How to Get a Good Government Job in AK
Interested in getting a government job in Alaska? With some of the greatest benefits, job security and potential for advancement in the workforce today it’s no real surprise that many people would like to be employed by the Alaska government.
Fortunately for job seekers, there are numerous AK government job opportunities at the city, county and state level. They run from entry level positions to highly specialized jobs which require years of training and expertise.
Benefits of Government Jobs in Alaska
One of the most appealing things about Alaska government jobs is the benefits. Pay is usually on par with averages in an industry, however when you are looking at the extras like health insurance and paid time off government jobs are likely to out-do the private sector alternatives.
Alaska government job benefits to consider include:
- Insurance
- Paid time off
- Sick leave
- Job security
- Retirement benefits
Even if pay isn’t as competitive as working for-profit companies, the benefits are a portion of the overall compensation package that you should be taking into consideration.
Where to Find Alaska Government Jobs
Despite the recent economic turmoil there are thousands of government job openings waiting to be filled. You just need to know how to locate them.
There are several websites where you can find government job postings and apply for them online. USAJOBS.gov is the official website for finding jobs in the federal government and it has helpful information and advice on getting a government job . If you’re interested in government jobs within Alaska the Department of Labor sponsor’s the website CareerOneStop.org which provides links to state-specific job sites. These sites will list both state-wide and local positions.
Applying for a Government Job in Alaska
In many ways applying for a government job is the same as applying for any other job. However, there are particular requirements to consider.
Citizenship – Nearly all government jobs are available only to U.S. citizens. You can find exceptions, and at the federal level there are agencies that will consider non-citizens. There’s a special hiring process for non-residents and employability requirements that must be met.
Background checks – You can expect to have a background check done when trying to get government jobs in AK. It’s common for people in government positions to have access to sensitive information which is why background and drug tests are typically part of the hiring process.
Qualifications – Pay careful attention to the qualifications section of a job posting. Government jobs can be competitive and the government is only searching for highly qualified individuals. There's what’s known as KSAs which are given during the hiring process for many government jobs. KSA stands for knowledge, skills and abilities.
Age limit – Most government jobs in Alaska are limited to people 18 years or older.