A Full Range of Options

Federal managers have several staffing options to choose from to take advantage of the flexibility, cost control and expertise available from contingent workers.

• Temporary limited assignments. One-year assignments with the possibility of renewal for a second year. May be made competitively, or, in certain cases, noncompetitively. Employment can be terminated with a letter. Temporary employees accrue annual leave and sick leave, but they are not covered by government health insurance or life insurance.
• Term appointments. Appointments may be made for one year and extended up to four years, or more in rare cases, with OPM approval. Term employees serve the first year in probationary status and accrue similar benefits to permanent employees (such as life/health insurance, within-grade increases and leave). Employment can be terminated with a letter.
• Part-time employees. These employees work between 16 and 32 hours per week. These are permanent employees but are counted against full-time equivalent ceilings only for the number of hours they work.
• Seasonal employees. Career or career-conditional employees with recall and layoff rights established in advance. Employees receive a full range of benefits.
• Intermittent employees. Employees who have no regularly scheduled tour of duty who are used where work is sporadic and a schedule cannot be set in advance. Intermittent employees do not earn leave nor are they eligible for health or life insurance benefits.
• Detail. Temporary assignment of a permanent employee for a specified length of time, normally not for more than 120 days. Often connected with a temporary promotion. The position is not, technically, filled by the detail; the employee continues to encumber his/her permanent position.
• Student Career Experience Program. A program for high school, college and graduate students. Agencies have the authority to convert participants to career appointments noncompetitively upon satisfactorily completing diploma, certificate or degree requirements.
• Contractors. Contractors can be used for a wide variety of purposes. Contracts for service may be made through commercial temporary service companies or with individuals or organizations. Outsourcing is often accomplished through contracts stipulating the length and outcome of the employment. Contractors are not employees and have restrictions on the scope of their services and how they may be directed in their work.