Office of Personnel




Types of Appointments

Career Service

Career Service appointees are selected from the most qualified applicants, based on specific job requirements, with special consideration to veterans and DC residents (although District residency is not required). Upon completion of a probationary period, employees have job protection and due process rights and can be removed only for cause or as a result of a reduction in force. Most of the District's workforce is in the Career Service, which includes professional, administrative, technical, and clerical workers; wage grade employees; and uniformed employees of the police and fire departments.

  • Term Position
    A term appointment can last from 13 months to 4 years, and it cannot exceed the termination date. Term positions can be filled up to a DS-12 level through the non-competitive hiring process.

  • Temporary Position
    A temporary appointment can last up to 12 months. Temporary positions can be filled up to a DS-12 level through the non-competitive hiring process. Employees in temporary positions receive no benefits.