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Hiring Information for Veterans and People with Disabilities

From developing the world’s first atomic clock to creating cutting-edge communication devices, innovation happens at NIST. If you’re a veteran, military family member, or a person with a disability, apply to join our team and be a part of the future of scientific research. 

What We Offer

Federal Hiring Process for Veterans and People with Disabilities 

man adjusting a white colored optical microscope
Jeremiah Woodcock, Army veteran, operates a microscope in one of NIST’s Laboratories. 
Credit: M. Esser/NIST

Most of NIST’s federal employees are considered part of the Competitive Service. This means they were hired through a competitive process to a specific job announcement that was open to all applicants. If you’re an eligible veteran, you can receive preference in this process.

People with and disabilities and veterans can apply to a noncompetitive process, though it will not guarantee you a job.  

Veterans

NIST values the sacrifices veterans have made while serving our country, and veterans’ background and skills are critical to our mission. As a veteran, you can take advantage of veterans’ preference in the federal hiring process. Learn more about the types of preferences and how to apply. 

Federal Hiring Opportunities for Veterans

Veterans' Resources 

People with Disabilities 

People with disabilities contribute to NIST’s mission in our scientific and administrative roles. We have the flexibility to hire people with disabilities through a noncompetitive process called Schedule A. 

Apply to NIST Through Schedule A 

If you qualify for Schedule A, you have two options to apply for roles at NIST: 

  • Contact selectiveplacement [at] nist.gov (selectiveplacement[at]nist[dot]gov) for instructions on how to submit your resume and Schedule A eligibility documents to NIST for consideration for future openings. 
  • Apply though NIST’s openings on USAJobs. Include your Schedule A letter and any other required documentation for the role. 

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or questionnaire process, notify the point of contact identified in the job announcement.  

Reasonable Accommodations

We provide reasonable accommodations to all applicants and employees with disabilities who are approved for them. A reasonable accommodation enables a qualified people with a disability to have an equal opportunity to a job, the work environment or the way things usually are done.

Some examples of the accommodations include:

  • TTYs for telephones
  • Hardware and software that make computers accessible if you have vision impairments or difficulty using your hands
  • Sign language interpreters, readers and personal care attendants
  • Training and other written materials in an alternative format (such as Braille, audio tape, computer disk)
  • Physical changes, such as installing a ramp or modifying a workspace

Resources for People with Disabilities 

Created June 26, 2009, Updated June 5, 2024