Appointments within the excepted service of the federal government, particularly those not subject to competitive examination requirements, often fall under this specific categorization. These positions frequently involve attorneys, policy advisors, or other roles requiring specialized expertise or political alignment. A hypothetical example would be a legal counsel appointed directly to an agency based on specific qualifications and experience, bypassing the standard competitive hiring process.
This hiring mechanism offers agencies flexibility in recruiting individuals with highly specialized skills or knowledge crucial for fulfilling specific agency missions. It allows agencies to respond rapidly to emerging needs and secure talent quickly, potentially bypassing lengthy competitive hiring procedures. Historically, this approach has played a significant role in shaping the composition of federal agencies, particularly in roles involving policy development and implementation.