Careers

The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), one of the world’s largest and most experienced real estate developers, provides safe, secure, functional, and resilient facilities that represent the U.S. government to the host nation. The bureau sets worldwide priorities and allocates the resources for acquiring, designing, constructing, operating, maintaining, leasing, or disposing of U.S. diplomatic properties around the world.  

With a $75B portfolio and more than 280 locations throughout the world, OBO’s workforce and its facilities are dedicated to representing American values and the best in American architecture, design, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution. 

OBO’s Foreign Service Specialists, Civil Service professionals, and Personal Services contractors contribute their knowledge and experience in everything from architecture and engineering to real estate planning, safety, health security, and interior design to the mission, as they serve with integrity and professionalism.    

Consider a public service career with us, either in the United States or abroad, and contribute your different perspectives, life experiences, and innovative thinking as you collaborate with colleagues throughout the world.  Our opportunities provide for leading and managing intellectually challenging projects, while connecting with global communities, communicating U.S. foreign policy, and having a positive impact on the economic, social, and environmental locations where we serve. 

Everyone working for the U.S. Department of State contributes to advancing U.S. interests and implementing foreign policy. Each day, our employees make a difference as they contribute to our global society and defend and advance our country’s interests and values. We work on the business of diplomacy and high-priority issues that affect our world – human rights, environment, energy, food security, public health, and technology – all while experiencing a unique career. 

*Visit USAJOBS to search for all opportunities that are currently open for application. 

Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) are individuals who contract with OBO to establish an employer-employee relationship. The individual is a direct-hire, although OBO’s PSCs are legally not U.S. Government (USG) employees for the purpose of any laws the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) administers.  Learn more about the U.S. Department of State’s PSCs in the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM). 

All OBO PSC positions are posted on Monster.com.

OBO offers professional opportunities in the specialized fields of construction engineering and facility management at more than 280 posts abroad, in Washington, D.C., or other locations throughout the United States. 

OBO hires Facility Managers and Construction Engineers who manage different aspects of U.S. diplomatic facilities worldwide. Facility Management professionals are responsible for all facilities operations and management and project management and serve as the technical facilities experts abroad. Construction Engineers manage all aspects of new construction and major renovations.  

As part of a comprehensive benefits package, you will receive paid housing or a housing allowance and paid education for dependent children in K-12 when serving overseas, health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, generous paid leave, a federal pension, and matching 401K contributions. This rewarding career path requires promotions to higher grades with increased pay and offers an unprecedented opportunity to experience the world and engage with different cultures.  

Foreign Service assignments overseas are typically two or three years in length.   

Visit OBO’s Career Page.

OBO participates in several of the U.S. Department of State internship and fellowship programs, including the Virtual Student Federal Service internship, Spring, Summer, and Fall Internships, and the Pathways Programs. 

Join Our Talent Network if you want to stay connected and learn about additional opportunities at OBO and when positions are open for application. 

For the most up-to-date information and opportunities, follow us on Social Media #StateOBO