Finding A Job As A Veteran In Pennsylvania: New Opportunities And Initiatives

For veterans in Pennsylvania looking to transition into civilian careers, a variety of initiatives are underway to help connect them with meaningful employment. From legislative efforts to executive action, Pennsylvania is prioritizing its veterans and ensuring their skills and experiences are recognized in the job market.

One of the latest efforts includes a public hearing hosted by the Senate Majority Policy Committee on March 18 in Glenfield. The hearing focused on strategies to better integrate veterans into the workforce by bringing together nonprofits, unions, and government officials to discuss new opportunities and services. Brig. Gen. Mark Goodwill, Director, Joint Staff, Pennsylvania National Guard was a panelist at the hearing. Senator Devlin Robinson emphasized the importance of supporting veterans' physical, emotional, and economic well-being, while Senator Dave Argall stressed the need to connect veterans with career pathways that match their expertise.

Governor Josh Shapiro has also taken steps to make it easier for federal employees, including veterans, to transition into state employment. Through Executive Order 2025-01, Pennsylvania now recognizes federal work experience—including military service—as equivalent to state experience in hiring decisions.

As part of this initiative, the state is developing a new website designed to support former federal employees in navigating Pennsylvania’s hiring process. This resource will provide an overview of the state’s application system, explain the differences between civil service and non-civil service jobs, highlight the benefits of working for the Commonwealth, and list 23 high-priority, hard-to-fill state positions alongside their federal equivalents. Additionally, the site will include tailored information for veterans and military service members, along with direct access to recruiter contacts for further support.

Beyond the website, Pennsylvania has also hosted job fairs to connect federal employees and veterans with potential employers and has streamlined hiring processes to reduce wait times. These efforts aim to make the transition into state employment as seamless as possible, ensuring that experienced professionals can continue serving their communities in meaningful roles.