Source: BestPlacesToWork.org
Since the stimulus package kicked into action, the federal government has been hiring at unprecedented rates. But if you’re job-hunting and you think that office culture is uniform across all agencies and departments, think again.
Enter BestPlacesToWork.org. This ranking system uses ten categories including “effective leadership, employee skills/mission match and work/life balance” to rate the best and worst federal employers. Granted, none of them have Google‘s perks (or do they?), but some departments’ worker satisfaction is pretty darn high.
1. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
It’s great to work here because: A. You have the power to save (or destroy) the world, B. you get to work in places like Area 51, and C. nobody messes with you.
2. Government Accountability Office
It’s great to work here because: A. You get to tell other people how to do their jobs, B. you are fulfilled because when you talk, Congress listens, and C. your colleagues are a bunch of accountants without the power trips of political appointees.
3. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
It’s great to work here because: A. It’s a science-fiction nerd’s fantasyland, B. you get to re-enact scenes from Apollo 13 during lunch time, and C. the sky’s the limit (literally).
Worst:
28. Department of Homeland Security
Problem: If you had to put old ladies’ shoes through an x-ray machine 42 times a day, you’d be miserable too.
Possible Solution: Maybe those new whole-body image scanners will be more visually appealing.
29. National Archives and Records Administration
Problem: Ever since Sandy Berger walked out with an armload of uber-classified documents, its reputation has gone downhill.
Possible Solution: A newly found letter from Abe Lincoln will give the Archives a second chance to prove that it can properly secure important documents.
30. Department of Transportation
Problem: There are so many to mention. Air traffic control methods are antiquated, America’s railways are pathetic, and GM just went under.
Possible Solution: Build a shrine to Chelsey “Sully” Sullenberger.
