The Department of Commerce employs over 500 executives and senior professionals to lead an agency that touches the lives of Americans every day - by encouraging economic growth that benefits all American industries, workers and consumers; enhancing America’s technological leadership and environmental stewardship; and advocating for market growth strategies.

With 13 bureaus supporting such a diverse mission, Commerce is seeking individuals with a broad range of backgrounds and skills to take on challenging assignments in the Senior Executive Service (SES), Senior Level Positions (SL), and Scientific and Professional Positions (ST).

What's the difference between SES, ST, and SL positions?

• Senior Executive Service: In an agency covered by the Senior Executive Service (SES), SES positions include positions classified above GS-15 that include duties involving one or more of the functional criteria (executive or managerial) identified in law.
• Senior-Level Positions: Senior Level (SL) positions involve non-executive duties and responsibilities properly classified above the GS-15, which may include research and development functions.
• Scientific and Professional Positions: Scientific and professional (ST) positions include positions classified above GS-15 that are not SES positions (i.e., do not involve executive and management responsibilities) and are engaged in research and development in the physical, biological, medical, or engineering sciences, or a closely related field.

Applying for a job in the Senior Executive Service

There are two ways you can apply for a Senior Executive Service position:

1. Apply directly to a federal agency for a specific SES position.
2. Apply for an SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP).

An SESCDP identifies and prepares aspiring senior executive leaders. If you graduate from this program and your ECQs are certified by an OPM-administered Qualifications Review Board (QRB), then you're eligible for (but not guaranteed) a career appointment to an SES position without further competition.

Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)

The ECQs help determine if you have the broad executive skills needed to succeed in various SES positions. The ECQs are required for entry to the SES and are used by many departments and agencies in selection, performance management, and leadership development for executive positions. The five ECQs are:

1. Leading change
2. Leading people
3. Results driven
4. Business acumen
5. Building coalitions

Learn more about ECQs

OPM Qualifications Review Board Certification for SES

The Qualifications Review Board (QRB) reviews and certifies the executive qualifications of each person applying to a senior executive position. You must pass the QRB assessment to be considered for a senior executive job.

Applying for Senior-Level (SL) & Scientific and Professional (ST) Positions Competitively

There is only one way you can apply for a Senior-Level or Scientific and Professional position:

1. Apply directly to a federal agency for a specific SL or ST position.

Professional / Technical Qualifications (PTQs)

As a requirement for SL positions, applicants will be assessed against Professional / Technical Qualifications (PTQs). PTQs are a specific subset of technical qualifications (TQs) that are non-negotiable for a particular position. Unlike TQs, which may vary from one job announcement to another, PTQs are consistently required for a specific role, and all applicants must meet these qualifications to be considered.

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? 

Apply for SES, ST, or SL positions with the Department of Commerce today!