• When applying for a government position, don't hesitate to contact the individual listed on the job description. They are here to answer questions.
• Check this page for the GS scale for government jobs. Typically recent graduates with a bachelor's degree will apply for around a GS5.
• The Office of Personnel Management or OPM has a great site about pay and locality. It is quite different living in New York City compared to Topeka, Kansas.
• When applying through USAJOBS, use the resume builder. It helps. It will take some time to complete but it will help get the resume through the applicant tracking system.
• Government jobs are often posted on social media sites. Get familiar with Twitter and follow different agencies.
• Save filters when searching sites, especially through USAJobs. The site is set up to send emails at the applicant's convenience. This will save a lot of time!
• Networking: most of us don't love to do this but it's very important in both the government and policy world. Sometimes it really is about who you know. Join those professional networking groups and go. Mingle! Have fun! The best job might be found at those happy hours!
• The Office of Personnel Management or OPM is a great resource for government jobs. They host a lot of webinars to help applicants understand the process. They are happy to answer questions.

Government positions are hired year round. The hiring process can take quite a bit of time depending on the security clearance that is required. Allow plenty of time. For instance, the State Department and Homeland Security clearances may take up to a year to process - apply early. State Department internships for the summer are typically due in the fall. Smaller agencies may only take a month or so. Because of this, the hiring timeline can extend all year.

High-end policy positions at exclusive think tanks are also in the fall. This process can also be a lengthy application process. Other positions are often posted during the spring semester.

Check out the industry recruiting timeline for more information.

Thanks to Govloop for all the information about all the government professional associations.

Federal Government

• Partnership for Public Service: The Partnership for Public Service is an organization for federal agencies and other stakeholders to improve government. The partnership not only assists federal agencies in regards to best practices and leadership, but highlights the value of public servants to the general public.
• National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE): The NFFE is a national union that seeks to promote the social and economic interests of federal workers. The NFFE represents its members through collective bargaining and legislative lobbying.
• National Association of Hispanic Federal Executives (NAHFE): The NAHFE is oriented around empowering and inspiring the next generation of Hispanic Senior Executives. The NAHFE seeks to increase the number of Hispanic Senior Executive Service members by collaborating with federal agencies, disseminating information and providing training.
• Federal Employee Association (FEA): FEA seeks to promote the social and financial welfare of not only its members, but all government employees.
• American Council for Technology and Industry Advisory Council(ACT-IAC): ACT-IAC is geared towards advancing government through collaboration, education, and action. This is achieved by providing both government and industry persons with a forum to exchange ideas and information.
• The Association for Federal Information Resources Management (AFFIRM): AFFIRM is an educational, volunteer-based organization focused on advancing the administration of information, and other resources, within the Federal government.

State and Local Government

• International City/County Management Association (ICMA): The ICMA brings together local government officials worldwide and fosters professional development through various services, publications, research and training.
• National Association of Counties (NaCo): NaCo consists of over 3,000 county governments. The association unites its members over issues relating to national policy, public service and leadership.
• Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL): ELGL strongly believes in making a difference at the local government level. Their three pillars for achieving this are connecting, communicating, and educating within local government workers across the country.
• National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO): NASBO is a professional membership organization for state budget officers across the country. NASBO seeks to enhance state budget practices with research, education, policy analysis, and networking among its employees.
• State Government Affairs Council (SGAC): The SGAC is a national association joining together state government affairs workers. They focus on networking and professional development, as well as educating members and championing ethical standards in government relations.

For Specific Roles:

• Association of Government Accountants (AGA): The AGA is the premier organization for financial professionals working in government at a federal, state and local level.
• International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR): The IPMA-HR is the leading public sector resource organization for HR professionals at all levels of government.
• National Grants Management Association (NGMA): NGMA provides tools and resources for grants professionals. The association serves its members who are at all levels of government through management training, professional certifications and networking opportunities.
• Association for Talent Development (ATD): ATD, formerly known as the ASTD, is a professional membership organization that supports leaders in human resources and talent development.

• Federal Managers Association: The Federal Managers Association represents the interests of over 200,000 federal managers, supervisors and executives. The oldest and largest organization of its kind, it works to promote excellence in public service.
• Senior Executives Association (SEA): SEA is a non-profit professional organization for current and former federal executives. The association advocates the concerns of its members in addition to also providing them with resources for professional development.
• National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO): NASCIO is a national nonprofit organization that represents state chief information officers and IT executives and managers. Oriented around best practices, information management, and technology policy, the association allows membership from municipal, federal, and international government officials as well.
• American Association for Budget and Program Analysis (AABPA): The AABPA enables managers and analysts at the federal, state, and local level to overcome the unique challenges that they face within their roles. The association serves its members by representing their interests, providing educational resources, and networking opportunities.
• National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC): With members at the federal, state, and local level, the NAGC is a non profit association with members across an array of jobs and functions within communications.
• National Contract Management Association (NCMA): The NCMA is a 20,000 member strong organization for professionals in both the public and private sector. The organization serves acquisition and procurement professionals by providing them with educational resources and professional growth opportunities.
• Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP): YPFP is a membership organizations comprised of young professionals seeking a career in foreign policy. They provide members with the knowledge, skills, relationships, and exposure necessary for a successful foreign policy career.

All Levels of Government:

• National Association of Government Employees (NAGE): NAGE is a union comprised of private and public sector workers at the federal, state and local level. NAGE is affiliated with SEIU, the largest union in North America.
• National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA): NASPAA is a membership organization for graduate education programs in public policy, affairs and administration.
• Young Government Leaders (YGL): The YGL professional organization consists of young government employees committed to providing young public servants with information, scholarships, fellowships, networking opportunities and more.
• American Society for Public Administration (ASPA): The ASPA is the biggest professional association focused on public administration in the country. They provide resources, foster communications, and lead the way in adhering to their four core principles: accountability and performance, professionalism, ethics, and social equity.
• American Student Government Association (ASGA): The ASGA works towards helping student government participants and sponsors through networking, research, and informational resources.

Multicultural Associations:

• Blacks in Government (BIG): BIG is a professional organization for African American government employees at the federal, state and local level.
• Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE): SAIGE is a national non-profit organization that represents American Indian and Alaskan Native federal, state and local government employees. The society fosters a professional network for its members in addition to providing a forum for issues, challenges and opportunities.
• Federally Employed Women (FEW): FEW is a private non-profit organization oriented around advocacy and improving the status of women employed by the federal government. The multi-tiered organization works to fulfill its four major program areas of legislation, training, compliance and diversity.
• Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC): FAPAC is the leading national organization for Asian Americans and Pacific Islander federal employees.

Professional Policy Organizations

• American Association of Political Consultants
• American Association for Budget and Program Analysis (AABPA)
• American Evaluation Association
• American Society of Public Administration
• The Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
• Emerging Local Government Leaders (ELGL)
• Foreign Policy Association
• Government Finance Officers Association
• International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
• International Local Government Associations (via ICMA)
• National Association of Counties
• National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers
• National Forum for Black Public Administrators
• National League of Cities
• State and Local Government Management Associations (via ICMA)
• US Conference of Mayors
• Young Nonprofit Professional Network

Professional Environmental Organizations

• Air and Waste Management Association
• American Solar Energy Society
• National Association for Environmental Management
• National Association of Environmental Professionals
• Soil and Water Conservation Society

Working in the policy and legal field usually requires a one page resume. Really showcase that you can write concisely. Areas to focus on are education, research and past related experiences. Typically a more conservative, traditional resume is safe.

Government resumes are a whole different story. If applying for a job on USAJobs, strongly consider using the resume builder they provide. This takes a lot of time to complete but this format can be used for just about any job within the site. Make sure to fill out all the areas on the builder including contact information for a past employer even if the main supervisor isn't employed there anymore. Find that information - USAJobs asks for a reason. The great thing about this builder is many bullets can be included under each position. This will really showcase responsibilities and accomplishments rather than limiting a position to 2-4 bullets. Be specific - this is what they want. This also means the resume will be long and that's ok.

Policy

APSAnet Jobs/Careers Section

The American Political Science Association is a professional society for people who study politics, government and public policies in the U.S. and around the world.

The Brookings Institution

A variety of programs offer the opportunity to become involved with everyday activities at Brookings, and the chance to work in a professional research organization that studies a wide variety of public policy issues.

Careers In Government

Resources and jobs available in public sector organizations in America and abroad.

Daybook (check with the Career Center for login information)

A site for policy related jobs.

Government Jobs

A site devoted to helping individuals find the jobs they are seeking in the public sector.

Idealist

A global network connecting people, organizations and resources to help build a world where all people can live free and dignified lives. Includes searchable database of internships.

National Human Services Assembly

Job postings and links to members' employment sites.

Opportunities in Public Affairs

Public affairs job openings in the Washington, DC area.

Organizers for America

A free service to community organizations, unions and allied groups seeking to hire community organizers and related positions.

Public Interest Fellowship Program

To develop CC graduates into social impact leaders through providing students meaningful fellowships at nonprofit organizations in the state of Colorado.

Public Interest Network

The Public Interest Network runs organizations committed to our vision of a better world, a set of core values, and a strategic approach to getting things dones. We work on issues that speak to the need for a new kind of politics. Our campaigns challenge decision-makers, as well as all of us, to stop tolerating problems that are increasingly absurd in an age of advancing technology and growing abundance. Common organizations that recruit on campus are Impact, Work for Progress, Environment America and Fund for the Public Interest.

Public Service Careers

A source for professional jobs in government, nonprofits, NGO's, consulting, contracting and academia, and for high quality advice and information about public service careers.

United States Department of State

A list of career opportunities at UI focusing on research but offering professional opportunities in other fields such as information technology and administration.

The Urban Institute

A list of career opportunities at UI focusing on research but offering professional opportunities in other fields such as information technology and administration.

USAJOBS

The United States government's official source of job and employment information.

The Washington Center

Offers internships and academic seminars in the DC area.

Environmental Policy

General Sites

The Orion Society

This is an internship clearinghouse for a rapidly growing network of nearly 300 grassroots organizations doing cutting-edge work in their communities and home-places. Internships are posted in administration, conservation, education, outreach, and research.

Cyber-Sierra's Natural Resources Job Search

This provides excellent links to environmental job resources.

Environmentalcareer.com

The first environmental job service on the web -- launched on Earth Day 1995. The site offers helpful job search resources and postings in a variety of environmental sectors.

Green Dream Jobs

This site provides an excellent job search resource for those looking for everything from entry level to senior positions.

Environmental Careers Bulletin On-Line

This site allows you to search by discipline and geographic location.

Environmental Career Opportunities

Jjob openings in all areas of the environmental sector. Although some jobs may be viewed for free, the site requires a subscription in order to gain access to all available listings.

Government

Environmental Protection Agency

The EPA is the government agency whose mission is to "protect human health and the environment." This agency highlights U.S. environmental science, research, education, public outreach and assessment efforts; regulatory and program decisions; and programs and policies designed to improve the environment.

Department of the Interior

The mission of the Department of Interior says it "protects America's natural resources and heritage, honors our cultures and tribal communities, and supplies the energy to power our future."

Advocacy

League of Conservation Voters

This is an independent political watchdog organization for all people who care about the environment. Unique in the environmental community, LCV is the only group to devote itself full-time to educating voters and winning elections on behalf of the environment.

National Wildlife Federation

This organization advances conservation policies through advocacy, education, and litigation. Efforts focus on the conservation of wildlife and wild places and the health of the environment, with special emphasis on endangered species and habitats, wetlands, water quality, land stewardship and sustainable communities.

Environmental Defense Fund

The Environmental Defense Fund operates under the philosophy that "economic prosperity and environmental stewardship go hand in hand." With offices all across the country, the organization focuses on four main topics: Climate and Energy, Oceans, Ecosystems, and Health.

Natural Resources Defense Council

This is a nonprofit organization with more than 350,000 members nationwide. NRDC's mission is to preserve the environment, protect the public health, and ensure the conservation of wilderness and natural resources through research, advocacy, litigation, and publ

Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is a nonprofit member-supported public interest organization that promotes conservation of the natural environment by influencing public policy decisions--legislative, administrative, legal, and electoral.

Conservation International

Conservation International is a field-based, non-profit organization that protects the Earth's biologically richest areas by focusing on such initiatives as climate, fresh water, food, health, cultural services, and biodiversity.

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy fills a unique niche: preserving habitats and species by buying the lands and waters they need to survive. The Nature Conservancy operates the largest private system of nature sanctuaries in the world: more than 1,500 preserves in the United States alone. All of them safeguard imperiled species of plants and animals.

*** Check out this exclusive internship with TNC and Colorado College through the Charlie Blumenstein Internship ***

The Trust for Public Land

This is a national, nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, natural areas and open space

Adirondack Mountain Club

The Adirondack Mountain Club hires seasonal and full time employees to maintain trails, operate two mountain lodges, and provide backcountry information in the Adirondack High Peaks. Positions require a strong outdoor orientation and public service skills.

Research Organizations

Center for Climate and Energy Solutions

Their work: "an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to advance strong policy and action to address the twin challenges of energy and climate change."

World Resources Institute

The World Resources Institute"focuses on the intersection of the environment and socio-economic development." With program areas in Climate, Energy, and Transport; Governance and Access; Markets and Enterprise; and People and Ecosystems, this research institute works to develop solutions protect the environment and improve lives.

Urban Land Institute

The Urban Land Institute "provides leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide."

Service Programs

Student Conservation Association

SCA is a seasonal, full-time, expenses-paid volunteer program. Resource Assistants work side-by-side with natural resource managers and other conservation professionals, typically for 12 to 16 weeks. Housing and funds to cover travel and basic food costs are included.

AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps is a government-run national service organization, and also has a number of environmentally based opportunities in areas all over the country. There are a range of service lengths available.

GreenCorps

GreenCorps is an organization that aims to "train organizers, provide field support for today's critical environmental campaigns, and graduate activists who possess the skills, temperament, and commitment to fight and win tomorrow's environmental battles."

Government websites - always check a particular agency's social media for positions. They use these platforms intentionally.

SAM.gov

Search this site for contract positions within the US government

Capitol Hill Internships and Members' Offices - Senate

The House offers many college internship opportunities in Washington, DC, and district offices around the U.S. Opportunities are generally available in the spring, summer, and fall.

Department of Homeland Security Websites

This list contains the major operational components that currently make up the Department of Homeland Security.

FBI Jobs

With over 35,000 employees across the nation and the globe, the FBI strives to protect American citizens while upholding the Constitution of the United States, both at home and abroad.

Federal Job Search - Government Jobs: Offers state-by-state information on federal job openings by occupation and the cities where they are located. The site also sends applicants regular e-mails with new postings that match their career interest profile, including titles, salaries and locations of positions.

Go Government

This site is designed to be your guide as you consider, apply, and secure federal employment. We'll help you research federal agencies and government careers as well as provide practical tips for completing your application.

HillZoo.com - Home Page for Capitol Hill Professional Jobs and more

Capitol Hill internships, non-partisan political jobs and Washington DC employment

Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities National Internship Program

Federal agencies and corporations partner with us because year after year HNIP recruits some of the brightest and most talented students from across the country. Join the more than 12,000 program alumni who have benefited from the exposure to industry, professional development, and mentoring and networking opportunities.

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts in its collections. The Library is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office.

Office of Personnel Management Internship Program

Do you want to be at the forefront of human capital management in the Federal government? Do you want to help bring health insurance to a nation? Or do you want to serve the American people? At OPM, our students and recent graduates are members of the teams implementing these and other exciting initiatives.

Representative Diana DeGette's Internship Program

Congressional internships provide an opportunity for young people who are interested in the legislative process to work in Rep. DeGette's Washington, D.C. or Denver office.

Senator Michael Bennet's Internship Program

We offer a competitive internship program for college students, college graduates, and graduate students in Michael's Colorado and Washington, D.C. offices. These structured internships provide an opportunity to learn about the role of a Senatorial office while enabling participants to serve their community.

Tom Manatos Jobs List

Known as one of the top job lists on Capitol Hill and in Washington DC, Tom Manatos Jobs has helped thousands of people find government and political jobs since 2002. It connects the area's leading employers to qualified job seekers of all levels of experience and expertise.

U.S. Department of the Interior

Explore the variety of occupations offered at the Department of the Interior! Can't find your position? DOI employs people in over 300 occupations!

United States Intelligence Community Intelligence Careers

The IC offers students a wide variety of excellent programs to get a jumpstart on a career in intelligence.

U.S. Department of State

Leading America's foreign policy to advance the interests and security of the American people.

USAJobs - Pathways Program

The Pathways Program offers federal internship and employment opportunities for current students, recent graduates and those with an advanced degree. There are three different paths available: internships, recent graduates and the Presidential Management Fellows Program.

The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Affairs

Come for a semester or a summer. Or attend one of our one- or two-week seminars. Do real work in government, a non-profit or the private sector. Whether you're a college student or recent graduate we have programs to help you gain critical experience and insider knowledge that will get you where you want to go.

Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP)

The Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities (WRP) is a recruitment and referral program that connects federal and private sector employers nationwide with highly motivated college students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to prove their abilities in the workplace through summer or permanent jobs.

TigerLink: CC's alumni online directory and professional networking platform compatible with LinkedIn

• The directory allows you to search for other alumni, and your inquiry can be as general or specific as you like using the advanced filters section. You can send a message to other alumni through the directory, too.
• The mentoring component empowers students and recent graduates to connect with alumni who can assist in exploring careers and industries. Alumni can choose to connect with students in a variety of ways as well as expand their own professional network and advance their careers through connections to insiders who work for top employers.