Hiring and Application Process

If you’re an individual with a disability, you may apply and compete for any job for which you are eligible and meet the qualifications, but you may also be hired under a special hiring authority called Schedule A. If you’re a disabled veteran, you may also be eligible for veterans’ hiring authorities. Regardless of how you apply, NASA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for the job application or interview process to permit an individual with a disability to be considered for a job. Reasonable accommodations during the hiring process can take many forms, including providing written materials in accessible formats, such as large print or braille; providing sign language interpreters and ensuring that components of the application process are held in accessible locations or platforms.

Schedule A Hiring Authority

If you’re an individual with a disability, you may apply and compete for any job for which you are eligible and meet the qualifications, but you may also be hired under a special hiring authority. Federal agencies can use the Schedule A Hiring Authority to hire individuals with disabilities. View this video for more information.  

What is the Schedule A Authority? 
“Schedule A” is a special hiring authority that gives federal agencies an optional, and potentially
quicker, way to hire individuals with disabilities. Applying under Schedule A is an exception to the traditional competitive hiring process. You can apply for jobs under Schedule A if you are a person with an intellectual disability, a severe physical disability or a psychiatric disability. 

Am I eligible for appointment under Schedule A? 
To be eligible under Schedule A, you must provide a “proof of disability” letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability or psychiatric disability. The letter must be from a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any federal, state or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits. 

Applying using Schedule A can be a great way to get a federal job. However, federal agencies
hire people using many options, so applying under Schedule A does not guarantee you a job. 

How do I apply for appointment under the Schedule A authority at NASA? 
You may apply to NASA vacancy announcements which are open to individuals eligible for Schedule A appointments. When you apply, you will be asked if you are Schedule A eligible, and will be required to submit supporting documentation of a Schedule A Letter.

Review current NASA jobs open to Schedule A eligible here. 

Reasonable Accommodations and Services

NASA is committed to providing timely and effective reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. The accommodation should make it easier for the employee to successfully perform the duties of the role, such as providing sign language interpreters or flexible work schedules or telework options. All 10 NASA centers have designated Disability Program Managers to process reasonable accommodations requests and provide technical assistance to employees, interns, and supervisors in this area. 

NASA also provides Personal Assistance Services (PAS) to individuals who need them because of certain disabilities. PAS are services that help individuals who, because of targeted disabilities, require assistance to perform basic activities of daily living, like eating or using the restrooms.

Other Benefits

We believe if you take care of the people, they will take care of the mission. We offer fantastic benefits, like health insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, and a generous leave program, including paid holidays, paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time.  

Employee Spotlights

Spotlight: Meet Dana Bolles, External Information Technology Lead, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters.

Spotlight:  Meet Loria West, a program analyst in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. She came to work at NASA as a summer college student. 

Additional Resources 

For more information, visit USAJOB’s webpage on individuals with a disability or the Equal Opportunity Commission’s “Tips for Applicants with Disabilities Applying for Federal Jobs”.