Does the Federal Government Offer Part-time Positions?

The following post explores the question: does the U.S. federal government offer part-time positions?

In short, the answer is yes. USAJOBS (the official job site of the U.S. federal government) offers a variety of part-time positions across numerous agencies and departments.

Related: Transitioning from Private Sector to Federal Employment

Whether you are a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or someone seeking a career change, part-time federal jobs are available in a variety of fields including administration, healthcare, IT, and more.

Here’s what you need to know.

Overview

Part-time federal jobs are employment opportunities within the U.S. government that offer flexible work schedules while providing comprehensive benefits similar to full-time positions.

Here is a screenshot of USAJOBS on LinkedIn letting users know that they offer part-time opportunities.

Pictured: Screenshot of USAJOBS post on LinkedIn about part-time jobs.

Comprehensive Benefits

One of the most appealing aspects of part-time federal employment is the access to comprehensive benefits.

Despite working fewer hours, many part-time federal employees are entitled to receive the same (or similar) benefits as full-timers. Federal employment benefits are notoriously generous as compared to private sector part-time employment which typically offers limited benefits (or none at all).

Pathway to Fulltime Employment

Starting in a part-time role can serve as a strategic stepping stone towards landing a full-time federal job.

By demonstrating your skills and building relationships as a part-timer, you’re well positioned when full-time opportunities become available, giving you a leg-up on the competition. Likewise, part-time employment allows you to see the inner workings of the agency (before making a full-time committment).

Flexibility and Work Life Balance

The federal government offers various telework and flexible work schedules for part-time positions.

These options enable employees to manage personal responsibilities, pursue advanced education, or engage in other professional endeavors. The increased availability of telework, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, has made part-time federal jobs more accessible to a wider range of applicants.

Finding Part-time Federal Jobs

Using USAJOBS, the official job site of the U.S. federal government, finding part-time jobs is simple. USAJOBS provides search filters to narrow the results by work schedule, location, agency, job category, and more.

Here is a screenshot of the search filter functionality on USAJOBS.

Pictured: part-time search filter on the bottom right.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, the U.S. federal government does offer part-time positions, providing flexible work schedules and comprehensive benefits comparable to full-time roles.

Whether you’re aiming for work-life balance or a pathway to full-time employment, part-time federal jobs present a valuable opportunity to contribute to public service and advance your career.