Law and Public Service

Careers in law and public service include lawyers, civil servants, law enforcement workers, people working in government, and careers in the armed forces. Jobs in civil service and law are diverse in their daily responsibilities, but all careers in the civil service sector shares a common goal: protecting and serving one

Job Descriptions and Careers, Career and Job Opportunities, Career Search, and Career Choices and Profiles

Airport Security Personnel Job Description, Career as a Airport Security Personnel, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High School diploma Salary Median: ? $48,363.38 annually Employment Outlook: ? Good Airport security measures have become extremely meticulous after the 9-11 tragedy, creating many layers of protection against potential criminals. Airport security jobs now cover a wide area of responsibilities, providing aspirants with a large number of choices for a career in this field. A…

3 minute read

Armed Services Career Job Description, Career in the Armed Services, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Varies—see profile Salary Varies—see profile Employment Outlook Good The armed services—the U.S. Army, the Air Force, the Marine Corps, the Navy, and the Coast Guard—offer jobs in the United States and abroad that are comparable to hundreds of civilian positions. The jobs range from postal clerk and helicopter repairer to court reporter and dental…

5 minute read

Audiovisual Materials

The following titles include, where possible, the developer's name and location or else the name and location of a distributor. Audiovisual titles may be available through several distributors. Career Advantage: Strategies for Success series. Video, guide. Princeton, NJ: Films Media Group. Career Clusters series. Video. Charleston, WV: Cambridge Educational. Career Exploration series. Video…

3 minute read

Bail Bondsman Job Description, Career as a Bail Bondsman, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training:? Professional certificate Salary: Median? $20,000 annually Employment Outlook:? Fair A bail bondsman, also known as a bail bond agent or a bail bondsperson, is essentially an organization or a person who arranges the bail for a criminal defendant in court. The bail is arranged by pledging either cash or assets, and acting as a surety for the criminal suspect. This professio…

4 minute read

Bailiff Job Description, Career as a Bailiff, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: ? High School diploma Salary: Median ? $34,210 annually Employment Outlook: ? Excellent A legal officer with a certain degree of authority and jurisdiction is known as Bailiff. The person declaring the entry of the judge in the court room can also be designated as a bailiff. Bailiffs perform the vital duty of swearing in witnesses. They also ensure that the court has adequa…

3 minute read

Books

American Salaries and Wages Survey, 8th ed., Helen S. Fisher. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2005. America's Fastest Growing Jobs: Detailed Information on the 140 Fastest Growing Jobs in Our Economy, 8th ed., Michael Farr. Indianapolis, IN: JIST Publishing, 2004. America's Top 101 Jobs for College Graduates, 6th ed., Michael Farr. Indianapolis, IN: JIST Publishing, 2005. America…

15 minute read

Border Patrol Agent Job Description, Career as a Border Patrol Agent, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training College and training Salary Average—$55,000 per year Employment Outlook Good Border patrol agents, who are federal law enforcement officers, make sure that laws are observed when goods or people enter the United States. They work at ports of entry and all along the border to prevent smuggling and the entrance of illegal aliens. One of their chief duties is covert surv…

2 minute read

Bounty Hunter Job Description, Career as a Bounty Hunter, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training:? No formal degrees required. Certification/ licensing may be necessary in some states. Salary: Median? $62,500 annually Employment Outlook:? Fair Bounty hunters, officially referred to as bail enforcement agents or fugitive recovery agents, capture fugitives in return for a monetary reward which is known as the ?bounty?. These unofficial law enforcement agents track down de…

4 minute read

Building Custodian Job Description, Career as a Building Custodian, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training On-the-job training Salary Median—$23,414 per year Employment Outlook Good Building custodians, or janitors, wash and wax floors, vacuum carpets, and clean bathrooms. They make minor repairs, such as replacing lightbulbs and fixing leaky faucets; kill insects and rodents; and collect and discard trash. Some custodians clear snow from sidewalks and mow lawns. A few col…

3 minute read

Campaign Worker Job Description, Career as a Campaign Worker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Training/Educational Requirements: Bachelor?s degree preferred Median Salary: $36,000 annually Job Prospects: Good Campaign workers are part of the staff for a given political candidate that works to get the candidate elected. There are varying degrees of involvement and responsibility, since most people start out on a voluntary basis. Many start out as campaign workers if they believe in a given …

5 minute read

City Manager Job Description, Career as a City Manager, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training College Salary Median—$88,695 per year Employment Outlook Fair City managers are professional administrators who try to make city governments operate with the efficiency of successful businesses. However, they are not authorized to take action on their own. Their work is directed by elected officials, such as mayors and city councils, who hire them. For example, a cit…

3 minute read

Computer Software

The following titles include, where possible, the developer's name and location or else the name and location of a distributor. Software titles may be available through several distributors. Ace the Interview: The Multimedia Job Interview Guide. CD-ROM. Charleston, WV: Cambridge Educational. Adams Media JobBank FastResume Suite. CD-ROM for Windows. Avon, MA: Adams Media. Barron's Pro…

1 minute read

Congressional Aide Job Description, Career as a Congressional Aide, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Training/Educational Requirements: Bachelor degree preferred Median Salary: $60,000 annually Job Prospects: Good A congressional aide supports a congressperson in whatever duties are deemed necessary. They perform all duties ranging from research on specific legislative bills to simple administrative tasks such as handling emails for their assigned congressperson. The duties vary based on the capa…

4 minute read

Correctional Officer Job Description, Career as a Correctional Officer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Varies—see profile Salary Median—$33,600 per year Employment Outlook Very good Correctional officers guard inmates inside and outside local, state, and federal prisons. They counsel individuals and groups on prison rules and listen to their complaints and needs. Inside prisons, they escort inmates from their cells to dining rooms, classrooms, hospitals, chapels…

4 minute read

Court Clerk Job Description, Career as a Court Clerk, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Varies—see profile Salary Median—$27,300 per year Employment Outlook Very good Court clerks are responsible for the administrative work of the city, county, state, and federal court systems. Their duties often depend on which courts they serve. In all courts, they record and transcribe the minutes of proceedings, prepare the docket of scheduled cases, and admin…

2 minute read

Court Reporter Job Description, Career as a Court Reporter, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training High school plus training Salary Median—$42,920 per year Employment Outlook Good Court reporters create verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings, speeches, meetings, and even conversations. They use several methods to ensure that the spoken word is accurately recorded. Some court reporters use stenotype machines. When they press multiple keys on the machine at the sa…

4 minute read

Crime Analyst Job Description, Career as a Crime Analyst, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Training/Educational Requirements: Bachelor degree Median Salary: $33,000 annually Job Prospects: Good Crime analysts work in a very statistical role, performing detailed reviews of police data. They review and analyze data from police reports and related police feeds. They provide a detailed analysis on the crimes being committed by geographical area. Crime analysts are responsible for reviewing …

4 minute read

Crime Laboratory Technician Job Description, Career as a Crime Laboratory Technician, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Two-year or four-year college Salary Median—$21.16 per hour Employment Outlook Very good Crime laboratory technicians, also called forensic science technicians or police science technicians, help solve crimes. They use scientific laboratory methods to analyze evidence found at crime scenes or accidents. Their findings often determine the guilt of criminals or the inno…

3 minute read

Criminologist Job Description, Career as a Criminologist, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Advanced degree Salary Varies—see profile Employment Outlook Poor Criminologists study the social and psychological conditions that cause crime, the criminals themselves, and methods of rehabilitation. One branch of criminology, called criminalistics, develops scientific ways to detect and solve crime. All criminologists work toward the same ends: to ensure that laws …

3 minute read

Customs Worker Job Description, Career as a Customs Worker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training College plus training Salary Median—$49,736 per year Employment Outlook Good Customs workers enforce the laws governing the import and export of goods. Most of these laws are designed to protect citizens' health and to raise revenues for the federal government. Some tariff laws protect selected businesses from foreign competition. Occasionally, under congressio…

3 minute read

Deputy U.S. Marshal Job Description, Career as a Deputy U.S. Marshal, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Bachelor?s degree, or a minimum three years of relevant experience Salary Median: $82,000 per year Employment Outlook: Good Deputy U.S. marshals are an integral part of the federal law enforcement service. They are primarily responsible for protecting the federal courts and for ensuring the smooth functioning of the judicial system. Deputy U.S. marshals provide security for…

4 minute read

Detective Job Description, Career as a Detective, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training High school plus training Salary Varies—see profile Employment Outlook Very good Detectives investigate, prevent, and solve crimes against people and property. Many work for police departments, while others are employed by business and industry. Detectives use modern techniques and tools, including computers and elaborate communications systems, to prevent and solve c…

4 minute read

Directory—Institutions Offering Career Training

The information in this directory was generated from the IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) database of the U.S. Department of Education. It includes only regionally or nationally accredited institutions offering postsecondary occupational training in public and community services. Because college catalogs and directories of colleges and universities are readily available elsew…

78 minute read

Elder Law Attorney Job Description, Career as a Elder Law Attorney, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training:? Advanced degree and certification in elder law. Salary: Median? $102,470 annually Employment Outlook:? Good Attorneys who specialize in the legal requirements of the elderly are known as elder law attorneys. They act as advisors and advocates. They deal with the elderly, their families, and care givers. Their area of expertise includes wills, probate, guardianship, estate …

3 minute read

FBI Special Agent Job Description, Career as a FBI Special Agent, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training College plus training Salary Varies—see profile Employment Outlook Fair Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agents investigate violations of U.S. laws and report their findings to the office of the attorney general. They investigate crimes such as kidnapping, extortion, espionage, bank robbery, fraud, and sabotage. To carry out their jobs, they talk to witne…

3 minute read

Federal Government Worker Job Description, Career as a Federal Government Worker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Varies—see profile Salary Varies—see profile Employment Outlook Fair The federal government employs about 1.9 million civilians in the United States and abroad. Many hold jobs similar to those in private industry, such as secretaries, lawyers, physicians, biologists, truck drivers, and painters. Others have jobs exclusive to the government: postal service worke…

3 minute read

Fire Inspector/Fire Investigator Job Description, Career as a Fire Inspector/Fire Investigator, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training:? High school diploma, specialized training Salary: Median? $54,840 annually Employment Outlook:?Good Fire inspectors follow fire code guidelines to examine buildings and other structures and identify hazardous conditions. They locate accumulations of inflammable or combustible material, and wiring problems that could lead to fires. They suggest remedial measures that owners…

3 minute read

Firefighter Job Description, Career as a Firefighter, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training High school plus training Salary Median—$18.43 per hour Employment Outlook Very good Firefighters protect life and property from fires. Called first responders, they are usually the first emergency personnel at traffic accidents or explosions and may be called upon to put out fires or treat injuries. Firefighters are organized in companies under commanding officers. A…

4 minute read

Foreign Service Worker Job Description, Career as a Foreign Service Worker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Varies—see profile Salary Varies—see profile Employment Outlook Fair Foreign service workers represent the United States in countries with which the nation has diplomatic relations. The foreign service, a branch of the U.S. State Department, includes officers and reserve officers as well as support staff members and specialists. Foreign service officers interpr…

5 minute read

Forensic Accountant and Auditor Job Description, Career as a Forensic Accountant and Auditor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s degree Average Salary $81,000 per year Job Outlook Very good Forensic accountants and auditors help to unravel and solve crimes through the use of financial information, embezzlement activity records, security fraud, bankruptcies and money laundering. They interpret financial records and history to find information that may contribute to answers in a criminal case…

4 minute read

Fund-Raiser Job Description, Career as a Fund-Raiser, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training College Salary Median—$60,259 per year Employment Outlook Good Professional fund-raisers solicit contributions from corporations and individuals for nonprofit institutions, such as hospitals, colleges and charities, and for politicians running for office. They develop fund-raising drives, organize volunteers to run them, and monitor progress every step of the way. The…

3 minute read

General

America's Top Medical, Education, and Human Services Jobs: Detailed Information on Eighty-Eight Major Jobs at All Levels of Education and Training, 5th ed., J. Michael Farr. Indianapolis, IN: JIST Publishing, 2001. Becoming a Helper, 4th ed., Marianne Schneider Corey and Gerald Corey. Florence, KY: Wadsworth, 2002. Careers for Caring People and Other Sensitive Types, 2nd ed., Adrian A. Para…

1 minute read

Geriatric Aide Job Description, Career as a Geriatric Aide, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training On-the-job training Salary Median—$8.47 to $9.11 per hour Employment Outlook Very good Geriatric aides offer personal care and assistance to elderly people who no longer have the health, strength, or resources to be completely self-sufficient. They work in nursing homes, adult day care centers, specialized recreation programs, health care facilities, and private homes…

2 minute read

Geriatric Social Worker Job Description, Career as a Geriatric Social Worker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree Salary: Median—$40,080 per year Employment Outlook: Excellent Social workers help people function in their environments, deal with their relationships, and solve personal and family problems. Geriatric social work is a division of social work concerned with the welfare of the elderly. Geriatric social w…

4 minute read

Getting Into Public and Community Services - PLANNING YOUR CAREER, EVALUATE SPECIFIC JOBS, FINDING JOB OPPORTUNITIES, MARKETING YOURSELF, PRESENTING YOURSELF IN AN INTERVIEW

Good jobs do not magically appear. Anyone who has been in the job market knows that landing the right job takes planning, preparation, perseverance, and patience. This is true whether you are looking for your first job, reentering the job market, trying to get a new job, or planning a mid-career change. This essay is designed to guide you through the process of finding a job, from helping you defi…

44 minute read

Government Inspector and Examiner Job Description, Career as a Government Inspector and Examiner, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Varies—see profile Salary Median—$32,000 to $40,000 per year Employment Outlook Good Inspectors and examiners work for many government agencies, enforcing regulations that keep the public safe. Food and drug inspectors, for example, visit companies that manufacture, warehouse, or sell food and drugs to verify that their products are fresh or effective. Meat gra…

3 minute read

Grant Writer/Coordinator Job Description, Career as a Grant Writer/Coordinator, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Training/Educational Requirements: Bachelor?s degree Median Salary: $51,967 annually Job Prospects: Good Grant writers and coordinators develop appropriate proposals and programs for many different organizations. This is a role that is two-fold. It involves a great deal of coordination among different parties, as well as the ability to effectively write proposals. In the grant coordination role, t…

4 minute read

Greek Orthodox Priest Job Description, Career as a Greek Orthodox Priest, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Bachelor?s Degree and Specialized Training Average Salary: $76,141 Annually Job Outlook: Very Good A Greek orthodox priest works to handle all of the spiritual needs of their parishioners. Though they are similar to other types of clergy, they may play a more involved role in educating their parishioners on the various elements of this detailed religion. Greek orthodox reli…

4 minute read

Highway Maintenance Worker Job Description, Career as a Highway Maintenance Worker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training High school plus on-the-job training Salary Median—$14.21 per hour Employment Outlook Very good Highway maintenance workers keep state, county, and city highways and roads in safe condition. They repair guardrails and snow fences; put up stop signs; paint dividing lines between traffic lanes; and fix potholes caused by weather or heavy traffic. When it snows, maintena…

2 minute read

Institutional Housekeeper Job Description, Career as an Institutional Housekeeper, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training On-the-job training Salary Median—$16,900 per year Employment Outlook Good Institutional housekeepers clean the interiors of hotels, hospitals, school dormitories, and government residences. The size of the institution determines the number of workers on the housekeeping staff and the range of duties that individual housekeepers perform. While hotel housekeepers may o…

2 minute read

Intellectual Property Lawyer Job Description, Career as a Intellectual Property Lawyer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training:? Advanced degree and specialized training in intellectual property law. Salary: Median? $134,000 annually Employment Outlook:? Good Intellectual property lawyers deal with legal issues related to the ownership of service marks or trademarks, patents, trade secrets, and copyrights. Popularly referred to as IP lawyers, they act as legal advisors and advocates. As advisors, th…

3 minute read

Intelligence Officer Job Description, Career as a Intelligence Officer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Military enlistment and certification Average Salary Varies ? see below Job Outlook Excellent Intelligence officers are military personnel who are trained to observe threat levels, gain information through observing war zones and enemy lines, direct security operations and other activities that involve secret observational operations regarding threats to the military or coun…

4 minute read

Internal Revenue Service Worker Job Description, Career as an Internal Revenue Service Worker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training College plus training Salary Average—$36,963 to $81,417 per year Employment Outlook Fair Internal Revenue Service (IRS) workers collect taxes for the federal government and make sure taxpayers abide by the law. They work in the national office in Washington, DC, and in regional offices throughout the country. IRS personnel hold a number of professional positions. Tax …

2 minute read

Internet Sites

About.com http://careerplanning.about.com Beyond.com http://www.beyond.com Jobweb.com http://www.jobweb.com JIST Publishing http://www.jist.com Job Hunt: Online Job Search Guide and Resource Directory http://www.job-hunt.org Vault.com http://www.vault.com Vocational Information Center http://www.khake.com Career Magazine http://www.careermag.com Career Resource Homepage http://www.careerresource.n…

1 minute read

Judge Job Description, Career as a Judge, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Advanced degree Salary Median—$93,070 per year Employment Outlook Good Judges preside over trials and hearings in federal, state, and local courts. They rule on the admissibility of evidence, monitor the testimony of witnesses, and settle disputes between prosecutors and defense attorneys. When standard procedures do not already exist, judges establish new rules based…

4 minute read

Land Acquisition Professional Job Description, Career as a Land Acquisition Professional, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s degree and certification Average Salary $79,000 per year Job Outlook Good Land acquisition professionals are experts in inspecting, appraising and assessing private and public property. They observe property to find damage, locate property owners, negotiate property settlements, and make sure properties meet legal requirements before being sold or rented out by ne…

4 minute read

Law Enforcement Job Description, Career as a Law Enforcement, Salary, Employment

Career Opportunities in Law Enforcement, Security, and Protective Services, 2nd ed., Susan Echaore-McDavid. New York: Ferguson, 2006. Careers in Criminal Justice and Related Fields: From Internship to Promotion, 5th ed., J. Scott Harr and Karen M. Hess. Belmont, CA: Thomson, 2005. Careers in Criminology, Marilyn Morgan. Lincolnwood, IL: Lowell House, 2000. Criminal Justice: A Brief Introduction, 5…

1 minute read

Lawyer Job Description, Career as a Lawyer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Advanced degree Salary Median—$94,930 per year Employment Outlook Good Lawyers serve as both advocates and advisers. As advocates, they speak for their clients in court by presenting supportive evidence. As advisers, they counsel their clients on their legal rights and obligations. Lawyers—also called attorneys and counselors—can interpret laws, apply la…

5 minute read

Corporate Lawyer Job Description, Career as a Corporate Lawyer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Advanced degree Salary Average—$50,000 to $90,000 per year Employment Outlook Good Corporate lawyers advise their clients or employers on their legal rights and obligations. As advocates, they may represent companies in both criminal and civil court cases. Self-employed corporate lawyers may advise several corporate clients. Corporate lawyers may also work in-house as…

2 minute read

Public Service Lawyer Job Description, Career as a Public Service Lawyer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Advanced degree Salary Varies—see profile Employment Outlook Good Lawyers who work in public service usually specialize. Legal aid lawyers, for example, offer their services to people who cannot afford to pay for them. They give legal advice; draw up legal documents, such as contracts and wills; and represent their clients in court proceedings. Their salaries are usua…

3 minute read

Corporate Legal Assistant Job Description, Career as a Corporate Legal Assistant, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Varies—see profile Salary Median—$39,130 per year Employment Outlook Very good As laws grow more complex and legal services more expensive, many companies are relying on corporate legal assistants to handle tasks that do not require lawyers' expertise. Working under the supervision of a corporate attorney, assistants research background material, index a…

3 minute read

Legal Secretary Job Description, Career as a Legal Secretary, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Associate?s degree Average Salary $51,000 per year Job Outlook Very good Legal secretaries typically work for a law firm or court house and specialize in producing legal documents such as subpoenas, motions, complaints, and summonses. They produce these documents for lawyers, judges and court hearings and perform other administrative and secretarial tasks. Legal secretaries …

4 minute read

Legal Work Job Description, Career as a Legal Work, Salary, Employment

Careers in Law, 3rd ed., Gary Munneke. Chicago: VGM Career Books, 2004. Careers in Law and Politics, Linda R. Wade. Bear, DE: Mitchell Lane, 2002. How to Land Your First Paralegal Job: An Insider's Guide to the Fastest-Growing Profession of the New Millennium, 4th ed., Andrea Wagner. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2005. National Directory of Legal Employers, National Association for…

1 minute read

Looking Into Public and Community Services - THE GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SERVICES, CAREERS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, TRENDS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Public and community services date back to the colonial era, when settlements took responsibility for the welfare of poor people and established public schools to ensure that all children could read the Bible. In some areas, they financed these efforts by collecting taxes from residents. Despite this support of public services, however, colonial citizens resisted government intervention in their l…

26 minute read

Marriage and Family Counselor Job Description, Career as a Marriage and Family Counselor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training College Salary Median—$38,980 per year Employment Outlook Very good Marriage and family counselors provide therapy for people who wish to solve emotional conflicts. Their goal is to modify people's perceptions and behavior, improve communication, and prevent individual and family crises. Counselors work in mental health centers, clinics, hospitals, social servi…

3 minute read

Meter Readers, Utilities Job Description, Career as a Meter Readers, Utilities, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High School Diploma Salary: Median? $30,330 per year Employment Outlook: Fair Meter readers are involved in taking readings from electric, gas, or water consumption meters in order to calculate the volume of utility consumed by a customer. The basic duty of a meter reader is to take consumption readings from meters installed at the customer?s location. Meter readers must ma…

3 minute read

Paralegal Aide Job Description, Career as a Paralegal Aide, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Varies—see profile Salary Median—$39,130 per year Employment Outlook Very good Paralegal aides help lawyers prepare for hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. They research public documents, records, and law books; investigate the validity of wills and income tax returns; get information from clients; and organize and analyze data. They are trained to use co…

2 minute read

Parole Officer Job Description, Career as a Parole Officer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training College plus training Salary Median—$39,600 per year Employment Outlook Good Parole officers identify and supervise offenders who are eligible for conditional release from prison before they have completed their sentences. To merit parole, prisoners must obey prison rules, perform prison jobs well, and show progress in rehabilitation and therapy programs. Some parole …

3 minute read

Police Officer Job Description, Career as a Police Officer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training High school plus training Salary Median—$45,210 per year Employment Outlook Good Police officers protect the lives and property of citizens. They maintain order, catch lawbreakers, and work to prevent crimes. In small towns they perform many duties. Larger cities have a more structured division of responsibility. Police officers may patrol the streets on foot or in sq…

3 minute read

Political Consultant Job Description, Career as a Political Consultant, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Advanced degree Salary Varies—see profile Employment Outlook Very good Political consultants promote the election of certain candidates or the interests of certain groups. They plan campaign strategies, coordinate campaign staffs, and arrange meetings to publicize candidates or causes. Using advertising, press releases, fund-raising drives, and other activities, polit…

2 minute read

Polygraph Examiner Job Description, Career as a Polygraph Examiner, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training State certification Average Salary $67,000 per year Job Outlook Good Polygraph examiners are licensed and trained to conduct and give lie detector test to witnesses, suspects, and other individuals involved in criminal trials. The polygraph examiner will meet with the attorney?s to determine which questions need to be asked to each person. They will have an understanding of …

4 minute read

Postal Service Worker Job Description, Career as a Postal Service Worker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training High school plus on-the-job training Salary Varies—see profile Employment Outlook Poor More than six hundred thousand postal workers are employed in the United States. They sort, distribute, and deliver mail; sell stamps and money orders; and figure postal rates for boxes and large envelopes. They also collect postage-due fees and obtain signed receipts for registered…

4 minute read

Power Plant Worker Job Description, Career as a Power Plant Worker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training High school plus on-the-job training Salary Median—$52,530 per year Employment Outlook Poor Power plants produce electricity by drawing energy from such natural resources as oil, coal, falling water, and radioactive ore. They are located throughout the country, usually near population centers where energy needs are highest. The jobs of power plant workers vary from pl…

3 minute read

Private Detective and Investigator Job Description, Career as a Private Detective and Investigator, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training College and experience preferred; licensing required in most states Salary Median?$33,750 per year Employment Outlook Fair Private detectives and investigators? main purpose is to help others gather information and analyze it to uncover unsolved mysteries. They work on cases for businesses, attorneys and individuals and are sometimes asked to be bodyguards for celebrities, e…

4 minute read

Probation Officer Job Description, Career as a Probation Officer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training College plus training Salary Median—$39,600 per year Employment Outlook Good Probation officers monitor offenders who get sentences of supervision—known as probation—instead of or in addition to jail time. They meet with offenders regularly to check their activities and to evaluate their progress. They make regular reports to the courts about the offende…

3 minute read

Process Server Job Description, Career as a Process Server, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training:? High school education is necessary. Some states have licensing requirements. Salary: Median? $70,000 annually Employment Outlook:? Fair Process serving refers to the act of serving summons, notifications, and other relevant documents to people who are caught up in court matters. It is a part of the legal system of United States. Process servers are responsible for deliveri…

3 minute read

Protestant Minister Job Description, Career as a Protestant Minister, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Bachelor?s Degree Preferred Average Salary: $35,000 Annually Job Outlook: Very Good A Protestant minister works through a variety of different responsibilities in this role. Their specific responsibilities may vary depending on the denomination that they serve within, but some of the key roles are the same. In the most fundamental sense, they work to support their parish th…

5 minute read

Civil Public and Social Services Job Description, Career as a Civil Public and Social Services, Salary, Employment

The Book of U.S. Government Jobs: Where They Are, What's Available, and How to Get One, 9th ed., Dennis V. Damp. McKees Rock, PA: Bookhaven Press, 2005. Careers in International Affairs, 7th ed., Maria Pinto Carland and Lisa A. Gihring, eds. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2003. Careers in Social Work, 2nd ed., Leon H. Ginsberg. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 2001. Federal Perso…

1 minute read

Rabbi Job Description, Career as a Rabbi, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Completion of Seminary School Average Salary: $55,000 Annually Job Outlook: Very Good Rabbis work within a congregation, serving the spiritual needs of their people. As with any form of organized religion, they work to provide answers to questions and support in every sense of the word. They have a bit more freedom than some other forms of religion as they are responsible t…

4 minute read

Refuse Worker Job Description, Career as a Refuse Worker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training High school plus on-the-job training Salary Median—$13.87 per hour Employment Outlook Poor Refuse workers remove waste material from industrial plants, businesses, and private homes and take it to disposal sites. Some workers, the refuse collectors, can be heard on city streets, often at night. Crews of collectors pick up garbage and put it into trucks with built-in c…

3 minute read

Rehabilitation Counselor Job Description, Career as a Rehabilitation Counselor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training College plus training Salary Median—$27,870 per year Employment Outlook Very good Rehabilitation counselors work with individuals who have mental, emotional, or physical handicaps, helping them to lead self-sufficient lives both at home and on the job. The counselors determine the training and support their clients need to deal with the personal, social, and vocationa…

2 minute read

Religious Vocation Job Description, Career as a Religious Vocation, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Advanced degree Salary Varies—see profile Employment Outlook Varies—see profile Clergy serve as spiritual leaders to the millions of Americans who follow religious faiths. Their main duties are overseeing sacred activities and nurturing their congregations. They may also participate in interfaith services and work with community leaders on nonreligious matters …

4 minute read

Roman Catholic Priest Job Description, Career as a Roman Catholic Priest, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Bachelor?s Degree Average Salary: $70,000 Annually Job Outlook: Very Good Roman Catholic priests tend to the spiritual and sometimes emotional needs of their parishioners. They are in charge of most matters within their Church, and this can involve a great deal of responsibilities. They are considered to be subject matters within their religion, and therefore are often who …

4 minute read

Secret Service Special Agent Job Description, Career as a Secret Service Special Agent, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s degree and specialized training Average Salary $57,000 per year Job Outlook Very good The job of a secret service special agent is to protect the president, vice president and their families. Some are also required to protect past presidents and governmental figures who are still in the industry and widely known throughout the world. They are also required to perf…

4 minute read

Security Guard Job Description, Career as a Security Guard, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training High school plus training Salary Median—$20,320 per year Employment Outlook Good Security guards protect people and property from robberies, fires, and other damage. They work in banks, museums, nightclubs, government offices, stores, factories, and office buildings. They are employed by the companies they protect, by building management companies, and by private agen…

3 minute read

Social and Human Service Assistants Job Description, Career as a Social and Human Service Assistants, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school Salary: Median? $25,580 per year Employment Outlook: Very Good The fundamental responsibility of social and human service assistants is helping healthcare and social workers provide services to clients. They primarily look after the needs of clients, assess their eligibility for various health care services and benefits, and inform clients of benefits available …

3 minute read

Social Worker Job Description, Career as a Social Worker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Advanced degree Salary Median—$34,820 per year Employment Outlook Excellent Social workers offer guidance and counseling to people in crisis. Their clients range from the unemployed to children who need foster homes to elderly people who have no one to care for them. They help their clients obtain government funds, education, or treatment. Often they begin legal actio…

4 minute read

State Government Worker Job Description, Career as a State Government Worker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Variable ? see notes Average Salary Variable ? see notes Job Outlook Fair State government workers hold a variety of positions. They can work as secretaries, lawyers, public school teachers, public healthcare workers, police officers, and several other positions that are run by a state government system. Some hold positions at secretary of state offices or court houses as se…

4 minute read

State Police Officer Job Description, Career as a State Police Officer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training High school plus training Salary Median—$23.55 per hour Employment Outlook Good State police officers, or troopers, patrol and enforce laws on highways, issuing traffic tickets, investigating accidents, and administering first aid. They also help motorists by radioing for automobile mechanics and by giving directions and tourist information. Sometimes they check the w…

3 minute read

Stenographer Job Description, Career as a Stenographer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Associate?s Degree Average Salary: $34,400 Annually Job Outlook: Good Stenographers are court reporters in the fundamental sense. They work to capture all of the legal proceedings in a very accurate way. This may sound like a simple task initially, but it involves a great deal of hard work, special tools, and a great attention to detail which the stenographer must possess. …

4 minute read

Toll Collector Job Description, Career as a Toll Collector, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school diploma Salary Median: $20,264 per year Employment Outlook: Fair Toll collectors have to assess and collect tolls from motorists on bridges and turnpikes and in tunnels. They may also have to collect fare from passengers on ferries or accept previously purchased fare tickets. At the end of their shift, toll collectors have to balance the cash collected and creat…

4 minute read

Urban and Regional Planner Job Description, Career as an Urban and Regional Planner, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Advanced degree Salary Median—$53,450 per year Employment Outlook Very good Urban and regional planners determine the best uses of land and resources for homes, businesses, and recreation. They devise ways to renovate slums, expand cities, modernize transportation systems, and distribute public facilities such as schools and parks. They also find ways to attract indus…

4 minute read

Youth Organization Worker Job Description, Career as a Youth Organization Worker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Varies—see profile Salary Average—$16,000 to $18,000 per year Employment Outlook Fair The YMCA down the street, the Girl Scout troop that meets in the church basement, and the teen center just opened in the municipal building are all led by youth organization workers. These workers are employed by many different organizations, but all share the same goal: helpi…

2 minute read