Understanding Intermittent Appointments in Federal Employment

The following post explores Understanding Intermittent Appointments in Federal Employment.

Have you ever come across a federal job announcement describing an intermittent appointment and wondered what it actually meant?  

Read: Identifying Red Flags in Federal Job Announcements

Related: Why Federal Job Seekers Need a Strong LinkedIn Profile

Could you find an intermittent position that aligns with your career goals? Intermittent appointments are more common across the federal government than you might expect.

Here’s what you need to know.

Overview

In federal employment, an intermittent appointment is one of several appointment types used to meet government staffing needs. Unlike traditional full-time or part-time positions, intermittent appointments do not include a regularly scheduled workweek.

The defining characteristic of an intermittent appointment is the work schedule rather than the length of employment. You work only when your services are needed, which means your hours may vary from one pay period to the next depending on operational requirements.

Knowing what an intermittent appointment involves allows you to compare opportunities with greater confidence and determine whether the position aligns with your availability, financial needs, and long-term career goals.

👉 View Intermittent Appointments on USAJOBS

Types of Intermittent Federal Jobs

Intermittent appointments are available across a wide range of federal agencies and occupational fields. Depending on the position, you may encounter intermittent opportunities in administrative, healthcare, technical, scientific, public safety, education, and professional occupations.

Job duties vary based on the agency and position being filled. Intermittent employees may provide specialized services, perform inspections, support field operations, deliver training, work in office environments, or interact directly with the public.

How Intermittent Appointments Work

Intermittent employees work only when their services are needed rather than according to a fixed weekly schedule. Unlike full-time or regularly scheduled part-time employees, there is no expectation that you’ll work a consistent number of hours each week or pay period.

The amount of work available depends on the needs of the agency and the position you’re filling. Some intermittent employees may work frequently throughout the year, while others experience longer periods between assignments.

Unlike seasonal appointments, intermittent positions are not tied to a particular time of year, making every appointment unique.

Is an Intermittent Appointment Right for You?

An intermittent appointment is a good option if you’re comfortable with a flexible work schedule. However, if you’re looking for predictable hours and a consistent paycheck, you may want to explore other types of federal appointments.  

Intermittent employment can provide valuable experience within a federal agency. You’ll gain exposure to government procedures, workplace expectations, and the mission of the organization.

An intermittent appointment does not guarantee future federal employment, but the experience you gain may help you become a more competitive candidate for future federal positions.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, I hope you find this post helpful for Understanding Intermittent Appointments in Federal Employment. The main takeaway here is to not overlook an intermittent appointment simply because it lacks a traditional work schedule. For the right candidate, it can be a practical way to gain federal experience and strengthen future career opportunities.

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