Jamel Barnes ⋅ Rosharon, TX U.S. Army, Sergeant First Class ⋅ 20 years served

Thank you for your input. I had not considered the option of Telework but will look into all the options presented. Thanks again Bob Jurasek

Robert Jurasek ⋅ Hollywood, FL Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ⋅ 45 years experience

Dear Jamel,

There is a great demand for Contract Specialists, starting at GS-05 with a promotional potential to GS-15. The job announcement at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/445726400/ details the education and experience requirements, for each pay grade, under Qualifications.

Since the job announcement covers many locations, the salary range ($32,318-152,593)does not include locality pay, which you can find at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2016/general-schedule/. If the location of your position is not listed then use the pay table titled “Rest of United States.” At whichever grade you start, you will need 52 weeks at that grade in order to bid for a job announcement at the next higher pay grade.

Unfortunately, it looks like the closest locations to Houston are about a 3-hour drive. When you apply, all of the locations will be listed and you have the opportunity to select those for which you would like to be considered. My suggestion is that you apply then wait to see if you get a job offer, at which location, and at what pay grade. Then you can decide if it is worth moving, or getting a local apartment for work days, commuting home on the weekends.

The other consideration, is that some agencies encourage “Telework”, so perhaps you can work from home 1-2 days per week. If you are able to combine telework with a compressed schedule of four 10-hour days, you might only have to be in the office three days per week. This flexibility typically comes after you finish your probation or at least get close to it—but certainly not starting on Day 1.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Good luck, and thank you for your service!

Sincerely,
Bob Jurasek