The Senior Executive Service (SES) is comprised of the men and women charged with leading the continuing transformation of our government. This dedicated corps of executives shares a commitment to public service and a set of democratic values grounded in the fundamental ideals of the Constitution.

Senior Executive Service (SES): The SES is comprised of the men and women charged with leading the continuing transformation of our government. Positions in the executive branch are classified above GS-15, and are responsible for executive, managerial, supervisory and/or policy functions.

Senior Level (SL): The Senior Level (SL) system includes any position that is classifiable above the GS-15 level that does not meet the executive criteria characteristic of the SES nor involve the fundamental research and development responsibilities characteristic of the Scientific/Professional (ST) system. 

Candidates can apply directly to a federal agency for a specific SES position, or they may apply for an SES Candidate Development Program, which can lead to eligibility for a career appointment to an SES position without further competition.

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