What federal agancies allow choice of where your stationed?

[k9870]

Im looking at where to apply soon, and seeing what options are open. I know uncle sam throws you wherever he wants you. One thing though is i am a current reservist in the USCG and at a mininum would have to get a job relatively close to a operational reserve unit. Other than that I would like a choice of where i can go, but its not quite as important as being able to finish my contract.

[Piggy]

The job post will explain it all. It's pretty well sealed if it is a single job opening. If it is a nationwide opening, read through it carefully and it'll tell you somewhere. Some agencies require you to move every three years such as the FBI, or move at their discretion so that is something to look for as well. As far as an agency that allows you to pick where you live, I can't think of any that would do that.

[retdetsgt]

My wife's nephew finished his DEA training as #1 in the class and because of that got to pick his place of assignment as the "prize". But no one else did.

Several guys I worked with over the years went to various federal LE job and ended up quitting because they were sent to crummy places with little hope of getting out in a reasonable time.

But like Piggy said, read the job announcement, it should tell you something.

That's why I never even considered working for the state, I didn't want to get transferred and have to sell my home, etc.

[Switchback]

A few agencies (DEA & FBI, for example) do not tell you where you are going until you are most of the way through the academy. Most, however, will tell you where you are being hired to. So, you will likely know your first duty assignment before you decide on the job offer. How long you are there and whether the moves are optional will depend greatly on the specific agency.

With that said, I think it is humorous that you are trying to make long-term decisions (life-long career) based on a short term situation (finishing your contract). You may have some priority issues, if you ask me.

[k9870]

Thats just seeing if i can look into jobs soon, or have to wait, at the federal level, very few state openings but always see fed positions opening. Choosing where i may be able to live dictates if id want to make a career or use a fed position as a step to transfer to a local type job

[k9870]

One thing is, i could not stand moving every few years, id want some stability after a while as a career position. So if i did something as a temporary job, i could deal with it, but if I was going to do 20, no. I know some agencies you chose a open job location, many are just general admittance and sort you at academy. During boot camp i remember there were dream sheets for active duty, but that was just hopes, you could go anywhere, and then there was a school where theres a list of open billets and top in the class goes first, and down on. wondering if agancies do things along those lines? Knowing my luck id get DC or commiefornia though.

[Big Sexy]

Most federal agencies are going to have you sign a mobility agreement. Depending on the agency, you may be forced to move every 3 to 5 years or you may never be forced to move. Regardless, if the agency really needs agents in a location and can't get enough volunteers, they'll always take voluntolds.

[k9870]

Are any agencies mandantory rotation or are all just needs of service?

[Big Sexy]

Not sure which are mandatory, though needs of service trumps all.

[k9870]

Im guessing id want to transfer out of federal eventually and do something local if i go in. Thing is local is a good deal (geographic stability, get to know the area) but there are jsut no jobs opena nd huge waiting lists when there is. Federal jobs open up quite a bit on the other hand.

[Switchback]

LOL

Sounds like you have it backwards. The only ones that I have seen go fed to local were local before and decided they wanted to go back to patrol. VERY FEW ever do that. Usually, people use local experience to get on with the feds.

And it is funny that you talk about geographic stability. I was hired to NYC, did my 3 years and got transferred back home. I have been home about 12 years now. I will not get moved unless I ask for it or screw up. I have guys in the fed offices that I routine that have spent their whole careers without moving.

Forced moves are NOT common in most agencies. You may have to move when hired on or you may have to take a move to promote, but the days of forced moves are behind most feds. Some agencies still do it, but it is just too expensive.

With that said, we all sign mobility agreements when hired.

[nyctrainer8]

LOL


I was hired to NYC, did my 3 years and got transferred back home. I have been home about 12 years now. I will not get moved unless I ask for it or screw up.

No idea why anybody would want to leave NY, Switch :-P

[Switchback]

No idea why anybody would want to leave NY, Switch :-P

You know Escape From New York" with Kurt Russel? It's not just a movie! The probloem is, you were raised on that kool-aid and have a very twisted outlook on life. :D

[k9870]

No big on left wing high tax anti gun states.

[nyctrainer8]

You know Escape From New York" with Kurt Russel? It's not just a movie! The probloem is, you were raised on that kool-aid and have a very twisted outlook on life. :D

That's some smooooooooooothe Kool-Aid

I mean, it worked out for me, but I can see where it's not for everyone. Deep down you miss it though.