As technology rapidly evolves, with advancements in artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure reshaping industries and societies, the government’s role in harnessing these developments responsibly has become increasingly crucial. Recognizing this, the recent AI Executive Order (EO) and Priority 1 of the President’s Management Agenda (PMA) define a clear direction towards integrating top-tier tech expertise into federal agencies.
Recognizing technology’s growing importance across agencies, the Federal Government is actively recruiting talent in AI, cybersecurity, and other tech fields. This focus on tech expertise aims to strengthen national security, economic prosperity, and service delivery, ultimately building a more future-proof and responsive public sector. As AI capabilities rapidly advance, the United States must lead in its development and deployment to ensure safety and security across society.
The Biden-Harris Administration seeks dedicated individuals to join the Federal Government and:
- Engage in AI research and development to ensure that the next generation of AI models in the United States are more safe, secure, and trustworthy.
- Help the government use AI thoughtfully and safely to tackle global challenges and better serve the American people.
- Develop AI policies and practices promoting development and use of AI that protects the public’s rights and safety.
Advancing AI Tech Recruitment Efforts
Agencies across the board are demonstrating a strong commitment to attracting and hiring tech talent and implementing the goals in the AI Executive Order.
Several initiatives are already underway to support this mission:
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched the AI Corps, DHS’s first-ever hiring sprint to recruit 50 Artificial Intelligence (AI) professionals in 2024. The new DHS “AI Corps” is modeled after the U.S. Digital Service, and builds teams to deploy this new technology across strategic areas of the homeland security enterprise. Focus areas include efforts to counter fentanyl, combat child sexual exploitation and abuse, deliver immigration services, secure travel, fortify critical infrastructure, and enhance cybersecurity.
- Government-wide technology talent programs like the Presidential Innovation Fellows, U.S. Digital Corps, U.S. Digital Service, and the Department of Agriculture Digital Service have ramped up their efforts to recruit AI and tech talent in 2024 as the Administration has prioritized action on AI, including President Biden’s Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence.
- The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Tech to Gov Coalition will host an AI and AI Enabling focused virtual forum and job fair on Thursday, April 18 to attract top talent and facilitate job placements in the field.
Follow ai.gov/apply to learn about all of the AI related programs and job opportunities.
On April 4, Performance.gov will host a webinar on hiring for AI and tech talent across government with speakers from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Department of Veterans Affairs, and OPM. The conversation will dive into the types of tech and AI jobs available and the skills and experience required to join the tech talent surge to support AI and AI-enabling work. Register today.
Making It Easier to Hire for Tech Talent
The AI & Tech Talent Task Force is advising agencies on hiring for AI and AI-enabling talent. OPM has also extended government-wide Direct Hiring Authorities so that agencies can more easily hire for STEM roles and other AI enabling positions.
These efforts are just one step in fostering a culture of technological innovation and excellence within government agencies, and it is crucial to sustain and expand this initiative. Building on this foundation, other initiatives are also underway:
- One Application — Many Jobs: To streamline the hiring process, agencies are using pooled hiring actions to recruit data scientists, cybersecurity professionals, CX specialists, and other critical experts. Pooled hiring actions give jobseekers the ability to apply once and be considered for several positions across multiple federal agencies.
- Focus on Building Talent Pipelines: OPM, OMB, and agencies government-wide are collaborating to improve the intern experience by expanding the pool of available talent, building tools to increase opportunities for hiring managers to convert eligible interns into career civil servants, and expanding federal public service apprenticeships. Explore and apply for a federal internship today.
We call on AI and AI-enabling professionals to join us in advancing research and ensuring the next generation of AI models are safe, secure, and trustworthy.
Stay Informed
Follow along with Performance.gov on LinkedIn and Twitter (X) as we highlight different agencies and their goals. We will continue to update Performance.gov quarterly with progress on agency and PMA priorities and strategies. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates in your inbox.
