Oversight

Nuclear waste cleanup agency undermined by staff shortages, report says

The Energy Department’s Office of Environmental Management had a 17% vacancy rate at the end of fiscal 2023 and most were mission-critical roles.

Workforce

The DOOBIE Act would codify federal hiring policy for former marijuana users

The bill, introduced by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., would enshrine in law that past marijuana use cannot be the sole basis for denying federal job applicants a position or security clearance.

Tech

White House details almost $100M investment to boost tech hiring

Arati Prabhakar, the director of the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, said the government’s adoption of emerging capabilities “hinges on getting terrific people to come do this work.”

Workforce

The Forest Service will focus hiring on its ‘highest priority positions’ amid tighter budgets

Lower attrition means that the agency will continue to promote internal recruitment, but limit some outside hires to ensure it that it can align both funding and core mission functions. 

Workforce

DHS wants to go big with its hiring fair this week

The department says it's cutting red tape in government hiring by giving tentative job offers on the spot and starting vetting processes in person.

Oversight

NSF’s ongoing major infrastructure project delays due to personnel, supply challenges, report says

Staffing challenges were partially at the root of delays for two of the agency’s construction facilities projects costing more than $100 million.

Oversight

DHS needs to improve how it collects employee hiring and vetting data, GAO reports

The watchdog’s analysis found that the department did not meet its average hiring time targets in fiscal 2022 for nine out of 13 priority positions.

Workforce

VA employees warn of stark consequences from hiring restrictions

New memorandum entrusts local VA leaders to make "difficult staffing decisions" as department looks to shed employees.

Oversight

Government watchdog reminds OPM about open HR recommendations

Some of the GAO’s priority recommendations include overhauling the General Schedule classification and pay system and simplifying agency hiring authorities.

Workforce

Nuclear agency needs more insights into its workforce recruitment efforts, GAO says

A new report from the watchdog said that the National Nuclear Security Administration has made progress on addressing its staffing efforts, but continues to budget for a smaller workforce than it needs. 

Workforce

New analysis shows U.S. staff are underrepresented at the UN

Despite being the top contributor to the United Nations, the GAO found that the number of American citizen employees at certain agencies fell short of geographic representation targets set by the international organization.

Workforce

Agencies’ best tool in closing talent gaps: Diversity, equity and inclusion

COMMENTARY | By keeping DEI at the heart of recruitment and retention strategies, government leaders can address some of the complex challenges our country faces day in and out.

Management

Investing in job skills pays off

COMMENTARY | Well-defined competencies are tools that help managers provide useful feedback.

Workforce

FAA will soon be able to hire thousands of new staff as reauthorization bill heads to Biden’s desk

The agency is hopeful the hiring spree will mitigate flight delays, employee fatigue and near accidents at airports.

Workforce

The class of 2024 is applying to more government jobs, says college networking website

Handshake’s report says more college graduates are applying to government jobs, as hiring slows in technology and professional services.

Workforce

The Biden administration’s path to a green economy runs through Gen Z

COMMENTARY | The winning strategy? Engaging with young people where they are and paying them what they’re worth.

Workforce

IRS says layoffs possibly by 2026 without sustained funding boost

The tax agency plans to grow its workforce another 14% in the coming years, but such growth could prove unsustainable.

Management

OPM updates list of skills needed for federal HR jobs

Officials hope that the changes will better equip agencies to tackle skills gaps and help finally address the more than two-decade-long struggle to remove human capital management from the government’s High Risk List.

Workforce

Young people think federal jobs are beneficial, but don't want them

There's a youth hiring problem in the federal government, but solutions are elusive, according to the Partnership for Public Service.

Workforce

Congress reaches a bipartisan breakthrough on air traffic controller staffing

After months of false starts, an FAA reauthorization is within reach and promises to address critical workforce shortfalls.