Matt BowenJan 25, 2023
With so many places having done layoffs lately, I wanted to mention the US Digital Service is hiring. It's a wild place to work, but also you get to work on legitimately meaningful projects that affect a lot of people (in 2022, we made it easier for transgender ppl to get passports, helped low-income families buy food, and I got to help identify disadvantage communities for environmental funding). I'm happy to talk about USDS if you're on the fence. http://ow.ly/LpqJ50LVnPV #fedihire #fedijobs
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Show threadJavier Henderson 🇦🇷 🇺🇸Jan 26, 2023

@mattbowen would you mind talking about this, if you can?

"USDS operates on a tour-of-service model with a maximum term of four years. While most people serve for one or two years, we’ll consider some shorter tours as well. Time commitments are not binding."

What happens after four years? Your employment ends? Are you assigned to other agencies?

Show threadMatt BowenJan 26, 2023
@javierk4jh That was the thing that made me most nervous about signing up, but now that I'm at USDS, it feels like 4 years is a pretty long time, given the nature of the work. Having a term is a risk, but you also end up meeting so many brilliant and thoughtful people who themselves will be moving to other places, it feels like it basically works itself out.
Show threadJavier Henderson 🇦🇷 🇺🇸Jan 26, 2023
@mattbowen is full-time telecommuting an option or do they require in-person at an office in Wash DC?
Show threadMatt BowenJan 26, 2023
@javierk4jh That's being hashed out like, right now. I've been remote my whole time (other than a few weeks in person for a crisis where it just made more sense), but like the whole gov't is shifting its posture toward remote work and USDS is in the process of its policy too. I wish I knew more (for myself too), but I know we'll know pretty soon.
Show threadMatt BowenJan 26, 2023
@javierk4jh Like if you're thinking about applying, by the time you get through interviews, I suspect there will be a firm answer to that question.
Show threadJavier Henderson 🇦🇷 🇺🇸Jan 26, 2023
@mattbowen how long is the hiring process? understanding it's hard to say exactly given the requirement for background check, plus standard bureaucracy, etc., but just ballpark.
Show threadMatt BowenJan 26, 2023
@javierk4jh so like to get a conditional offer it’s quick — I think a screen, two rounds of interviews, and a decision. Can be as fast as a week or two, depending on how many application we have and interviewers. Background check is a total black box. I think mine was like 4ish weeks but I am extremely boring :) can def take longer.
Show threadJavier Henderson 🇦🇷 🇺🇸

@mattbowen sorry, I keep thinking of questions...

how do salaries compare to private industry for a given candidate of a given skill/experience level?

Jan 26, 2023 at 3:38amWeb
Show threadMatt BowenJan 26, 2023
@javierk4jh we are on the GS series, with folks on GS-14 and GS-15 — so like look at the GS-15 band and that’ll give you the range https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2023/general-schedule
General Schedule

Welcome to opm.gov

U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Show threadJavier Henderson 🇦🇷 🇺🇸Jan 26, 2023
@mattbowen I sincerely appreciate your time this evening.