PA job fair connects ex-federal workers to state roles

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• Virtual job fair June 3 to connect former federal workers with PA jobs

• Over 100 state and local government job openings available

• New benefits and resources offered for public service careers in PA

The Shapiro Administration is hosting a virtual job fair June 3 to connect experienced former federal workers to critical public service vacancies in Pennsylvania. 

“The Shapiro Administration recognizes the valuable expertise of federal employees and is seizing the opportunity to hire these highly qualified individuals to help us address existing staffing needs in our state agencies,” Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver said in a statement. “By tapping into their experience, we can strengthen our state government, continue serving the public effectively, and offer meaningful careers where people can truly make a difference.” 

In support of Governor Josh Shapiro‘s executive order to recruit qualified and experienced for federal workers to fill critical public service vacancies, the Office of Administration (OA) is collaborating with Work for America, Inc.’s Civic Match to host a virtual job fair with state agencies and local governments across Pennsylvania. According to a release, Civic Match is a talent-matching program connecting experienced federal workers with jobs in state and local governments nationwide.  

Civic Match Live: Pennsylvania will be held Tuesday, June 3, from 1-2 p.m. 

“We’re proud to bring Civic Match Live to Pennsylvania to help mission-driven public servants find their next chapter in state and local government,” said Caitlin Lewis, executive director, Work for America. “At a time when thousands of federal workers are looking for what’s next, the Shapiro Administration has stepped up with urgency and partnership—proving that when government moves fast and works together, we can keep incredible talent in public service where it belongs.” 

Recruiters will be on hand to talk to job seekers about hundreds of job openings across state and local government, how to apply, career pathways, and employee benefits.  

Shapiro signed Executive Order 2025-01 on March 5 to capitalize on the increasing number of highly qualified and experienced former federal employees into the labor market by directing the OA to create a webpage for job seekers with federal government work experience, conduct a digital awareness campaign to promote commonwealth employment opportunities, and offer virtual and in-person recruitment events for individuals with federal government work experience.   

OA launched a site, “Careers for Federal Employees”, which highlights recruitment needs and lists federal jobs with qualifying experience, making it easier to apply to vacancies aligned to their skills and experience. The site also includes guidance on how to apply, resources for veterans, benefits of working for the commonwealth, and contact information for those seeking further assistance. 

OA is also conducting digital outreach through social media, online advertising, and strategic collaborations like Work for America to connect with this highly skilled talent. In addition, OA is planning additional recruitment events for federal employees this fall.   

 Along with offering rewarding work and opportunities for career growth, the commonwealth also provides a comprehensive benefits package that emphasizes physical and mental health, work-life balance, and personal well-being, including: 

• Affordable medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans through the Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund (PEBTF) to ensure employees and their families are covered from day one. The fund recently announced the elimination of all waiting periods for new hires and dependents to enroll in benefits without paying additional out-of-pocket costs. Benefits are reviewed regularly to ensure they keep pace with the private sector and meet the evolving needs of our workforce. 

• Paid leave that includes holidays, vacation, and sick leave to allow employees time to recuperate from illnesses, spend time with loved ones, and relax. Last year, the Shapiro Administration increased support for commonwealth employees and their families by increasing paid parental leave benefits from six to eight weeks. 

• Flexible retirement plans to help plan for the future, as well as a voluntary deferred compensation plan to boost retirement savings. 

• Wellness benefits, such as confidential counseling and financial and legal support at no cost through the State Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families. New work/life benefits were added last year to help balance the demands of work and family, and the Shapiro Administration increased the number of no cost counseling sessions for mental health, substance misuse, and family issues covered by SEAP. 

• Employee discounts and optional benefits such as insurance for home, auto, life, pet, chronic illness, and disability and tax-advantaged accounts to pay for health care and dependent care expenses. This summer, employees will be able to enroll in a new commuter benefit program to save money on mass transit, parking, and other qualified expenses.  

• Education assistance for employees and their dependents, including tuition discounts and scholarships at several colleges and universities, reduced interest rates on student loans, as well as student loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. 

• Additional support for military personnel and veterans, including up to 15 days of paid military leave annually, up to five years of unpaid leave for service, a monthly stipend while on unpaid leave for active duty, and options to maintain health insurance coverage and purchase service time toward retirement while on long-term leave. Veteran job seekers are also entitled to hiring preference when applying for jobs with the commonwealth. 

Since March, Pennsylvania state agencies have hired nearly 120 individuals with federal work experience.