Hiring Displaced Federal Workers

This page provides information on the hiring initiative for recently displaced federal employees who live in Montgomery County.

The hiring initiative for displaced federal workers was established by County Council Bill 10-25E, which was signed into law on July 24, 2025. On October 7, 2025, the County Council then approved updates to the Montgomery County Personnel Regulations (MCPR) to operationalize the hiring initiative with an effective date of October 10, 2025.

A displaced federal employee is defined as a former federal employee who:

  • resides in Montgomery County, and
  • received a notification of personnel action from the federal government that separated the individual from federal employment on or after January 1, 2025, in which the reason for separation is that the individual’s federal position was no longer needed, or that the individual was subject to a federal reduction in force.

As part of the job application process, displaced federal employees will answer a few questions on the application to confirm their eligibility and attach the required documents to (1) verify Montgomery County residency and (2) verify they have already been separated from their position in a federal agency.

If you wish to claim eligibility for the hiring initiative for displaced federal employees, you must answer the supplemental online questions as part of your application and attach the official notification document from the federal government that separated you from your position. If you also meet the minimum qualifications for the position, you will be placed in the highest rating category on the eligible list for consideration for an interview. Please email the Office of Human Resources at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Does this hiring initiative extend to federal contractors?

    This hiring initiative only applies to displaced federal employees. Federal contractors are not eligible for this hiring initiative.

  2. Does this hiring initiative guarantee a displaced federal employee an interview with a hiring official?

    This hiring initiative places a displaced federal employee into the highest rating category on the eligible list, increasing the likelihood of a first-round interview. It does not guarantee a first-round interview.

  3. Am I eligible for this initiative if I am still working for the federal government?

    This initiative is only available to residents who have already been separated from their federal government position. You are only eligible for this initiative if you have been fully separated from your federal government position.

  4. I’ve received notice of a future separation date from the federal government. Do I have to wait until I am fully separated before claiming eligibility for this initiative?

    Yes, you are only eligible for this initiative after you have been fully separated from your federal government position.

  5. Am I eligible for this initiative if I resign from the federal government?

    This initiative is only available to residents who were separated from their federal government position due to their position not being needed or due to a reduction in force. One of these two reasons must be listed on the candidate’s separation notice.

  6. When will I hear back if I am getting an interview for a Montgomery County position?

    After the job posting closes, the Office of Human Resources reviews every application to verify the eligibility that a candidate is claiming. The hiring department receives its eligible list within two weeks of the job posting closing. From there, select candidates will be contacted for interview by the hiring department. All candidates can check their candidacy status at Check Application Status.

  7. I am a displaced federal employee and a veteran. Do I get double preference?

    Candidates can only claim one hiring preference. In this case, you should claim veteran status in order to receive the highest level of preference possible.

  8. I am a displaced federal employee, and I have a disability. Do I get double preference?

    Candidates can only claim one hiring preference. In this case, you should claim disability status in order to receive the highest level of preference possible.

  9. How do I show proof of residence in Montgomery County?

    Candidates will need to upload a valid government-issued ID that displays a Montgomery County address, such as a driver's license or a Maryland ID card.

  10. Are former County employees eligible for this hiring initiative?

    This hiring initiative is only available to candidates who are new to County government. Former County employees are not eligible to receive hiring preferences.

To maximize employment opportunities, applicants are also encouraged to visit the  Careers website to view current vacancies and job qualifications for each position. For additional assistance or information, email  [email protected].