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The government is a complex system that needs many people in order to run properly. This is why it’s often hiring people. But are there any jobs for older workers?
Here are some of the best government jobs for people over 50:
- Linguist
- Mail Carrier
- Elementary School Teacher
- Social Services Assistant
- Records Clerk
- Database Administrator
- Property/Land Surveyor
- Paralegal
- Mediator at Court
- Veterans Affairs Administration
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Jobs
- Librarian
- Public Groundskeeping
- Museum Curator
The jobs from this list are creative, rewarding, and safe, great for an older individual. If you want to learn more about these jobs, what it takes to get them, how to get a government job, and why you should want one, read on.
1. Linguist
This job would involve interpreting documents in a foreign language or to foreign citizens, sitting at meetings and translating for someone, etc. In general, it means using your language skills to help people understand each other better.
You may also be required to transcribe audio recordings, analyzing different documents, etc. To get this job, you’ll need to have complete fluency, especially with technical words related to the institution you’ll be working for. You would probably need a Bachelor’s Degree as well as some certification that you can speak that language.
2. Mail Carrier
If you love communicating with people and you don’t mind walking or driving all day, you could become a mail carrier. The main job is likely familiar to you — you would carry mail to people, create routes, possibly pick up mail, get important signatures, etc.
This can be a rewarding job with decent pay. You would need a high school diploma, pass the postal exam, have a driver’s license, and no criminal record. Substance abuse is also not allowed, and there are tests. But if you pass all of this, you could become a mail carrier with your local post office.
3. Elementary School Teacher
Many people over 50 consider teaching as their new career. It’s generally a government job, and it’s required that you have at least a bachelor’s degree as well as certifications related to teaching. Any additional courses and classes can help you get a job even sooner. If you want to be a substitute teacher, you may not need a certification.
Teaching is a famously rewarding job that would require that you teach a class following the curriculum, offer a positive attitude, meet with parents and staff, provide exams, etc. This job is especially good if you already love working with children.
4. Social Services Assistant
Social work requires more when it comes to degrees, but to be an assistant, you may only need a high school diploma and certain certifications depending on your state. And social work is all about working with families and supporting them.
As a social services assistant, you would call families and update them on things related to them, support social workers in the work, review plans for care, recommend different services, manage information, help families, deal with paperwork, and so on. There are even more activities that you would do, so expect that you’ll be busy and active throughout the day.
5. Records Clerk
People looking for a simple job with some responsibilities and not a lot of moving around should consider becoming a records clerk. Your responsibilities would be to enter data into relevant systems, fill out forms, process forms, deal with all sorts of information as well as share it.
To get this job, you would need a high school diploma, as well as some experience in similar positions. You should also be knowledgeable about certain systems that are used for this data. This is a nice, peaceful job that will bring you a decent income and security.
6. Database Administrator
Database administrator jobs are similar to the records clerk jobs in many ways, but there are some differences. To be a database administrator, you would need to learn a lot more about the systems that are used at your workplace. Preferably, you would have a bachelor’s degree, but some positions allow relevant certificates as well.
Your job would be to analyze, organize, store, use, and present data to relevant parties. It’s just as stationary as the job of a records clerk, so if you have some health conditions that prevent you from being more active, this could be a great job for you.However, getting this type of job would most likely require previous experience in the field. Make sure to inform yourself diligently on the path to getting this type of position.
7. Property/Land Surveyor
In this case, you would work for the local community and government offices in your area. Your job would be to make sure that the requirements are met when it comes to buildings, land, or any other properties. You might have to make maps and check data to ensure that everything works well.
This is a complex job, as you’ll have to conduct these surveys, analyze them, and make sure that all of the buildings and properties that you deal with are in agreement with regulations. Most of the time, a bachelor’s degree will be required, but it also may not be, and all you’ll need is some relevant experience.
8. Paralegal
If you have always been interested in law, but never got the chance to be in the legal field, this is a good opportunity for you. You won’t need any formal education, but rather paralegal training and some certification which you can obtain through courses.
Your job will be to maintain contact with clients, interview them, update them, find witnesses, and communicate with them, do research, investigate, draft documents, etc. It’s an exciting job that combines the best of being a detective and a lawyer, with decent pay and general security in life.
9. Mediator at Court
A mediator’s job is to help two parties in dispute find a solution that would satisfy both of them without going through the trial, paying for the expensive taxes, and so on. For this job, you would need an undergraduate degree and to gain some experience first.
However, this job is very rewarding — you would be helping people and solving their problems. If you have always been good at both of these things, as well as understanding human nature and being observant, this job is great for you.
10. Veterans Affairs Representative
This is an excellent job for older people because of its rewarding, peaceful nature. You would advise veterans on their options when it comes to benefits that they can receive, investigate their eligibility, and so on. And you will also work with the records a lot and manage their payments.
You would need to be communicative, friendly, and understand some legal jargon. Computer skills are also necessary. To do this job, you need a bachelor’s degree and a GPA of at least 3.0. Experience may also be wanted.
If this doesn’t seem achievable to you, you can ask for an administration job since the requirements tend to be lower.
11. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Jobs
The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service offers some great jobs for the outgoing, nature-oriented people. For example, you could work at the gate of a campground or a national park and greet the visitors, collect their payment, make sure that everything is done according to regulations, etc.
You might need to have your own place to live in, and you might also need to work here only in season. But there are many other jobs that you can take with varying requirements when it comes to degrees and experience.
12. Librarian
People who love books can find excellent government jobs at local libraries. You can get this job by either getting a bachelor’s degree or training at a library. Your job would be to organize books, share them with the visitors, issue memberships, maintain an organized workspace, collect books as well as other media, etc.
This industry is experiencing growth, no matter how slow, and you’ll likely enjoy spending time in a peaceful environment, surrounded by books. It’s also desirable that you are good with people and that you like helping.
13. Public Groundskeeping or Landscaping
The government is often on the lookout for people to maintain the public spaces as well as areas surrounding their buildings. This could be a good job for you if you love gardening and spending time outdoors, but also if you have some experience with landscaping.
The pay is decent, and you might enjoy spending time outside. You might also get some training on the job.
14. Museum Curator
If you always loved art and history, you’ll enjoy working at a museum. However, the requirements tend to be high — you need a master’s degree in art history, history, or museum studies. When you do get this job, your responsibilities would be to collect, organize, and manage different art and historical collections, help visitors, share relevant stories, as well as perform some administrative work.
If you want to work at a museum but you don’t have a degree, you can check the other jobs that they might have.
Reasons To Work For The Government
Doing a government job is an excellent choice, especially as you age. If you want to know what makes government jobs so special, take a look at this list of benefits.
1. The Pay
An average salary for government workers is around $79.000, while the minimum hourly rate has been increased to $10.10. If this seems to be too small for you, consider that government jobs have a system in which you get a raise once every three years, at the very least.
Because of all of this, government jobs pay more than others, while offering more benefits to its employees.
2. Benefits
As mentioned, government jobs offer decent pay with various benefits that some other employers don’t really offer. For example, you’ll get both dental and health insurance, retirement plans, and many other benefits.
Sometimes benefits are more important than the pay just for their sheer value, so you might consider a government job because of that. You might even be able to get inexpensive life insurance, so this is another benefit.
3. Helping Others
Working for the government usually means working for the people. So, whatever your job may be, it will most likely be for the purpose of making other people’s life easier. And with every job, it’s important to know that what you are doing is valuable — this means that the job is rewarding for you.
This makes it easier for you to wake up every morning and do your best. If you have a good attitude, you will keep your job for much longer, and you’ll be able to have fun while working.
4. Availability
The government is much more stable than a privately-owned business, so the jobs are a bit more stable, and they are always available. As one sector slowly shuts down, another one will open, and you’ll have an opportunity again.
A government is something permanent, and you’ll always be able to find employment there.
5. Security
As mentioned, the government won’t cease to exist, and your job — if you’re doing it well — will be safe. At the very least, it will be a lot safer than most other non-government jobs. At the same time, it offers permanent jobs that will give you a decent income. Many agencies offer programs that will last for a very long time.
Security is an important part of every job — you don’t want to wake up every morning worrying whether you are still employed or not. So, you’ll enjoy that additional security and be more motivated to do your job well because of that.
Tips For Getting a Government Job
Competition for government jobs is hard, so you might need some useful tips related to that. For one, apply immediately when you find a job that you like and that you have suitable skills for. If you don’t meet all of the necessary requirements, you better not waste your time applying because you won’t get considered.
You should also check the “Who May Apply” section to check if anything there disqualifies you. The government favors experience over degrees in general, so if you have it, you’ll have a bigger chance of getting a job. If not, you should try to volunteer or assist someone while they work to gain some experience.
You apply for government jobs through the USAJOBS website.
Once you find a job that you like, you should read the “how to apply” part because most jobs will have specific elements. For example, some of the jobs will require a resume and a cover letter, while some won’t, some will require you to add more documents, complete a questionnaire, etc. so it’s always best to check. Take your time and do this carefully. The more precise and accurate the information you give, the better the chances of getting hired will be.
After you do this, you should check if your application was actually sent and received by the department you are applying for. This will tell you whether you did a good job with your application. Give it an hour or two before the status changes to “received.”
In most cases, you won’t need to add any references, since these are generally not reviewed. Later on, after your resume is reviewed, you’ll be placed in one of three categories — from qualified to best qualified. If you haven’t been accepted after the review, you’ll be marked “not referred.”
After this process, there will be a bit more reviewing, background checking, etc., after which you’ll get an interview. The interview will be done through video, in-person, or via phone. All candidates are asked the same questions and in the same order.
If you are the best candidate, an offer will be made, and you’ll start working.
If your job search continues, you should sign up to receive emails from USAJOBS, and you’ll find out immediately when a new job in your preferred category comes up. Remember to track your status of applications so you don’t have to hope for a job that you didn’t get and so that you can prepare if you were put into the best category.
Before you apply for a job, check which agency you are applying for or which department. All of these agencies are different, and you should learn more about them before you apply.
Conclusion
Government jobs are an excellent option for people over 50 because they are safe, offer good benefits, and high satisfaction. Pick one that suits your skills and interests. In general, you want to have a clean background, degrees, or certifications related to the field, and at least some relevant experience.
So, if you’re going for a government job, you should take the time while you search and wait to learn some skills. You should also be patient since the interview process can be lengthy. In any case, good luck with getting that government job you want!
Sources
- Study: Become a Linguist: Step-by-Step Career Guide
- Balance Careers: What Does a Mail Carrier Do?
- Resilient Educator: How to Become an Elementary School Teacher – Salary, Job Description, and Educational Requirements
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Social and Human Service Assistants
- America’s Job Exchange: Information & Record Clerk
- Balance Careers: What Does a Database Administrator Do?
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Surveyors
- Lawyer Edu: Paralegal Career
- Legal Studies MS: How to Become a Mediator Without a Law Degree
- Veterans Affairs: Accredited Representatives
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: How Can I Get a Job Working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
- American Library Association: What Librarians Need to Know
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Landscape Architects
- Study: Become a Museum Curator: Step-by-Step Career Guide
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: May 2019 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates
- United States
- USAJOBS: Benefits
- USAJOBS: The Federal Government Official Employment Site
