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Veteran Hiring Program
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) veteran employees have a proven track record of success after transitioning from the military into Federal Service. USPTO veterans contribute to its mission in the areas of science and engineering, information technology, contracts, procurement, finance, administration, project and program management and customer support.
A variety of employment options are available for Veterans and their families, ranging from posted job announcements and opportunities through special hiring authorities, to employment programs and internships. You must indicate and substantiate veteran eligibility by providing a DD-214, Member – 4 copy.
Most positions within the USPTO are in the competitive service, and may be applied for under currently open vacancy announcements that are listed on the USAJOBS website. However, depending on dates of service and other factors, veterans may be eligible to apply for positions listed as being open to status candidates or current federal employees, and eligible individuals under the Veteran Opportunity Employment Act (VEOA) , in addition to those open to the public or all U. S. citizens. (Click here to view all USPTO available positions on USAJOBS).
When applying for vacancies, applicants must indicate and substantiate veteran eligibility by providing a DD-214, Member-4 copy reflecting that applicant has been discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions. Additionally, applicants requesting 10-Point Veteran Preference must submit the SF-15 and a copy of the Veterans Affair (VA) letter certifying the percentage of the service-connected disability.
USPTO has special hiring authority to appoint veterans when the following conditions are met:
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VEOA - Veterans Employment Opportunity Act of 1998, as amended (VEOA) is an appointing authority that can be used when filling permanent positions. It allows veterans to apply to announcements that are open to individuals outside of USPTO only if they are so called "status" candidates, which normally means "current or former permanent federal employees."
To be eligible for a VEOA appointment:
- Your latest discharge must be issued under honorable conditions (this means an honorable or general discharge), AND
- You must be either:
- A preference eligible; OR
- A veteran who substantially completed 3 or more years of active service.
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VRA - Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA) is an authority that allows agencies to appoint eligible veterans without competition.
You are VRA eligible if you are:
- In receipt of a campaign badge for service during a war or in a campaign or expedition;
OR
- A disabled veteran, OR
- In receipt of an Armed forces Service Medal for participation in a military operation, OR
- A recently separated veteran (within the last 3 years), AND separated under honorable conditions (this means an honorable or general discharge).
You can be appointed under this authority on a temporary, term, or permanent basis at any grade level up to and including a GS-11, and the position may have further promotion potential.
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30% or More Disabled Veteran - The 30% or More Disabled Veteran authority allows agencies to appoint eligible veterans on a temporary or term basis and to convert them to a permanent appointment without competition.
You are eligible if you:
- Retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more; OR
- You have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more.
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Military Spouse - The Military Spouse authority allows agencies to appoint a military spouse without competition. The USPTO does not require a vacancy announcement when using this authority. Agencies can choose to use this authority when filling positions on a temporary (not to exceed 1 year), term (more than 1 year but not more than 4 years), or permanent basis.
As a military spouse you are eligible under this authority if your active duty military spouse:
- Receives a mandatory Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move within the last two years; OR
- Has a 100% disability rating; OR
- Died while on active duty.
Each of these categories has different eligibility criteria that must be met.
More information can be found on the Feds Hire Vets Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans page or OPM’s Veterans Services VET GUIDE at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide/.
USPTO Veteran Programs
- Veteran Internship Program (VIP)-Student Patent Examiner Trainee
The VIP-Student Patent Examiner Trainee program is a paid internship sponsored by the USPTO. It is specifically designed for veteran students entering their final year of study in engineering or computer science from an accredited local accredited college or university in the MD, VA, and DC metropolitan area. As a an Intern, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable on the job training and experience related to the patent examining career field while pursing your undergraduate degree in a field of engineering of one of the following disciplines: mechanical, electrical, computer, chemical, biomedical; or computer science.
Program Eligibility
- Must be a U. S. citizen or national
- Must pass and maintain a background investigation
Educational Requirements
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate program in professional engineering from an accredited college or university in the MD, VA, DC, metropolitan area
- Be entering your senior year of study
- Have at least a 2.95 overall grade point average on a 4.0 scale or equivalent
Program Elements
- Paid internship at the GS-4 level
- 12 to 18 month duration
- At least part-time employment, depending on class schedule, and receive formal and on-the-job training
- Placed in a technology area based on your field of academic study
Applicants must indicate and substantiate veteran eligibility by providing a DD-214, Member-4 copy, reflecting that applicant has been discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions.
For more information on USPTO Veteran Programs, please send all questions to Hirevets@uspto.gov.
- Operation Warfighter Program (OWF)
USPTO proudly supports and takes part in the Operation Warfighter Program (OWF). OWF is a federal internship program developed by the Department of Defense for active duty service members who are recovering at military treatment facilities and seeking to transition back to the military or civilian workplace. The program is open to the Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve components and designed to provide training that will help the recovering service personnel find employment after discharge. OWF is a great opportunity for service members on medical hold to build their resumes, explore employment interests, develop job skills, and gain valuable federal government work experience that will help prepare them for their adjustment to the workplace.
Program Eligibility
- U. S. citizen on active duty in the military placed on medical hold
- Approval from medical and command to participate
Program Elements
- 3 –12 month initial appointments
- You will be placed in a business area based on your skills, expertise and interest
- Part time 20 hours per week, average. Your daily schedule will be planned around your treatment schedule
- USPTO manager interviews and makes selection
- You may receive training to improve your existing skills or learn new skills
- You are paid by your respective military branch of the service
While there is no guarantee of employment following the completion of an OWF assignment, service members released from medical hold status are considered potential candidates for full time employment with USPTO, pending separation from the military.
For more information on USPTO Veteran Programs, please send all questions to Hirevets@uspto.gov.
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