human resources specialist

information technology specialist

supply specialist

mechanic

petroleum supply specialist

U.S. Government

- Performs all administrative duties for Surgical Services Clinic
-- Checks in patients and ensures patients fill out appropriate paperwork for appointments.
-- Requests medical records for appointments, reviews all documentation to ensure accuracy of information, completeness, and consistency with medical facility requirements.
-- Tracks accountability of records pulled for appointments using Excel spreadsheets.
-- Follows Health Information Portability Administration Act (HIPPA) and Privacy Act policies and procedures when maintaining and processing completed forms.
-- Utilizes excellent customer service and public speaking skills answering questions such as those dealing with the availability of medical appointments and procedures for obtaining an appointment.
-- Effectively and appropriately utilizes the Composite Health Care System (CHCS) & AHLTA to perform duties including but not limited to check-in of patients, scheduling appointments, entering telephone consultations, ordering and checking out records, and updating patient demographics.
-- Reviews in house and off base referrals for the clinic determining whether to accept them or refer off base.
-- Data Entry for Providers surgeries from Midwest Regional Hospital into CHCS.
-- Performs a variety of administrative duties in support of the surgery clinic; answers a multi-line telephone and operates fax and copy machine.
-- Types 40 wpm- self certified.
-- Has provided back up secretarial coverage for the Medical Operations Squadron Commander (schedules appointments, maintains calendar, answers phones, etc…).
- Review all ROFR’s (Right of First Refusal) for clinic (accept/decline) and fax to RMC (Referral Management Center).
- Book patients follow up appointments when the nurse’s are done scheduling them for surgery or any follow up tests.
- Sort and file paperwork and surgery charts averaging 1”- 3”
- During providers surgery days I prepare patients charts for the next week, this includes:
patient demographics
medications list
questionnaire
referral
request any tests or labs that have been done.
Accept ROFR’s and fax to RMC. Accept or send off in house referrals.
-- In CHCS I look up patients ICD-9 codes and procedure codes to enter providers surgery patients in CHCS for our clinic’s RVU’s.
- Write providers surgeries in Surgery Log Book.
- Track the ROFR’s that we keep and print off the patients encounters with a typed letter to be sent to the patients off base PCM’s.
- Pick up patients records from OPR.
- Pick up and sign for results in the RMC.
- Pick up mail.
- Load and take care of Templates (schedules) for the clinic.
- Cancel and reschedule patients if needed.

Despite some early career challenges as initial hold ups on promotions due to hiring freezes and furloughs in the 2010s, federal government job security was excellent prior to 2025. 

Initially I was passed over for promotions and growth a couple of times, partly because my supervisor valued my contributions so highly they didn't want to let me transfer. However, after voluntarily downgrading to a different role and location, and once a hiring freeze was lifted, I was able to grow into a senior-level position and eventually into a non-supervisory lead role within my sub-organization.

In 2025, when in-person was required, the lack of parking subsidies was a struggle. However, schedule flexibilities were still the standard gold and management was flexible and adaptable that allowed me to avoid traffic to meet both my work hours and my after work responsibilities.  I was able to start work at 5:00 AM to be able to leave at 3:00 PM. I also benefited from a compressed schedule, earning a day off every two weeks without the need of using leave balances.

Thanks to that flexibility, I rarely needed to use Annual Leve (AL), although I had an accrual rate of max 8 hours per pay period (as soon as I reached my 15 year anniversary). I also accumulated the 4 Sick Leave (SL) accrued each pay period as never needed to use it. The agency allowed us to make leave donations to employees facing emergencies to avoid leave forfeiture that couldn't be carried over past 240 hours. Employees receive Individual or Group Performance Incentive Awards in form of Cash or Time Off. Word of caution: banked time off is NOT convertible to cash upon separation. I saw colleagues lose over 300  time off hours so it's important to plan accordingly. 

Like many, I received a Reduction in Force (RIF) notice, and it’s unclear how much of the workplace flexibilities will remain in the future. That said, my overall experience was positive, with a strong sense of structure, growth opportunity, and support.

My federal career started as an Office Machine Operator at Ft Harrison.  I subsequently took 10 years off to be available for my family.  My husband was hired as a federal employee to an overseas position  and I was  volunteered for the Red Cross for 2 years in a Case management position.  He subsequently transferred to Phoenix, AZ where I also found employment at two federal agencies - the first in a "term" status and the second as a reinstatement to my career status.  I continued continued my employment and subsequently transferred to Indianapolis and worked at Ft. Harrison until my transfer was secured with the Agency where my career status in a Clerk-typist position was secured.  I worked as a Clerk Typist, Technician, Investigator, Back to Technician and  I retired from that Agency in 1995. (I was an investigator for 15 years)
I performed receptionist duties, multiple training opportunities, served as Federal Women's Representative and participated with other federal agencies finding ways to promote mobility for women in government.  We were a cohesive unit at all the agencies I worked for as a government employee and a good work ethic was the norm at the agencies where I was employed.  I observed the work of Investigators I worked for, prepared and repaired the files and was subsequently awarded the u[ward mobility position where I received full training at the first stage as a Technician and was subsequently promoted to an Investigator position-the target position.  I worked in a high stress position as Investigator but was trained well and dealt with it.  As the culture of the Agency changed and procedures were constantly changing and new employees who I felt differently about federal employment and lacked the zeal to serve the public, I took a downgrade to Technician and worked in that status until an "early retirement".

I had many enjoyable moments when I had satisfied citizens as a result of my efforts on the job, the opportunity to work in collateral duties to further enhance the work environment with employees from other agencies and special occasion events after work and holiday events during the work day.

The hardest part of the job was meeting and exceeding the standards set for our agency!  Management had to be great to attain all that I achieved and because of the training by OPM and cooperation of Management and their belief that a well trained employee would be a good employee, I proved them right.

A typical day consists of doing precisely what you were hired to do.  I also learned about the inner workings of the Government.

In most cases, the management is incompetent: you may find a wonderful supervisor or agency directory, only to find out that the middle management is somehow trying to destroy your agency from the inside out.  Everyone everywhere complains about Performance-Based Management, which by itself is a great tool.  However, just like any tool, it can be used inappropriately.

My co-workers are for the most part great people.  Occasionally you meet a group of very cynical folks, and usually they have been with the Government for a long time and are totally disenchanted with the idea that the Government can help.

One of the hardest parts of the job is that there are personnel whose sole job is to audit reimbursement requests (for things like travel, protective equipment purchases, vehicle mileage, etc. - things that you need to do for your job).  I understand that these people have their positions because there have been folks that absolutely abused their Government charge cards.  However, I have lost count of the number of times that these auditors have required that I provide a receipt for a toll, even if the toll was 2 dollars, or they would not sign off on my travel reimbursement.  And in the process would force my to redo my travel paperwork (wasting precious taxpayer dollars in the process), and end up costing the Government 1500 dollars.  Some agencies ignore the travel regulations imposed on the Departments: meaning that they are violating the requirements imposed on the employees.  Complaints of this behavior go un-noticed by external auditors, and senior leaders.  Wasteful practices are deemed okay; even if the practice spends 700 times the potential return is.  (Example: I pay a toll for 4 dollars, yet do not receive a receipt because the toll booth doesn't provide one.  The travel regulations say that I don't need to ask for one if the dollar amount is less than 75 dollars.  Yet in order to get reimbursed for travel, I have to magically come up with a toll paper receipt from a system that doesn't provide one.  In the end, the Government wastefully spends money to account for a receipt that never existed in the first place.) 

My most enjoyable part of the job is knowing that what I do directly and positively affects what happens to our military personnel and how effectively they are able to accomplish their mission.

The Army life is anything but typical.  Everyday there is a new mission to carry out and a timeline in which it must be completed.  Due to the security and sensitive information in regards to my role in the U.S. Army I cannot describe a typical day and the duties in great detail.  I can however describe with some detail how a day in the life of a soldier is.  Waking up at 0500 everyday to conduct personal physical fitness and lead other soldiers in a combined organized physical fitness session that lasts anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes.  Weekly runs are also incorporated into these physical fitness sessions, usually 3-4 mile runs.  After completing morning physical fitness training troops are required to show for a mass formation and accountability at a set time put out by their leadership.  Soldiers complete tasks given to them as a team or individually if required.  Little to no supervision is needed, as soldiers are expected to be proficient in their field of work. Co-workers are your family.  You maintain a close working relationship with the people work with in the Army.  Being able to count on one and other in difficult times or dangerous situations is elemental.  The Army offers many difficult experiences to deal with on any one particular day.  Being separated form family members for long periods of time, harsh living conditions, the general threat of loss of life or limb, and many other real world complications that may come up.  Being a soldier one must learn how to deal with their emotions and use logic to maintain their focus.  Learning how to be a team player and part of an objective is paramount.  As a soldier I have enjoyed my time in service and continue to enjoy serving along side of my brothers and sisters in uniform.  The close ties that have been developed over the years are very enjoyable, as well as the knowledge that one has served their country.

I gained a whole new respect for the military and their dependents while working for the US Government. This job gave me a satisfaction that I hadn't known working any other job. 
While working in Transportation, I worked alongside a group of very different individuals with different backgrounds from all over the country. Everyone had some sort of military affiliation, I did not. I did, however, notice that the work ethic was not as 'vigorous' as my prior civilian jobs. 
My co-workers were great for the most part. Most of them were older than me and had been employed there for years and some didn't take to my fresh, new ideas right off the bat. I had a few ideas on how to work out a more efficient process than what was already being employed. I like the team-building aspect of the job. We always had to work as a team to get an entire mission done. Because each person was responsible for their part of the process, it was vital that we all communicate effectively and share information as soon as we got it. No one person took credit for a job well done, we all did well. 
Once a week, we met up with our supervisor to discuss any changes with a deployed unit involving anything from flight delays to a incorrect funding on a  Soldier's orders. 
What I learned the most was that not all co-workers are angels to work with but the job still needs to get done. I had to find ways to remain respectful and cordial while dealing with a personal issue with a co-worker. No matter how 'right' or how 'wrong' you feel you are, it still takes two. When situations got sticky, I learned how to take a step back, put myself in their shoes and move forward without further agitation. 
A typical day at work meant me picking up from where I left off the previous day or tackling the high priority task. My job involved deciding which task was more important and importance was based off of several factors. Decision making and critical thinking was the most demanding thing about my job.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The most rewarding experience was working for our nation's heroes.  It was a great feeling knowing the work  that I  was trained to do would vindicate Veterans in getting much deserved benefits.  They served our country, it's the least I could do in return. But, to do a job and to do it well was time well spent. I aso loved the talking interactions with Veterans. I didn't get to do that as often as working on their files.  However,  when I did, Veterans would thank me profusely for giving them the right information to help them along in solving their case.  I did not actively serve (accept ROTC) but, Veterans did.  I enjoyed doing my job, which made me feel good each time I worked a case. The Veterans Administration trained me with specialized skills that enabled me to hone in with special skills to help each Veteran. I  am forever grateful for the workplace skills.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Production.  Sometimes an office machine would break down.  Answering to higher-ups about time spent when the printer would not work.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The analogy of working ants. each person carried their own load, however if a case caught an unsolved problem,  an older skilled person would have the knowledge to work it out.  This process enabled a smoother running process fir the production of our work 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
A typical day would be to gather a set about of case (start off with ten files).  Determine the needs for each case. One case may need information only found in microfiber. Another case may need dates for whether a Veteran actually stepped foot in-ciuntey i.e., like Viet-Nam. Another case may need time served in the Coast Guards.  Each case deserved my best case skill to honor that Veteran. In all, the whole day would work thirty cases.

A typical work day includes high level supervisory of personnel working on major federal and international events. Managing high profile federal programs with successful results. Excellent rapport with multi-level co-workers and program managers resulting in interactions that produce superior performance and exemplary national products.

I learned that everyday is an excellent opportunity to learn new methods of improving a current program by doing lessons learned analysis at the end of each high-level event, federal program performed to enhance our knowledge base or a skill. This provides openness to new ideas and opportunities for a more stellar future programs and events.

Management is comprised of responsibility, collegial respect, flexibility, communication and listening skills, providing opportunities for co-workers to participate in cross-training for multi-function capabilities.  At the end of the day, as manager, the buck stops with me and it's my responsibility to make sure the required product is provided on time and with-in budget.

The hardest part of the job is personal time management.  I will spend the time needed to ensure co-worker all documents and evaluations relating are by the deadline; federal program documents are prepared accurately and submitted on time.

The most enjoyable part of the job is commitment to team-building and working together with co-workers to go the distance required to produce a superior program or event that we and our highest level supervisors are proud to own.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Opportunities.  There were many in the administrative office that I work for 23 yrs.  I came in as a clerk and left as a Budget Analyst.  You have to be willing to take on duties and responsibilities that enable you to grow professional.  Take classes when necessary.  

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The most stressful is approaching the end of year processes for your budget.  Making sure that all aspects of the job are completed and you have to work with and depend on others to do their part.  There are many duties and steps that have to be carried out.  You work through the entire year preparing for end of year.  

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
It was diverse, can say for what it is like now.  There is a lot going on now that was not so during my years there.  Public service is a fulling work and I would not trade that, the benefits are great.  

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
I pretty much worked independently, but also worked as a part of a team.  I worked closely with my office mate and supervisor as well as other within my group.  Most days I worked on Budget and reporting, monthly I created or updated my Status of Funds.  Oversaw purchasing approvals, establish agreements, monitor Time and Attendance, travel, and other activities  for accounting errors, etc.

A typical day starts very early on or about 5:30am and ending on or about 6pm. Sometime depending on our commanders intent, hours will be extended to achieve task at hand & requirements. 
   
     What I have learned in the Army is when you start a job, you do it proficiently till it is completed, there is no half jobs allowed.

     Our command structure is very strict but very flexible to an understanding with advance notice of a particular problem, all problems must be addressed accordingly to achieve best results & completion of any job or task.
 
    The work place culture was always great when you know the fellow soldier is very well skilled and proficient in his work yet the hardest part is when there aren't enough soldiers due to the amount of jobs needed to be completed and are spread thin to meet dead line. It's a norm but always find a way because of great leadership whom take the job into their own hands and guide soldiers effectively.

    The most enjoyable part is knowing you are well taken cared for and most of all, all soldiers are great brothers & sisters whom rely on one another to get anything done at all cost. TEAM work, never alone and nothing less.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Human resources specialist 15 salaries reported	$55,811 per year
Information technology specialist 14 salaries reported	$60,181 per year
Supply specialist 7 salaries reported	$52,990 per year
Mechanic 11 salaries reported	$55,191 per year
Petroleum supply specialist 4 salaries reported	$52,158 per year

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