International Opportunities: Government Jobs For Global Travel

There are many government jobs that allow you to travel abroad. Thousands of US citizens work for the federal government in foreign countries, and federal employees are working in almost 160 countries worldwide. The Defense Department is the largest overseas employer, followed by the State Department. The federal government needs people with skills in engineering, chemistry, economics, security, and more. There are also foreign service positions located within the United States that focus on international programs and policies. For example, international trade specialists with the Department of Agriculture research international agricultural markets to help negotiate trade agreements.

If you're interested in a government job that allows you to travel abroad, here are some specific positions to consider:

- Foreign Service Officer

- Procurement Officer

- Budget Analyst

- Asylum Officer

- Registered Nurse

- Chemotherapy Infusion Clinic RN

- Biologist

- Auditor

- Recreation Assistant (Leisure Travel Agent)

- Information Ticket and Travel Manager

- Sales Clerk (Leisure & Travel Services)

Foreign Service positions

Foreign Service Officers (FSOs), also known as Foreign Service Generalists, work across five distinct career tracks: Consular, Economics, Management, Political, and Public Diplomacy. These officers engage with foreign governments and citizens, influencing U.S. foreign policy and ensuring the safety and security of American citizens abroad. FSOs come from diverse educational backgrounds and possess sound judgment, leadership skills, and the ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.

To become a Foreign Service Officer, candidates must have U.S. citizenship, be aged 20 to 59 years old at the time of registration, and be available for assignments, including those in Washington, D.C. They must also pass the required tests, such as the Foreign Service Officer Test, and meet the minimum qualifications, including passing the Qualifications Evaluation Panel and obtaining necessary clearances.

Foreign Service Specialists, on the other hand, contribute their specialized skills in 19 different career paths, grouped into six key categories: Administration, Building Operations and Construction, Information Technology, Public Engagement and English Language Programs, Law Enforcement and Security, and Medical and Health. These specialists provide essential support to U.S. diplomacy, maintaining the physical function and protection of embassies and consulates, and ensuring the safety of government employees.

Similar to FSOs, Foreign Service Specialists must have U.S. citizenship, be within the specified age range, and be available for assignments. Additionally, they must possess specialized skills and expertise in areas such as physical protection, cybersecurity, systems networking, clinical lab work, and more.

International relations jobs

Foreign Service Positions

The US government maintains a strong presence overseas, and foreign service positions are a great way to get involved in international relations. These positions can be based in the US or abroad and cover a wide range of fields, including economics, science, security, and more. For example, international trade specialists with the Department of Agriculture help research international agricultural markets and negotiate trade agreements.

Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs

The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs handles foreign relations with countries in North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean. They have several offices that focus on specific regions, such as the Office of Canadian Affairs, the Office of Caribbean Affairs, and the Office of Central American Affairs. These offices manage day-to-day relations, coordinate policies, and supervise US government activities within their respective regions. Language skills in Spanish, French, or Portuguese are preferred for these roles.

United States Mission to the Organization of American States

Based in Washington, D.C., the United States Mission to the Organization of American States is the only embassy located within the Department of State. It is the oldest regional organization in the world, dating back to 1889. The mission aims to strengthen peace and security, promote democracy, ensure the peaceful settlement of disputes, and foster cooperation among member states. They also work to find solutions to political, economic, juridical, and social problems through cooperative action and development.

United States Mission to the United Nations

The United States Mission to the United Nations, established in 1947, assists the President and the Department of State in conducting US policy at the United Nations. They have several offices that focus on different aspects, such as the Executive Office, the Budget Office, the Research Unit, and the Political Office. Each office plays a unique role in supporting the mission's overall goal of carrying out US participation in the United Nations and recommending courses of action.

International Government Relations Jobs in Various Organizations

There are also international government relations jobs available in various organizations, such as Germany Trade & Invest, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the US Department of State. These roles often involve developing and maintaining relationships with government entities, conducting research and analysis, and supporting diplomatic activities. For example, the role of a legislative and public relations specialist involves registering and tracking lobbying activities with government agencies and ensuring compliance with ethics guidelines.

Engineers

If you are a recent engineering graduate with itchy feet, it's important to focus on building experience first. You can do this by choosing a job you enjoy and will gain valuable skills from, rather than one that is solely travel-focused. Once you have a few years of experience under your belt, you can start to explore travel opportunities within your company or industry. Large international engineering firms, for instance, often have travel programs for employees with internal applications.

If you're specifically looking for a government job that will allow you to travel abroad as an engineer, you might want to consider the following options:

• Civil Engineer: Civil engineers design, build, create, operate and maintain infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, tunnels, dams, and energy and water systems. While their work usually involves local travel, civil engineers may sometimes be required to travel abroad for larger, international projects.
• Chemical Engineer: Chemical engineers conduct research, troubleshoot problems with manufacturing processes, and develop safety procedures for the use of dangerous chemicals. These roles often involve travel, both domestically and internationally, to various plants and worksites.
• Mechanical Engineer: Mechanical engineers design a range of projects, including tunnels, airports, water and sewage systems, and roads. They frequently visit job sites to supervise the design and solve any problems that arise during construction, which may include international travel for overseas contracts.
• Environmental Engineer: Environmental engineers are responsible for the project design of facilities related to water reclamation, air pollution control, or waste-to-energy conversion. They monitor the progress of their projects, which requires frequent site visits and international travel.
• Electrical and Electronics Engineer: Electrical and electronics engineers are involved in the development, testing, and supervision of motors, radars, and power generators. They often need to visit sites worldwide to oversee complex projects or troubleshoot issues.

In addition to these options, you might also consider working for a government-owned or affiliated engineering company, such as an energy company or an aerospace organisation, which could provide opportunities for international travel.

Lastly, it's worth noting that some engineering jobs may not offer extensive travel opportunities, but they can still be a great way to gain experience and develop your career. You can also consider adding additional skills to your resume, such as language proficiency, which can increase your chances of finding a government job that involves international travel.

Chemists

There are a variety of government jobs for chemists that allow travel abroad. The federal government has a substantial presence overseas and requires the skills of chemists in various fields. Here are some examples of government jobs for chemists that may involve international travel:

Foreign Service Positions

The federal government offers foreign service positions that require the expertise of chemists. These positions are based overseas and provide opportunities for chemists to work in international settings. Federal agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) often hire chemists for research, regulatory affairs, and public policy roles. For example, the USDA employs international trade specialists to research international agricultural markets and negotiate trade agreements.

Research and Development

Military and Defense

The US military and defense organizations, such as the US Army Tank-Automotive and Armament Command, offer chemist positions that may involve international travel. These positions often involve working with specialized equipment and performing chemical analyses.

Public Health and Safety

Government agencies focused on public health and safety, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), also employ chemists. These positions may involve international travel for research, disease control, or public health initiatives.

International Organizations

When applying for government jobs as a chemist, it is important to carefully read the job descriptions and requirements. Some positions may require specific educational qualifications, security clearances, or citizenship. Additionally, government jobs often involve a formal career advancement process, with specific qualifications and criteria for promotions or transfers.

Security professionals

Foreign Service Officers

Foreign Service Officers play a crucial role in advancing U.S. interests and implementing foreign policy on a variety of issues, including human rights, the environment, energy, food security, public health, and technology. They face ever-changing challenges and may be involved in consular services, such as screening and issuing visas, observing elections in host countries, or analyzing and reporting on critical issues like HIV/AIDS, fair trade, and technology. These officers are often stationed in U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, providing them with opportunities to travel and work in different countries.

Diplomatic Security Special Agents

Diplomatic Security Special Agents are responsible for the security of U.S. diplomatic missions, personnel, and information worldwide. They work closely with the Department of State and are often deployed to U.S. embassies and consulates, ensuring the safety of diplomats, officials, and staff. These agents may also be involved in investigating passport and visa fraud, protecting dignitaries, and conducting international investigations. This role offers extensive travel opportunities as agents are assigned to multiple duty stations worldwide.

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Staff Operations Officers

The CIA offers Staff Operations Officer positions that involve serving in the Washington, DC, area and traveling domestically and overseas as required. These officers are responsible for security and medical evaluations and play a vital role in the CIA's global operations. The CIA also offers other roles, such as Operations Officers and Intelligence Analysts, which may involve international travel.

United States Secret Service Special Agents

United States Secret Service Special Agents are responsible for protecting national leaders, visiting foreign dignitaries, and other individuals, as well as investigating financial crimes and planning security for national special events. These agents must be willing to travel and be assigned to various duty stations within the U.S. and abroad. They receive intensive training and are required to carry and use firearms.

Federal Law Enforcement and Security Positions

Various federal agencies, including the FBI, Department of Defense, and Department of State, offer law enforcement and security positions that involve international travel. These roles may include investigating international crimes, protecting U.S. interests overseas, and ensuring the security of U.S. personnel and facilities worldwide.

Frequently asked questions