While many of us are aware of the Senior Executive Service (SES), there are actually a number of different kinds of senior leadership positions in the federal government. Here are some of the more common:
· SES Career Reserved; this is what we think about when we think about the SES. These positions can only be filled by career appointees.
· SES General: These SES level positions may be filled by any type of SES appointee—career, noncareer, limited TERM or limited emergency.
· Senior Level (SL): These positions are above a GS-15, generally with limited supervisory responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities may include research and development functions.
· Scientific and Professional (ST) Positions: The positions are engaged in research and development in the physical, biological, medical, or engineering sciences, or a closely related field. Again, these positions are above the GS-15 and often have limited supervisory responsibilities.
· Senior Scientific & Technological Service (SSTS): These positions too are above GS-15 and are considered senior scientific positions. The focus is research in agriculture or forestry, and individuals must possess a doctorate or higher degree, and meet all qualifications for GS-15 and above. Generally SSTS positions have no or minimal supervisory responsibilities (under 25%).
· Defense Intelligence Senor Executive Service (DISES): Part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel Systems, DISES positions are established by the Secretary of Defense. The total number of DISES positions is limited to 594. These positions are equivalent to the SES and compensation is based on SES pay tables. DISES positions perform very similar work to that of SES members.
· Defense Intelligence Senior Leader (DISL): Also part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel Systems, DISES positions are also established by the Secretary of Defense. Similar to SL positions, the work performed is above a GS/GS-15 but does not meet program management criteria for a DISES. DISL positions require a particular area of technical expertise to serve as independent leaders and technical advisors. No more than 25% of their time may be supervisory.
· Other DOD SES positions: The 2019 NDAA allowed the Secretary of Defense to appoint qualified individuals to an initial career appointment into the Senior Executive Service (SES) of the Department of Defense (DoD). No more than 50 of these appointments may be made in any calendar year.
· Other SES-similar positions: These may be found in excepted service agencies such as the financial regulatory agencies, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and more. Applications for these positions are governed by the agency and executive level appointments in these agencies are not part of the SES (and if you apply for the SES career reserved from one of these positions, you’ll need to go through the entire process).
As you can see, there is more than one way to become a federal executive. Read the job posting carefully and make sure you understand exactly what you’re targeting and what it means!
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