What are the salaries for Consular Fellows?
Consular Fellows are afforded salary matching within the appropriate hiring grade, up to step 14.
What should I expect at the Foreign Service Consular Professional Assessment for Consular Fellows candidates?
Dimensions scored in this exercise: Planning and Organization, Working with Others, Judgment, Information Integration and Analysis, Resourcefulness, and Written Communication.
The foreign Service Consular Professional Assessment consists of two parts: a writing exercise and a structured interview. More information can be found at: Consular consists of two parts: a writing exercise and a structured interview. More information can be found at: Consular Fellows Selection Process
What are the duties of a Consular Fellow?
As a Consular Fellow you will use your proficiency in Arabic, Mandarin, Portuguese, or Spanish to promote America’s interests by assisting U.S. citizens abroad, fostering economic growth at home, and contributing to U.S. national security.
Consular Fellows work side by side with officers. They may conduct visa interviews, for both Immigrant and Non-Immigrant visas; assist in providing passport and other services to American citizens residing in the consular district; and other duties as assigned by the Section manager.
Will I have to undergo a background check for Civil Service employment?
Almost all Civil Service positions in the U.S. Department of State require at least a Secret security clearance, and many require Top Secret clearance. The clearance process considers such factors as registration for the Selective Service; failure to repay a U.S. government-guaranteed student loan; past problems with credit or bankruptcy; failure to meet tax obligations; unsatisfactory employment records; violations of the law (including federal drug laws), drug or alcohol abuse; or less-than-honorable discharge from the armed forces.
When are Pathways Recent Graduates opportunities posted?
Pathways Recent Graduates opportunities are posted on USAJOBS on an as-needed basis, with the vacancy announcements opening for applications at 12:01am Eastern time on the first day of the application period.
What benefits are offered for Civil Service employees?
There is an extensive list of benefits available for Civil Service employees, including child care, health and life insurance and a matched retirement plan. View the complete list of Civil Service benefits.
Does the Department of State participate in the Office of Personnel Management Student Loan Repayment Program?
Yes. The Department may provide up $4,700 per year for three years towards your student loans. In return, the employee must agree to remain with the Department for at least three years.
Does the Department of State have Civil Service positions in STEM fields?
Yes. The Department of State has regular openings for information technology positions, and also has occasional openings for engineering, architecture, and science positions.
Are there overseas employment opportunities for Civil Service employees?
There may be occasional employment opportunities available for Civil Service employees overseas. These positions are usually filled by career Foreign Service employees, but when appropriate bidders are not identified they may be deemed “Hard to Fill” and opened to Civil Service bidders on excursion tours. At that time, the vacancies filled through a competitive process. Some Civil Service employees may also have the opportunity to fill gaps in employments at overseas posts. In addition, it is not uncommon for Civil Service employees to travel overseas.
Are dual nationals eligible to apply for Civil Service employment?
As long as you are a U.S. citizen, you may apply for any Civil Service position for which you qualify, even if you have other nationalities.