To meet the challenges of the 21st century — and beyond — we need intelligent, creative, strategic-thinkers with excellent communication skills to consider a public service career with the U.S. Department of State.

If you decide to pursue a career with the U.S. Department of State, you have the option of becoming either a Foreign Service or a Civil Service employee. So, what’s the difference?

Foreign Service employees live and work overseas, and in Washington, D.C., and represent America abroad; Civil Service employees support the mission from Washington, D.C. or other locations around the United States.

Regardless of whether an employee serves in the Foreign or Civil Service, or where they are physically located, all those working for the U.S. Department of State contribute to advancing U.S. interests and implementing foreign policy.

If you decide on a Civil Service career with the U.S. Department of State, you’ll receive exceptional healthcare, educational and personal development program benefits. And, you’ll also have the chance to choose from 11 Mission Critical Careers, all designed to support our mission, from here in the United States.

Most of our Civil Service employees work in Washington, DC or in other locations throughout the United States, such as Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Seattle, Houston and New Orleans, among others.

Ultimately, Civil Service employees at the U.S. Department of State work to help transform societies worldwide into stronger democracies and full partners in the international community.

The U.S. Department of State is based in Washington, D.C. and has more than 270 embassies, consulates and diplomatic missions worldwide.