Final answer:
Federal government positions associated with special programs like SAP and SCI typically fall under excepted service, which requires specialized training and can include hourly wages. These positions are graded on a scale based on education and experience, and senior executive service positions represent the highest tier, requiring substantial executive experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
Classification of Federal Government Positions
In the context of federal government employment, positions associated with special programs such as Special Access Programs (SAP) and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) typically fall under the excepted service category. Unlike competitive service positions, which are governed by qualifications like work history and civil service exam results, excepted service jobs allow more flexibility. They permit agencies to establish their own standards, skills, requirements, and are often tailored for jobs that necessitate unique or highly specialized abilities.
Positions that require specialized training to perform tasks, such as operating complicated equipment, may fall into this category. These roles usually command an hourly wage and are designed for individuals who can work with minimal supervision. The federal government grades these positions on a scale, with varying levels of education and experience reflecting different General Schedule (GS) grades and pay scales. Entry-level positions beginning at grades GS-1 and GS-2 offer minimal compensation, with requirements and pay increasing incrementally up to grades GS-13 through GS-15, which demand specialized experience and education.
The senior executive service is another classification designed for leadership roles, requiring applicants to manifest executive core qualifications, such as leading change and being results-driven. These positions represent the highest tier of government employment, aimed at individuals with substantial executive experience.