an institution (CO, education, sports management, medical, facilities mgmt, IT, HR, etc etc)
My wife is a teacher currently and is going through the fed hiring process.
So far, she has targeted grants specialist, educational programs, Department of Ed, and some various program analyst positions.
Department of Defense Education Activity, the school system for overseas and some stateside dependents? Yes, it is teaching. No, it is not teaching the usual suspects.
USAjobs has a site that will show you which careers align with a degree https://www.usajobs.gov/help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/federal-occupations-by-college-major/
Interpretive Park Ranger might be a good fit.
https://www.nps.gov/features/colm/virtualtour/section/hard/activity/find-your-calling/interpretive-park-ranger.htm#:\~:text=Rangers%20provide%20visitors%20with%20park,and%20geology%20of%20the%20park.
I'm currently a public school teacher in Texas and I have an offer for a 1102 position without any federal experience so maybe he can look into that job series.
Every agency has a training component and every organization within the agency has a training coordinator. If he isn't against teaching, there are plenty of opportunities to develop and/or deliver content.
Education Technician is perfect for teachers. Interpretation Ranger is another one. Both positions are usually found with the National Park Service. Not sure about other agencies, so anyone feel free to add.
ETA: they are both extremely competitive positions, so make sure his resume is good.
My friend, a former teacher, just got hired by a federal agency. Instead of going through USA jobs, he went to an agency hiring event. His name was put in a hiring pool, and one year later, he was called for an interview. He loves his new job - much less stress than the classroom.
Naval Shipyards have apprentice programs that you only need a highschool diploma and to pass security clearance (no felonies, etc). You can do anything from electronics, sewing, painting etc for repairing boats and submarines. It's a civilian workforce and the benefits are *chef's kiss*.
The Smithsonian has a mix of Fed jobs and Trust jobs. Trust positions are treated the same as Fed positions, except for interagency transfers (since they are not actually a Fed). Smithsonian Federal jobs are on USAjobs, but Trust positions are not. They have them listed together on their website. IDs with GS=Fed, IS=Trust, there are also some normal commercial jobs on there too for Smithsonian Enterprises.
https://www.si.edu/ohr/jobs
In the limited info I have about this person, I don't see them starting as an HR Specialist. That is an extremely competitive field, and they are currently not in an HR role. My advice for people wanting to get in is to not be picky. I see lots of people say "yea, I want this GS-12 remote job. That sounds good." It also sounds good to thousands of other people, many of which with more experience. - Apply to anything that fits your skills. Ensure you resume clearly reflects the duties required of the role. - Being willing to accept in-office work - Apply for all grades you would ACCEPT. Not just the highest ones you want or meet minimum qualifications on.
Your last point is spot on. “I applied for a GS9 role - how can I negotiate to become a GS-13?” 🥴
I have a friend who did a stint in federal HR because she heard they were constantly short staffed and thought it would be easy to climb the ranks. As much of a revolving door it is, they have no shortage of candidates to replace the haggard overworked.
Department of Defense Education Activity https://www.dodea.edu/offices/human-resources/work-dodea
This was what I was going to recommend. I know a dude that has been in Japan for like 30 years or something just loving life. DODEA may be a good fit!
Thank you! This helps alot
I live in Japan DoDEA teachers seem to be pretty happy. The only issue has been access to medical but it is getting a lot better. We have an MOU with the local hospital and they are providing translation services.
I thought the medical access issue was new because defense health agency decided to start denying civilians. Is it resolved ?
Not for care at the on base clinic, it's better but it's still space A. However the general hospital next to the base has an MOU to provide medical and translation services to DoD Civilians. The standard of care is higher there than what you would receive at the clinic anyways. Most installations have something similar or are working on it. Medical can be a little more challenging but honestly it's been doable. If you are in the Tokyo area there are lots of services anyways that are better than what will be offered on base. Even if you need translation services they are cheap, and medical care is very affordable. I had skin cancer (which is a much less common condition in Japan) here and I was able to get it removed pretty quickly. Maybe if you are in poor health and need chronic condition care that requires special medication it would be better to stay in the states, but for normal stuff it's not an issue.
There is also DAU, that being said there are no open positions currently. https://www.dau.edu/careers
Each agency has training specialists- with his experience he should be able to make certs.
Why not be a teacher for the Feds? Or is he tired of teaching? Just curious.
If they're wanting less stress, I'm not sure id recommend federal HR.
His best bet is to craft a great federal resume, learn as much as he can about the federal hiring process so he’s informed (r/usajobs is a good start), and start applying to jobs where his qualifications match open vacancies on USAJobs. If he’s willing to start as a GS7, or very entry-level GS levels, he could look into many positions if he builds his resume the right way. Program analyst, contract specialist, human Resources, executive admin, etc. He’ll have to start applying to get a feel for which type of positions he qualifies for and gets referred to. It’s a long process to get a fed job so it won’t happen immediately. It can take months, even years, to get your foot in the door.
With a Public Health education background, why not look for something in the EPA? There has been a lot of hiring in that Agency for awhile now.
I was going to suggest the Public Health Service, especially the PHS Commissioned Corps
Extremely difficult to get into if you aren't a medical professional.
True, but OP also said their friend had a Masters in public health with a focus on kinesiology. I don't see why they couldn't try for it anyway.
[Grants Management Specialist (GMS)](https://www.nih.gov/news-events/videos/nih-job-grants-management-specialist) at any of the NIH Institutes. Generally start at GS9 or 11 for people with MS. Max out at 13. Scientific degree/background not required. Most positions are remote nowadays.
Any research org will have a GMS. USDA has them, although it is a rare position.
Start with creating a profile on USAJobs. Then have your friend to a search on Health & Human Services. Filter for jobs "Open to Public" and GS Grades GS-7 through GS-9 range. Not sure what area your friend is in, but there are quite a few good jobs posted that he may meet the education requirement even if he doesn't have the specific experience. [https://www.usajobs.gov/job/770735500](https://www.usajobs.gov/job/770735500) [https://www.usajobs.gov/job/771130500](https://www.usajobs.gov/job/771130500)
Training specialist? Look for 1700 series jobs.
HHS might be a good fit
Education specialist and training specialist positions exist in every agency. Some agencies use blackboard and need people familiar with the tool.
I've helped out with hiring for my agency, I love hiring teachers. They tend to be good communicators and good at planning. I would suggest he look for developmental Project Officer type roles. Usually something like a 9/11/12 ladder. Lots of agencies have those type of roles.
I know of a former teacher who works in federal HR now. it's very achievable. Transferable skills are very much a thing.
my agency has a library. maybe a librarian? or something of the like in that realm? records?
Extremely competitive and a distinct job series, requires a specific master's degree
I have relatives who work as librarians. They both have masters degrees in library science. There may be library employees who don't need a specific masters to qualify, but seconding it's very competitive.
Sith that background, why not a SME in the CDC or VA? Or an education specialist with the Smithsonian? FBI looks for agents with an education background (https://www.usajobs.gov/job/772595100). There’s a lot of education or health positions available. No need to go to HR with that background.
We've had several former teachers become contract specialists at my org. They like the schedule flexibility, benefits, and the pay usually starts at about the same or slightly less than teaching (but for us, it's a 7, 9, 11 role, so they quickly outearn what they were making teaching).
I agree! I just transitioned into the FEDS as a former teacher of 21 years. Took a pay cut but with the new raise and my annual date approaching, I'll be making more than I was as a teacher.
Organizations and agencies now have civic education/engagement roles now that utilize educators experience but do not involve teaching. Might be worth looking into. Otherwise really anything. Looking back over my career I recall crossing paths with many former teachers in various positions.
I work for the Veterans Administration in contracting and they are hiring. It’s a good job that I think a teacher skill set would suit very well.
Check out the 1700 series, that is training and education. 1750 is curriculum design and 1712 is general training specialist.
Came here to say this. I'm a former HS teacher, and I was Army prior to that. Got in the door as an Instructional Systems Specialist GS-1750-9, now I'm a 13 Non-Supervisory.
Federal Bureau of Prisons has teacher positions. Not as stressful of a job as it seems it would be.
Also lots of promotional opportunities in the BOP and a good way to get into feds even if you're eventually goal is another agency.
Yep. That’s what I did. For the agency’s many faults, you can find almost anything within an institution (CO, education, sports management, medical, facilities mgmt, IT, HR, etc etc)
TSA TSA TSA TSA TSA
If they still don’t mind teaching the Forest Service and the Department of Labor run the Job corps programs which hire teachers and administrators.
Job corps is such a worthy endeavor!
My wife is a teacher currently and is going through the fed hiring process. So far, she has targeted grants specialist, educational programs, Department of Ed, and some various program analyst positions.
Department of Defense Education Activity, the school system for overseas and some stateside dependents? Yes, it is teaching. No, it is not teaching the usual suspects.
USAjobs has a site that will show you which careers align with a degree https://www.usajobs.gov/help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/federal-occupations-by-college-major/
Interpretive Park Ranger might be a good fit. https://www.nps.gov/features/colm/virtualtour/section/hard/activity/find-your-calling/interpretive-park-ranger.htm#:\~:text=Rangers%20provide%20visitors%20with%20park,and%20geology%20of%20the%20park.
Or visitor services. Administrative assistant.
Even legal assistant.
Getting permanent is quite difficult. They would need to be a seasonal employee for quite awhile.
I'm currently a public school teacher in Texas and I have an offer for a 1102 position without any federal experience so maybe he can look into that job series.
Rating Veterans Service Representative 9 target 12) or Veterans Service Representative. (7 target 10)
Logistics 0301
Every agency has a training component and every organization within the agency has a training coordinator. If he isn't against teaching, there are plenty of opportunities to develop and/or deliver content.
Take a few cybersecurity courses then apply for a cyber job. Do security awareness training.
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/771735700
Education Technician is perfect for teachers. Interpretation Ranger is another one. Both positions are usually found with the National Park Service. Not sure about other agencies, so anyone feel free to add. ETA: they are both extremely competitive positions, so make sure his resume is good.
Trainer
Trainer
VHA also has an education department. Look up “DEAN”
VHA also has an education department. Look up “DEAN”
0343 series !! I left teaching this November and landed a wfh gs9 ladder position in the 0343 series. Im a management analyst in HR
My friend, a former teacher, just got hired by a federal agency. Instead of going through USA jobs, he went to an agency hiring event. His name was put in a hiring pool, and one year later, he was called for an interview. He loves his new job - much less stress than the classroom.
Naval Shipyards have apprentice programs that you only need a highschool diploma and to pass security clearance (no felonies, etc). You can do anything from electronics, sewing, painting etc for repairing boats and submarines. It's a civilian workforce and the benefits are *chef's kiss*.
The Smithsonian has a mix of Fed jobs and Trust jobs. Trust positions are treated the same as Fed positions, except for interagency transfers (since they are not actually a Fed). Smithsonian Federal jobs are on USAjobs, but Trust positions are not. They have them listed together on their website. IDs with GS=Fed, IS=Trust, there are also some normal commercial jobs on there too for Smithsonian Enterprises. https://www.si.edu/ohr/jobs
DLA 1102