"The bottom line is that there are good Federal jobs available right now," said Federal career strategist Kathryn Kraemer Troutman. "If a job is announced today, go ahead and apply for it. Of course, you will want to consider whether the area you're entering is more likely to be privatized later. But don't let recent news stories stop you from going for the opportunities that exist today."
Back during the Clinton administration, there was a push to cut thousands of Federal positions. As part of this, Congress approved slashing 272,000 Federal jobs in 1999. Yet, at the same time, Federal employees were achieving career advancements and new employees were being hired.
While the Clinton cuts were taken in the name of downsizing, President Bush's effort is about "privatization." That is, considering whether jobs that are not "inherently governmental" could be performed better and at less expense by the private sector. Private bidders will be competing against current Federal employees before any decision is made about privatizing a particular job category at a specific site. Either competitor-the current employees or the private contracting firm-could win each time. So some of the jobs will be privatized, and others will not.
Meanwhile, there's the Homeland Security initiative, for which $38 billion has been allocated for 2003. Many new positions will be created for this effort, and some current Federal agencies will be reorganized. So it seems that the Federal government is moving in two directions at once; on the one hand, creating one of the largest expansions in government, while, on the other, looking to move other jobs to privatization.
At the time of this writing, 14,141 open jobs were posted on the U.S. government's Office of Personnel Management site. Its "Hot Jobs" feature listed such positions as Assistant Physics Professor for the Coast Guard, Human Resources Officer for the Federal Railroad Administration, and Nurse Specialist for the United States Air Force. In addition, specific job openings could be located through other sites, such as federaljobsearch.com and fedjobs.com.
"It's wise to keep in mind that there will be steps you can take to protect yourself even if a new Federal position you get is later considered for privatization," noted Troutman. "First of all, the position will go through the competitive process before a decision is made whether to keep it in government or let it go private. So you could end up winning the bid and keeping the job. Also, even if you lose the bid, you'll be in the Federal system and can apply for other openings with a priority status."
What are some of the job titles currently being considered "not inherently governmental" and therefore possible candidates for privatization? Right now, two active areas are facilities management and physical property management. These are jobs such as taking care of Federal grounds and properties and finding housing for military personnel. In addition, NASA will be looking at its privatization options for nearly 1,500 research and development positions through the end of 2003. Also, the Treasury Department is allowing contractors to bid on almost 3,000 information technology jobs at the Internal Revenue Service, and it will also consider outsourcing the maintenance of the agency's computers.
"It's very difficult to tell how large of an impact this effort to privatize will have," said Troutman. "You have people in government who favor privatization, and others against it. At the same time, we have the new positions opening up with the Department of Homeland Security. So let's say you need a job now. Or there's an opportunity to apply for a great position that will enhance your career experience. I say, go for it."
Troutman notes that in today's job market, the future has become unpredictable. "I get calls all the time from people in private industry. 'Thank you very much for your help on my resume. However six months have gone by, and they say my position is being eliminated. Now I need your help again.' This type of thing seems to be part of being in the work force right now. So you need to stay informed while continuing to move forward."
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