State and local government jobs are options for those making the move from federal service

We have been hearing for quite some time that budget cuts are coming to agencies, and they are now here. The Government Printing Office and the Internal Revenue Service have offered buyouts, and the General Services Administration and others are looking to do the same. The Defense Department has announced reductions that will affect military service members and civilian defense employees in all branches and many DOD agencies. These cuts are real, and there are more to come as the government is learning to do more with less.

For many federal workers, there will be job security, but we have to be honest in saying that for some, the realities are that either through buyouts or reductions, they may need to start looking for another job. Given this fact, I do see a possible ray of hope.

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I am going to start focusing some articles on what job seekers can do to make the transition from federal service. The first potential jobs that come to mind are city, county and state government jobs. I know you are saying, aren’t local government jobs facing cutbacks too? The answer is yes, but some are hiring and you might be able to put that excellent federal experience to work in these agencies.

Those leaving the federal government may be able to find jobs in state governments that surround the District.

In Maryland, you can find listings on the Department of Budget and Management’s Web site. There are more than 380 open state positions listed in the jobs database. The jobs include IT specialists, health-care professionals, social workers and revenue examiners. For those seeking a management job, there are a number of director positions, including the chief information officer of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation; director of the Public Service Commission’s accounting division; and chief financial officer of the Maryland Transit Administration.

For returning service members who want to work in Maryland, there are jobs with veterans preference, including electrician, state trooper, correctional maintenance officer, emergency medical services communications officer and state police helicopter pilot.

In Virginia, the state job prospects are even better. According to the jobs search engine for the commonwealth, there are more than 1,200 positions available, including environmental health specialist, human resources assistant, administrative coordinator, teacher, public defender and engineer.

Local governments, including cities and counties, might not be hiring large numbers of people, but they often have some interesting jobs available. For example, in Fairfax County, there are jobs posted for senior investment manager, communications specialist, and economical and statistical analyst. In Montgomery County, you will find jobs that include chief of the parking management division and recycling education specialist.

If you are looking for contractual or seasonal work, many of these agencies are looking to hire.

Salaries will be the last concern that many will have. Some may be concerned that the salaries are lower than those in the federal government. This may be the case in some instances, but there are jobs in which the salaries are comparable. For instance, an accounts payable manager can make $69,000 to $92,000 depending on experience and other factors. Many federal workers make more than $100,000, but if you can find a city, county or state position that you love, the difference may be worth it.

So if you are experiencing or hearing the rumblings of a buyout or reductions, make sure you are proactive and begin your job search now.

Derrick T. Dortch, president of the Diversa Group, is a career counselor who specializes in government job searches and military transition. Send your comments and questions to fedworker@washpost.com.