Super Cool Federal Jobs

When you think about working for the federal government, do you envision endless days of bureaucratic paper pushing and bean counting? While some federal employees certainly do their fair share of paper pushing and bean counting, there are many more who enjoy exciting and challenging careers as well as the above average job security and benefits that Uncle Sam has to offer.

Here are three examples of cool federal jobs:

Park Ranger: Agencies like the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and others, employ thousands of U.S. Park Rangers all around the country - including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Park Rangers patrol and protect America's public lands, educate the public about history and the environment, fight wildfires, and conduct search and rescue missions. The average grade for U.S. Park Rangers is a GS-09, with a starting pay of $45,040. Best of all, Park Rangers get to live and work in some of our country's most beautiful places: Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Haleakala, and Biscayne . . . just to name a few.

The requirements for Park Ranger jobs vary greatly, depending on the agency and the nature of the assignment. Hiring officials are generally looking for someone in good physical condition with a relevant college degree and strong communication skills.

FBI Special Agent: Special Agents are employed in FBI offices across the country and overseas. Most large American cities and many smaller ones, will have an FBI office. Special Agents have diverse responsibilities that may include terrorism and foreign espionage prevention, investigation of cyber crimes or child pornography, protection of civil rights, fighting national and international organized crime, investigating public corruption, and supporting local, state, and other federal law enforcement agencies.

Special Agents must meet specific age and physical requirements and be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance. To qualify for the Special Agent Entry Program, applicants must also possess a 4-year college degree and have at least 3 years work experience.

International Trade Specialists: With the growing global economy, the federal government is looking for people who understand the intricacies of international business. Agencies like the State Department, Homeland Security, and Department of Commerce hire International Trade Specialists to monitor international economic and commercial developments, develop and implement U.S. trade and investment policies, and assist U.S. companies with market access and compliance concerns.

Applicants must have a relevant four-year degree and be able to demonstrate an appropriate level of competence in the area of international trade and economics. Job openings exist in major cities around the world.

In addition to exciting and challenging careers, these federal employees enjoy the many benefits of federal employment: student loan repayment, health insurance, life insurance, pension, Thrift Savings Plan, paid holidays, paid sick leave and ample paid vacation.

And the timing for a federal career couldn't be any better. With so many Baby Boomers heading into retirement, young Americans will have ample and outstanding opportunities for long and successful federal careers.

For more information about federal careers, visit USAJobs.