SEC

Thanks, everyone. OP here. I am a generalist/Management Analyst type with experience in communications, strategic planning, process changes, leading teams, a little budget review, training, etc. I currently work in international affairs so I recognize that would almost definitely change if I were to find a job in the Bay Area. There seem to be some GS-9 to GS-12 positions out there but not many in the GS-13 and up range for the more generalized/analytical positions. (I'm currently a 13 and have 10-15 years of work experience.) I'm going to keep looking though! Being close to family would mean a lot to me.

I'm a Fed in DC who is originally from the CA Bay Area, and I looked at moving back there. There are some opportunities -- my agency has a field office in Alameda, there are some in SF that would have worked for me -- but the pay is just not enough to live well. If your spouse makes significantly more then it could work. Otherwise, I agree with PP who says to look at state and county government, especially outside the highest cost areas so you can afford to live near work. I personally would not go into tech, but I'm 40+ and value job security.

If you are *really* bent on getting out there and remaining a Fed, look at the DHS immigration jobs. They can't keep people (for a reason) so there are openings semi regularly.

NASA Ames is about it. Maybe a banking regulator dealing with WF?

All the PPs saying get a job, your niece is probably a decade or two younger than OP, and ageism is FIERCE in the Bay Area and tech scenes. Last in, first out position if you can even get hired. If you have some excellence (like you are DOJ antitrust attorney, FB or Google may want to hire you, or you work at a National Lab and have sublime tech skills, patents, etc), you can maybe get a Greybeard(TM) position.

And they aren’t hiring expensive old people now, many are laying off in fact.

I would only go if I can land a job with FB, Apple, Google, or Microsoft.

You’d get better responses if you mentioned your field.

Honestly just leave the government. The pay and pension are crap compared to what tech can offer. You'll be a pauper on fed pay in SF.

I’m a fed in DC and I have a friend who works for Alameda County. We do similar work but I am pretty sure the county pay scale is more generous.

I transferred from HQ to the field (Oakland) so stayed with the same agency. I’d look at USA jobs.

What is your area of experience?

Oakland has a Federal building with various agencies.

USAO is always hiring, because people are always jumping into biglaw. It's peanuts and you may need to start unpaid but you can definitely jump.

I've lived in SF for 15 years and don't know anyone who works for the federal gov't. I've only known people who work for the city (of SF or Oakland). Generally it's good to know somebody.

Sheesh, I'd look at tech. My niece is in the Bay Area, an English major and gets job offers all the time from Tech.

Pay is significantly more in tech.

Edit: "Did anyone make the JUMP.."

Did anyone make the jump from a federal position in DC to one in the Bay Area?

After 10 years in DC, I'd like to move back to the Bay Area and staying with the Federal Government is attractive. Aside from applying on USAJobs, any tips? Did anyone make the job and stay federal?