Apply to USDS

We’re working to build a workforce that reflects the people we serve. We know that we better serve the public when our staff represents the country’s diversity.

Our projects impact people who come from diverse backgrounds, speak multiple languages, hold varying levels of education, and have differing access to technology. We want to build project teams that can understand a variety of lived experiences as we work to deliver services to all people, including those who have traditionally been underserved.

USDS operates on a tour-of-service model where people can join for up to four years. We’re always looking for mission-driven people to serve. To learn more about the skills we’re hiring for, see “How we work.”

Read our hiring FAQ

  1. Complete the application below and attach your resume (and portfolio, if you’re a designer).

  2. People who progress to the interview process will connect with a member of our talent team over the phone.

  3. Participate in interviews to assess for skills important to our disciplines.

  4. If selected, your USDS Talent partner will work with you throughout the selection and onboarding process.

Onboarding to USDS can take several weeks depending on completion of a required background check. Our Talent team will be with you every step of the way and your Talent partner will keep you up-to-date throughout the process.

If you aren’t selected to join USDS, you can apply again after one year with an updated resume.

One of our core values is to hire and empower great people. We want all candidates to have the accommodations that will set them up for success in their interview.

You can say that you’d like to request a disability accommodation when you submit your application. If you progress through the interview process, a member of our Talent team will contact you to talk about any accommodations that will best help you demonstrate your skills.

A few examples are:

  • Requesting a sign language interpreter or video relay service

  • Asking for a video interview instead of phone

  • Asking for extended breaks between interviews

To work at USDS, you must be a U.S. citizen and pass a background check and a drug test.

You may have applied for a government job that previously required a COVID-19 vaccine. As of August 2022, you don’t need a COVID-19 vaccine to be hired as a federal employee. We’ll update our information if this changes in the future.

We’re currently hiring both remote employees and people who are local to Washington, DC. If you have additional questions about remote or in-person work, please reach out to the USDS Talent Team at talent@usds.gov.

Salaries in government may change every year. For 2023, you may be paid up to $183,500 depending on your experience as well as where you’re located in the United States or U.S. territories.

USDS offers an expansive portfolio of benefits, like health insurance, work-life programs, and retirement plans for employees. We highlighted some of the benefits that applicants typically have questions about below.

  • Health insurance

    • The Federal Government provides a comparison tool that lets you see the plans that could be available to you. Plans very based on where you live.

    • Enter your zip code, then select “Federal & U.S. Postal Service Employee” for “enrollee type”, and “biweekly” for “pay frequency” to see plans available to you.

    • Visit the Healthcare section of OPM’s website for more information.

  • Dental and vision insurance

  • Thrift savings plan (TSP)

  • Flexible spending plan

  • Pension plan (Federal Employee Retirement System or FERS)

  • Life insurance

  • Work-life programs

    • Confidential Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) to assist with life challenges that may affect your job, health, and well-being

  • Paid time off

  • Paid sick days

  • Paid federal holidays

    • 11 days per year

  • Paid parental leave

    • 12 weeks (for employees who qualify)

We need you.

Let’s help millions of people together.

Apply now