What federal agencies are the best to work for?

[Anonymous]

Anyone have experience working at USPS? Specifically as an attorney? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I worked at an agency that was ranked #1 for years. The work was incredibly rewarding, but a lot of the ranking was driven by the support staff. The professional staff had to more directly interface with management, which was often unpleasant. Eventually the professional staff quasi-revolted and managed to drag down the rating a few spots, but its still towards the top.

My impression, based on this admittedly limited sample size, is that the ratings are probably more accurate as lower pay grades and less accurate when you get into GS-14/15.

[Anonymous]

My DH worked at USPS a several years ago with the legal group, but is not an attorney. His impression was that people were fairly happy, but the work wasn't terribly exciting to them. Lots and lots of employment issues. Depends on whether that floats your boat.

[Anonymous]

I am surprised Treasury is ranked so highly. My spouse works there and it is horrible for work-life balance. Horrible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am surprised Treasury is ranked so highly. My spouse works there and it is horrible for work-life balance. Horrible.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I worked at an agency that was ranked #1 for years. The work was incredibly rewarding, but a lot of the ranking was driven by the support staff. The professional staff had to more directly interface with management, which was often unpleasant. Eventually the professional staff quasi-revolted and managed to drag down the rating a few spots, but its still towards the top.

My impression, based on this admittedly limited sample size, is that the ratings are probably more accurate as lower pay grades and less accurate when you get into GS-14/15.

Are you another ex-NRCer? So glad I got out of that horribly-managed, politicized cubicle hell (with a promotion).

[Anonymous]

Not FBI OGC. that's for sure!

[Anonymous]

EPA is pretty good. Very educated, committed work force overall, progressive policies regarding telecommuting, fitness centers, bike rooms, etc. Work load is high, especially at supervisory or attorney level but rewarding most of the time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure that the overall rating of an agency is all that helpful (unless maybe if it's a really bad ranking)--so much of it depends on your individual management chain. For example, I love my office at EPA, but I know people in other parts of the agency who are miserable, with very unsupportive managers.

I will say, I don't know any women who work as DOD civilian employees who like it.

I've been trying to get on with the EPA for a little while now. I hope that I get this latest position for which I applied.

[Anonymous]

Fda is great. Attorney with a reasonable boss and flexible schedule.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone like Smithsonian, Archives or FTC?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That list seemed pretty fair. I work for one of the agencies that is exempt from a lot of the HR BS that many government agencies have to use (jobs not posted on USAJobs, don't have to fill out generic applications, have no idea what an SF-50 (?) is, etc. We're treated like grow ups. I haven't filled out "pre-approved leave slips" after my first two months on the job when my boss looked at me funny when I asked for a slip.

As with any place, there are some jerks and some stupidity, but most people don't leave.

Federal Reserve?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like my office in VA. I wouldn't work for VBA (benefits) though!

You do?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:EPA is pretty good. Very educated, committed work force overall, progressive policies regarding telecommuting, fitness centers, bike rooms, etc. Work load is high, especially at supervisory or attorney level but rewarding most of the time.

EPA used to be pretty good. I retired a few mos. ago after 26 yrs.

Morale sucks. Politics has been more and more rampant the past 15 yrs or more. Management is full of incompetents and yes-men ( and women). - and I was management for 23 yrs., a sr. Manager in a large national office.

Not a happy place now and, unfortunately, getting worse,

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fda is great. Attorney with a reasonable boss and flexible schedule.

What Center are you with at FDA?