On-site Hiring at the Forest Service

What is “on-site” hiring?

On-site hiring is a streamlined approach to hiring that uses existing federal employment authorities in a way that allows us to evaluate applicants and provide a tentative offer of employment in a single day or even a single afternoon.  The approach is new, but the human resources authorities we use have been in place for years and are well known.

What are the benefits of on-site hiring?

On-site hiring is a quick, applicant-friendly process that offers a competitive advantage for us and can result in a streamlined offer for qualified student program candidates.  When we go to conferences and job fairs where other federal agencies are competing with us for talent, they are using traditional hiring processes that can take days or weeks to complete.  With this streamlined process, we can show that we are serious about hiring you.

What is required for successful on-site hiring?

The key to success is identifying positions for hiring “up-front” and arriving at job fairs and other hiring events with the delegated authority in place for Line Managers to make a selection for the best and brightest candidates.

How is it possible to hire so quickly?

We use “Excepted Service” employment authorities, such as the Student Educational Employment Program (SCEP/STEP) or the Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP).  Excepted Service means that these particular positions are excepted from federal competition requirements.

Who is involved in on-site hiring?

Line Managers will make a selection for these positions if the right candidate is found.  Human Resources Staffing Specialists with delegated employment authority help determine the appropriate authorities that can be used for on-site hiring.  They also review the minimum qualifications of applicants, draft the tentative offer letter, and collect the information needed to make a final offer.  This information is sent to the servicing personnel office for the position, which will make the official offer of employment.

Candidates have a role to play as well.  You can make the process work even better by bringing a hard copy of your resume and most current transcripts with you.

We hope to see you soon at one of our on-site hiring events!