Super Cool Federal Jobs

When you think about working for the federal government, do you envision endless days of bureaucratic paper pushing and bean counting? While some federal employees certainly do their fair share of paper pushing and bean counting, there are many more who enjoy exciting and challenging careers as well as the above average job security and benefits that Uncle Sam has to offer.

Here are three examples of cool federal jobs:

Park Ranger: Agencies like the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and others, employ thousands of U.S. Park Rangers all around the country - including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Park Rangers patrol and protect America's public lands, educate the public about history and the environment, fight wildfires, and conduct search and rescue missions. The average grade for U.S. Park Rangers is a GS-09, with a starting pay of $45,040. Best of all, Park Rangers get to live and work in some of our country's most beautiful places: Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Haleakala, and Biscayne . . . just to name a few.

The requirements for Park Ranger jobs vary greatly, depending on the agency and the nature of the assignment. Hiring officials are generally looking for someone in good physical condition with a relevant college degree and strong communication skills.

FBI Special Agent: Special Agents are employed in FBI offices across the country and overseas. Most large American cities and many smaller ones, will have an FBI office. Special Agents have diverse responsibilities that may include terrorism and foreign espionage prevention, investigation of cyber crimes or child pornography, protection of civil rights, fighting national and international organized crime, investigating public corruption, and supporting local, state, and other federal law enforcement agencies.

Special Agents must meet specific age and physical requirements and be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance. To qualify for the Special Agent Entry Program, applicants must also possess a 4-year college degree and have at least 3 years work experience.