Governor Shapiro Takes Bold Steps to Fill Public Service Vacancies in Pennsylvania

by Mandy Morgan March 6, 2025

So, we’re based in Pennsylvania (Amish Country, specifically), so we some good news for a change.

In a strategic move to strengthen Pennsylvania’s public workforce, Governor Josh Shapiro has signed Executive Order 2025-01, aimed at streamlining hiring processes and attracting skilled federal employees to fill critical vacancies across the state. With 5,600 job openings in the Commonwealth workforce, this order is a major push to recruit experienced federal employees and ensure Pennsylvanians receive efficient and effective services.

What This Executive Order Means

Pennsylvania has long struggled with filling key government positions, particularly in high-demand fields such as civil engineering, nursing, corrections, and accounting. To address this, Governor Shapiro’s new directive ensures that federal work experience will be recognized as equivalent to state experience, making it easier for qualified federal employees to transition into Pennsylvania’s workforce.

Additionally, the Shapiro Administration is launching an aggressive hiring campaign, including:
✅ A new website with clear job pathways for federal employees.
✅ Virtual and in-person job fairs to connect job seekers with state agencies.
✅ A faster and more streamlined hiring process to reduce wait times and boost recruitment.

This initiative builds on previous efforts by the Shapiro Administration to modernize hiring, including eliminating college degree requirements for most state jobs and reducing hiring times by 32%.

Why It Matters

This order couldn’t come at a better time. With recent federal layoffs, many skilled professionals are seeking new opportunities. Pennsylvania, home to over 104,000 federal employees, now has a competitive advantage by providing a clear, fast-tracked pathway for them to transition into state government jobs.

Moreover, Governor Shapiro has expressed strong support for the Civil Service Modernization Act (CSMA), a legislative proposal aimed at updating Pennsylvania’s 84-year-old hiring laws. If passed, CSMA would:
🔹 Speed up hiring by reducing bureaucratic delays.
🔹 Expand opportunities for internal promotions and individuals with disabilities.
🔹 Ease residency requirements, making it easier for out-of-state professionals to apply.
🔹 Maintain veterans’ hiring preferences, ensuring they receive selection priority.

What’s Next?

With this executive order and pending legislation, Pennsylvania is making a bold push to strengthen its workforce, fill critical vacancies, and enhance public services. Job seekers—especially those with federal experience—should take advantage of this historic opportunity.

🚀 Looking for your next job? Check out our other job resources to explore even more opportunities in Pennsylvania’s growing public sector!

And check out our other job board listings here.

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