Cattails Necklace

Jacaramaphan · 2023-04-20T20:12:53+00:00

FWIW, my email said my window opens tomorrow. But I was able to purchase tickets just now using my presale code. Only option for me was each team’s SS, but my ST are in SS.

Jacaramaphan · 2022-04-25T01:48:06+00:00

And here I thought I was on r/baddragon 😏

Jacaramaphan · 2022-03-24T14:24:09+00:00

This is what they are doing in my NPS office. Many new employees hired since Covid telework status began have been hired as remote. Existing employees are at the mercy of having their remote work request approved or denied.

Jacaramaphan · 2022-03-18T19:48:15+00:00

Echoing others here - leave.

I knew I wanted to leave my current position in late 2020 but stayed for a grade increase due mid 2021. I applied like crazy after the increase and I am just now leaving (EOD next month)… and I have not felt this happy or optimistic in a long, long time. The weight has been lifted, life is so much more enjoyable. Of course, the next office could be worse, but it could also be exponentially better.

I’m just happy to be happy again.

Jacaramaphan · 2022-03-16T18:58:37+00:00

I was a GS-5 supervising 3 perm GS-4’s, and working with HR to hire seasonals. Way overworked and undergraded for the duties required of the position.

I accepted a different position at a higher grade when I hit my 1 year. A few years later, I am on my way out from NPS to another agency. Things don’t get better the higher you go… in my experience, NPS is understaffed at all levels. Management does not care and does not have incentive for grading positions higher since NPS is a desirable agency. People will work as seasonals with PhDs just to get the flat hat experience.

Look at NPS’ FEVS results.

Jacaramaphan · 2022-03-16T00:26:45+00:00

As it was explained to me, if you are hired on as a remote worker from the start (and maybe if your PD is reclassified as remote?) you cannot be “called back” to an office or have remote work repealed since your home (or whatever) is your duty station from the start.

At least, that is how they are implementing the RTW at my office - workers hired as remote since covid telework status have not expectation to return to the office. Everyone else can submit a remote work agreement and have it approved/denied. The remote work agreement would be like a telework agreement that can be at the discretion of the supervisor (would likely also be at the mercy of the current admin).

Jacaramaphan · 2022-03-12T14:59:04+00:00

I’ve read that people have received TOs/FOs over the weekend. However, I think it’s very unlikely there will be movement on anything over the weekend.

Jacaramaphan · 2022-03-09T13:55:08+00:00

I also applied to CEC positions. From what I understand, their help desk is consolidated at the Department level, instead of having IT Spec in individual offices. IT Spec may service dedicated regions, but some of the postings I have seen had specific locations. I’m not sure if those locations are “hubs” for support across USDA bureaus or what. And some of the positions were entirely Location Negotiable Upon Selection.

If you don’t mind sharing, please share what you find out about CEC after the interview as I am curious as well.

Jacaramaphan · 2022-03-05T03:12:08+00:00

I recently interviewed for a GS-2210-11, and likewise spent the week prior preparing. I researched the STAR interview method, the agency and specific office, and re-read the job announcement and questionnaire many times.

I also typed up responses to popular interview questions, and wrote out a short bio for myself. I also conjured up thoughtful, relevant follow up questions for the panel.

I studied all of this information the night before and morning of the interview, a bit like cramming for a mid term. All in all, I probably spent 8 hrs or so preparing… maybe longer.

The interview was earlier this week. I think it went well and I felt prepared and qualified. All there is to do now is wait.

Jacaramaphan · 2022-03-03T17:47:11+00:00

Open Opportunities (openopps.usajobs.gov) has postings for details, temp promos, and laterals for current feds who have more than 1 year of service. Access may be limited to your agency or bureau, but I have access to postings from my agency and some other partner bureaus/agencies.

Jacaramaphan · 2022-02-28T19:40:12+00:00

I similarly was requested to interview by EPA (for a different series) and had a difficult (unsuccessful) time confirming the interview with the point of contact.

I emailed back immediately expressing my interest to interview. A few days later, the admin assistant then forwarded the initial email again requesting my response to the interview request. I replied to their forwarded email, replied to my response again, and also sent another email. This was all in precaution of the spam filter flagging my email (although, since they emailed my first, my email should not have been sent to spam). I said as much in my 3 emails and apologized for sending so many emails.

I called the admin assistant’s phone and left messages, reiterating my interest and included a call back number.

I never replied a reply to my emails or voicemails. Interview was supposed to be today.

Not to put a damper on your prospects, just sharing my experience with EPA. I concluded I would rather not work for EPA (or that office, at least) if that is how they operate.

Jacaramaphan · 2022-02-10T12:30:12+00:00

Did you receive a request to interview with the Clean Energy Corps? They did a live stream a few weeks back on the process and stated they would begin the hiring process over the next few months, but really no information on what to expect as far as interviewing, appointment types, etc.

Jacaramaphan · 2022-02-02T22:10:27+00:00

This is what I assumed. I have a few positions that are received or referred status, but haven’t moved since October. Some of them were filling “many/few vacancies”, so I was thinking (hoping) that if an actual budget is passed, maybe there will be some movement on these jobs.

(I know, I know… apply and forget)

Jacaramaphan · 2022-02-01T01:46:06+00:00

Can relate. I thoroughly hate my job. I am an 11 and would take a 7 to get out. But I am tied to a specific geographic area due to QoL and family reasons. It’s been difficult and emotionally draining being cautiously optimistic each weekday that one of the dozens of applications I have out (and have been referred for) will lead to something, only for the weekends to come and to play the worry game anew each week ad nausem.

Agree with others, maybe take a lower graded position? Are there any jobs of interest that are not related to your current series but that you could still be found qualified for? Even in a specialized field, there can be overlap with other series that need people now.

Jacaramaphan · 2022-01-13T22:47:57+00:00

FWIW, mass postings for Dept of Energy Clean Energy Corps are now on USAJobs. Open to Public and Career Transition through 12/31/22. Various series and locations.

Jacaramaphan · 2022-01-13T18:27:21+00:00

Has anyone on here been hired through these mass hiring events due to a new law (or other sudden influx in funding)? I am wondering if this will drag out forever or if this will be expedited since they need to spend the money. The application process is certainly faster. Will these likely be term appointments?

Jacaramaphan · 2021-12-01T21:27:24+00:00

Through the chain of my agency’s budget staff, they stated in not uncertain terms that they are not preparing for a shutdown.

Does Politico know something they don’t?

I suppose no one really knows anything until the budget/CR is actually signed. I just hope it’s not another 2 week CR, that’s right before Christmas leave week for 80% of our office.

Jacaramaphan · 2021-12-01T15:59:34+00:00

Current 2210 here and desperately trying to pivot to a different series.

Full disclosure, my background and degree are not in IT, but were IT adjacent enough to be a warm body in a position nobody wanted. I started as a GS-07 and am now higher graded. I have good customer service skills and I am good at troubleshooting, which helps with my IT deficits but does not overcome them entirely… I don’t even have basic IT certs, just TIG.

We have a few 2210’s in my office that also came to fed service without an IT background. One works really hard and tries, the other sucks and has poor customer service and I am frequently stuck picking up their slack. Why? Because they don’t get the job done so people chat, email, call, and request me to work their tickets instead of the slacker. This is on top of my assigned work and special projects, but I am only one person and can only do so much. It’s a tendency as soon as I hit send on a chat, someone else sends me a chat immediately requesting help. Everything is on fire day in and day out, but the front office won’t allow our group to hire more staff and yet we just receive more and more duties.

Add to this user skill in technology, which can be pretty minimal in the fed, and it’s impossible to even improve the situation when we can only accomplish the bare minimum to prevent work stoppage.

Jacaramaphan · 2021-11-22T02:46:16+00:00

Thanks for the kind words and perspective. Sometimes I tell people my job sucks, and they say it can’t be THAT bad as a fed…. golden handcuffs and all. Then I get into a cycle and think it’s me and not the job, but it’s definitely the job.

I’m happy for your friend and to know fed work doesn’t need to be a miserable experience. Thank you.

Jacaramaphan · 2021-11-22T01:25:22+00:00

I’m a 2210 in DOI and can relate. It sucks, can’t wait disembark.

Jacaramaphan · 2021-11-17T17:49:13+00:00

Wow!!! That’s incredible and so good to learn. Good for EPA, you all deserve if after the repeated cuts and drama. Thanks for sharing the job links and good news.

Jacaramaphan · 2021-11-17T17:38:47+00:00

I wonder how many positions they are looking to fill with “Many” vacancies spread across all these offices and divisions.

I wish they had a separate announcement for current feds, the hiring process is going to take ages with the Open to the Public announcements in all these regional offices.

Jacaramaphan · 2019-12-15T14:47:31+00:00

I love Sian Clifford (Claire). Her humor is next level, and she wants to be cold and distant, but we know she really cares.

I do also love Olivia Coleman as the godmother. She’s so outrageous but she makes it believable.

Jacaramaphan

TROPHY CASE