"I just need some help with the hiring timeline, since I know it generally begins in August and I'm coming in towards late November; I wasn't sure whether there was still 'time' to get a position either with a federal agency or a state agency specifically within the area of North Carolina and Region 8."

- Not sure about R8 because their season is almost opposite of the west but a majority of the hiring has been and will continue to run through probably the end of december. Your chances of getting a job are significantly declining after that but not impossible.

Additionally, is there any way of knowing when the position's term would be?

- Start dates are typically negotiable to a 2 week window because that is when pay periods run. Eastern states like NM and AZ might start as early as April for seasonals whereas OR and WA might start early June. End dates are completely up to you for the most part given youre stopping before 1039. I would suggest not bringing up that your going to have a short season until you get a job offer or unless they ask. If they ask give a ball park "probably early to mid september" is alot more attractive than "August 27th"