The Scientist in the Federal Service
The federal government has become the nation's leading employer of scientists and engineers
John W. Macy Jr. 1
1 United States Civil Service Commission, Washington, D.C.
The plus factors of the federal personnel system for scientists may be summarized briefly as follows.
1) We have a modern, progressive personnel system which compares very favorably in most respects with that of a good private laboratory.
2) Although our pay scale may still be a little below that of private employment, great progress has been made in the past 3 years, and we are now catching up rather than falling further behind.
3) We do about as well as private employment with respect to benefits such as group life insurance, health insurance, and retirement, although some companies pay a larger share of the costs.
4) We have a generous and flexible leave system.
5) We are especially strong on promotion programs, incentive awards, and career development opportunities on the basis of merit and demonstrated competence.
