New Federal Hiring Track Announced: Understanding Schedule G and What Comes Next

Schedule G: New Federal Hiring Track Explained for Job Seekers 

If you’re a federal professional looking to advance your career, or a job seeker aiming for a policymaking role, it’s important to understand how new federal hiring tracks like Schedule G work. 

Understanding Schedule G and What Comes Next 

On July 17, 2025, the President signed a Memorandum creating Schedule G in the Excepted Service (amending Civil Service Rule VI, 5 CFR 6.2 and 6.4). Schedule G provides a dedicated track for noncareer policymaking and policy-advocating positions, and makes clear that these appointees resign or are removed at the end of the appointing President’s term, in the same manner as Schedule C roles.

While Schedule G and Schedule C are both excepted service, noncareer, and politically aligned, Schedule G is its own classification with unique hiring and removal criteria that OPM is still finalizing.

Schedule G positions are designed for individuals who want to help shape, drive, or implement presidential policy. These roles offer direct exposure to major initiatives, often involving senior agency leadership, Cabinet officials, and interagency collaboration.

I’ll admit the language is dense. It’s rooted in Civil Service rules that even seasoned professionals may need to unpack. 

What is Schedule G?

Schedule G is a new federal hiring track designed for individuals appointed to help advance the President’s policy agenda. These positions are noncareer, term-limited, and expected to change with each administration. They are not part of the traditional, competitive civil service. 

What does “Civil Service Rules and Regulations shall not apply to removals” mean?

It means Schedule G appointees do not have the same job protections as career federal employees. You can be removed at any time without going through the usual appeals process, progressive discipline, or Merit Systems Protection Board review. This is standard for political roles, but Schedule G makes that removal authority more explicit and uniform across agencies. 

What’s next?

OPM is now tasked with developing the implementation rules for Schedule G, likely within the next 60 days. These rules will determine how these roles are posted, managed, and transitioned across government. 

Understanding the Opportunity

Schedule G establishes a distinct category specifically for noncareer policymaking roles tied to presidential transitions, setting it apart from existing classifications like Schedule C and Policy/Career.

It brings more clarity, consistency, and speed to hiring and removal processes.

Vacancy announcements will soon specify “Schedule G,” along with the term length and removal authority, so professionals can plan career moves months in advance instead of scrambling when administrations change. 

Why Professionals Might Accept a Schedule G Role

1. Influence at the Highest Levels.

Schedule G positions are designed for people who want to help shape, drive, or implement presidential policy. These roles offer direct exposure to major initiatives, often with access to senior agency leadership, Cabinet officials, and interagency collaboration. 

Impact > permanence.

2. Career Acceleration and Visibility.

Serving in a noncareer, high-level role, even short term can catapult someone’s career. Alumni of political appointments often move into:

– Senior roles in the private sector or think tanks
– Political transition teams
– Senior career service or SES roles later
– Advisory boards or media roles

Think of it as the ultimate federal policy practicum.

3. Strategic Stepping Stone.

Some federal professionals use roles like these to build out their credibility and experience before returning to career service. For others, it’s a bridge from academia, advocacy, or industry into government without long-term commitment.

4. Alignment with the Administration’s Vision.

Schedule G roles are meant for individuals who believe strongly in the policy direction of the current President. If you’re passionate about a particular agenda, this role gives you the platform to act on it.

5. Resume Power & Networking.

Having “Policy Advisor” or “Deputy Assistant Secretary” on your résumé signals senior-level experience. These roles can expand your network and elevate your status among stakeholders, advocacy groups, and national coalitions.

But It’s Not for Everyone

Accepting a Schedule G appointment comes with trade-offs:

– Zero job security: You could be removed at any time.
– High expectations: Results must be fast, visible, and aligned.
– Limited tenure: You must plan your next move before the administration changes.

But for the right person who is strategic, politically aligned, and impact-driven could be a high-reward opportunity.

What can you do now?

1. Deepen your subject-matter expertise. Publish short analyses or lead internal briefings on emerging policy topics.

2. Talk with your manager about policy details if you are a current federal employee. Propose a 3- to 6-month detail in your agency’s policy or legislative affairs office. Volunteer to co-author memos, policy guidance, or draft regulatory language.

3. Build a strong, relevant network. Join groups such as the American Society for Public Administration or your agency’s internal policy forums. Participate in policy-focused LinkedIn, Facebook, or Slack groups. Volunteer with nonprofits or think tanks working on aligned initiatives.

4. Keep your career toolkit, including your resume updated and ready to apply on short notice. (Magnetic Résumé resource: https://cccareersolutions.com/what-is-a-magnetic-resume-and-why-you-need-one-to-get-hired-faster/). This is our specialty and we can help you prepare with confidence!

5. Explore short-term programs and postings. Monitor OPM and USAJOBS for Schedule G and Schedule C opportunities, as well as agency-sponsored transition fellowships. Set alerts so you’re ready when the right role posts.

6. Demonstrate aligned credibility. Highlight measurable outcomes that reflect your leadership and alignment with current priorities. For example: 
 

“Directed multi-agency stakeholder engagement strategy to support rollout of new federal regulation, achieving 95% compliance within the first quarter and improving access for more than 1.2 million veterans and beneficiaries.” 

Whether you’re seeking your next role or considering a pivot into policy work, this is the time to prepare. The exact timing of new postings is uncertain, but your readiness will give you the edge.

DM me for expert help navigating your federal career and preparing for opportunities. 

Read the full White House memo here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/creating-schedule-g-in-the-excepted-service/