*The video above features former employees, Fred S., Tyeshia M., and Raj C.
At the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), we are strongly committed to our nation’s veterans and aim to be the employer of choice for veterans and military spouses. In fact, we are recognized as a Top Veteran-Friendly Government Agency.
Our more than 1,000 veteran colleagues have a proven track record of success after transitioning from the military into federal service. Veterans contribute to our mission in the areas of science and engineering, information technology, contracts, procurement, finance, administration, project and program management, and customer support.
Special hiring authorities for veterans and military spouses are direct hiring authorities outside of the typical USAJOBS process. For more information about available positions at the USPTO, if any, email HireVets@uspto.gov or MilitarySpouse@uspto.gov with a current resume and transcripts with any personally identifiable identification (PII) redacted.
Documentation for veteran preference or appointment eligibility
When applying for jobs, veterans must provide a DD-214, Member-4 copy reflecting that you have been discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions (5-point veteran preference). Additionally, applicants requesting 10-point veteran preference (veterans with service-connected disability rating) must submit an SF-15 and a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter certifying the percentage of the service-connected disability. Military spouses should be prepared to provide a marriage certificate and proof of spouse's active-duty service.
USPTO veteran and military spouse hiring program
Our veteran and military spouse hiring program is managed by veteran employment program coordinators. Our program may use veteran and military spouse hiring authorities to efficiently select qualified candidates non-competitively.
Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA)
This appointment is an authority that allows agencies to appoint eligible veterans without competition. 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.
You are VRA eligible if you:
- Earned a campaign badge for service during a war or in a campaign or expedition; or
- Are a disabled veteran; or
- Earned an Armed Forces Service Medal for participation in a military operation; or
- Are a recently separated veteran (within the last three years) and separated under honorable conditions (this means an honorable or general discharge)
30% or more Disabled Veteran Appointing Authority
This authority allows agencies to appoint eligible veterans on a temporary (not to exceed one year) or term (more than one year but not more than four years) 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
- Have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more.
Military Spouse Appointing Authority
This authority allows agencies to appoint a military spouse without competition. We do 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 one year), term (more than one year but not more than four years), or permanent basis.
As a military spouse, you are eligible under this authority if your military spouse:
- Is active duty; or
- Has a 100% disability rating; or
- Died while on active duty.
Have questions or want to submit paperwork? Send an email to MilitarySpouse@uspto.gov.
Schedule A Appointing Authority for People with Disabilities
Though not specifically for veterans, the Schedule A authority for people with disabilities, 5 CFR 213.3102(u), is an excepted authority that agencies can use to appoint eligible veterans who have a severe physical, psychological, or intellectual disability.
- To be eligible, you must show proof of your disability. Documentation may be from any licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine), a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private), or any federal or state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits.
- This authority may be used at the discretion of the agency. Candidates can be appointed at any grade level and for any job (time-limited or permanent) for which they qualify. After two years of satisfactory service, the agency may convert you, without competition, to the competitive service.
- There is no limit to the number of times you can apply under this authority.
More information can be found on the Feds Hire Vets special hiring authorities for veterans page or OPM’s Veterans Services Vet Guide.
Additional special hiring authority for veterans
Most positions within the USPTO are in the competitive service and may be applied for under currently open vacancy announcements listed on the USAJOBS website. The Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998 as amended is an appointing authority that can be used when filling permanent positions.
The VEOA allows veterans to apply to announcements open to individuals outside of USPTO only if they are "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 three or more years of active service.
Additional veteran and military spouse career opportunities
In addition to the Veteran Hiring Program, the USPTO offers the following opportunities:
Operation Warfighter Program
The USPTO proudly takes part in the Operation Warfighter (OWF) program. 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. It provides training to help recovering service members 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 to help prepare them for their adjustment to the workplace.
Program eligibility
You must:
- Be a U. S. citizen on active duty in the military placed on medical hold
- Have approval from medical authority and command to participate
Program elements
- Three-to-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.
DOD SkillBridge Program
SkillBridge, developed by the Department of Defense, gives service members the opportunity to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific training, internships, and real-world job experiences during their final 180 days of service. This unique program can help bridge the transition from active duty to civilian careers.
Program eligibility
- Member of the U.S. armed forces separating from active duty and entering/re-entering the civilian workforce (all military ranks)
- Must be expecting honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions) within 180 days of program start date
- Obtain approval from your unit commander
- Must be in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area
- Agree that participation in SkillBridge can be terminated at any time if required by the service branch
Program elements
- 121-150 day (four- to five-month) internship appointments
- You will be placed in a business area based on your skills, expertise, and interest
- USPTO managers will interview and make selection(s)
- You may receive training to improve your existing skills or learn new skills
- You are paid by your respective military service branch
While there is no guarantee of employment following the completion of a SkillBridge internship, you may be considered a potential candidate for full-time employment with the USPTO, pending separation from the military.
For more information and to submit the USPTO's SkillBridge interest form, please email SkillBridge.Opportunity@uspto.gov.
Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Fellowship
The USPTO is part of the Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Fellowship. This initiative provides military spouses with:
- Professional training,
- Networking, and
- Hands-on experience
At no cost to program fellows!
Learn more about the Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Fellowship.
Military Spouse Employment Partnership
The USPTO is part of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP). MSEP creates employment connections between employers and military spouses seeking career opportunities.
Learn more about the Military Spouse Employment Partnership.
USPTO Military Association
The USPTO Military Association (UMA) is one of many voluntary employee organizations at the USPTO that promote and support the goals of our agency, and it is one of the most active. The 300+ members of the UMA serve as a resource for hiring and retaining veterans; support USPTO employees and families during times of recall to active duty; educate the USPTO community about the valuable service veterans have rendered; and cultivate a network of people and resources devoted to veterans' issues and concerns. The UMA hosts special events for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, the agency's Community Day, and many other special emphasis days and months. Additionally, the UMA meets weekly for virtual "coffee breaks" featuring guest speakers and member career stories.
Related resources
- FedsHireVets, a Veterans Services Office platform that fosters veteran recruitment and hiring
- U.S. Office of Personnel Management Vet Guide for HR Professionals
- U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran and Military Spouse Talent Engagement Program