What are the perks , pros /cons of a temporary (up to 8 years) for a TERM position?

2024-07-18T21:07:00-04:00

Federal TERM position offer question. My girlfriend was offered a TERM position for 2 years with a maximum of 8 years. I would like to know if this position opens the door for more Federal opportunities and if the time spent in the position gains Federal retirement benefits. Is this a good step into Federal employment?

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Jul 19 at 2024 2:03 PM

2024-07-19T14:03:52-04:00

I supervised 5 temp term employees while stationed at Anniston Army Depot. Three of them used those positions to gain full time employment with the federal government. The other two could have as well but took positions in the private sector. It's a good way to gain a foothold on a full time career.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Jul 19 at 2024 4:23 PM

2024-07-19T16:23:02-04:00

Each agency that hires for TERM (in this case DoD) sets their own policy on what they offer to temporary employees. Only way to get a definitive and correct answer to your (her) questions is by contacting the hiring official.

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Jul 21 at 2024 9:27 PM

2024-07-21T21:27:14-04:00

Temp and term are different appointments. Generally temp is less than a year and term appointments are more than a year. Generally, you will not qualify for retirement based solely on a term appointment but you will pay into FERS and if you get five years of service you will be vested and could retire at 62 (55 with a reduced benefit). If you only have 5 years of service your retirement will not be much. As for whether it is helpful, it could be. If the position is not obligated to another person(for example a position where you are back filling an dual ACP/RC employee) and the term (not temp) position is made permanent you can be hired into the permanent position without it be competed. As a side note, she may want to verify how long the term can be renewed for, I think 8 years violates OPM policy.