Become the Chief Actuary for the Department of Labor

In the complex world of American finance and labor regulation, few roles are as critical to the security of the workforce as the Chief Actuary at the Department of Labor (DOL). As the primary advisor for the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping how the United States handles retirement, pension, and health benefits. This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned professional to influence national policy at the highest levels of government.

Job Responsibilities

As the Chief Actuary, your duties will be multifaceted and high-impact:

Principal Advisory Role: Serve as the senior actuarial voice for the Assistant Secretary and other high-ranking officials.
Policy Shaping: Analyze the implications of legislative and regulatory proposals on national benefit systems.
Technical Oversight: Lead actuarial research, direct technical consultations, and ensure the defensibility of agency products.
Strategic Communication: Present complex data clearly to Congressional committees, industry leaders, and the public.
Leadership: Manage a dedicated staff of actuaries and professionals, ensuring that the agency meets its ambitious programmatic objectives.

Requirements & Qualifications

To be considered for this prestigious position, candidates must meet specific professional and educational criteria:

Requirement Type	Criteria
Education	Bachelor’s degree (24+ semester hours in actuarial science, math, stats, etc.)
Math Core	12 semester hours of calculus-based mathematics
Experience	1+ year of specialized experience at GS-15 level or equivalent
Documentation	2-page limit on resume; transcripts required

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $151,661 to $209,600 per year. Beyond the competitive base pay, the federal government offers a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement Security: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System and a Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
Work-Life Balance: Telework options, generous vacation time, and federal holidays.

Application Tips

Because this is a competitive senior executive service-style role, your application must be precise.

Respect the Limits: The two-page resume limit is non-negotiable.
Evidence Matters: Instead of just listing titles, quantify your impact. Ensure your resume highlights the specific Technical Qualifications (TQs) requested.
Stay Timely: Submit well before the closing date. Use the USAJOBS system to verify your application status regularly.

Serving as the Chief Actuary at the Department of Labor is more than a job; it is a chance to influence the financial security of the American worker. If you have the expert proficiency in risk analysis and the passion for public service, we invite you to apply.

Why This Chief Actuary Job Matters

Shape the future of American worker protection as the Department of Labor’s Chief Actuary.

Chief Actuary Job Overview

The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) within the U.S. Department of Labor is seeking a distinguished Chief Actuary to serve as the agency’s principal technical advisor. This high-level leadership role influences national policy regarding pension, retirement, health, and welfare benefit systems. The selected candidate will direct complex actuarial research, oversee regulatory impact analyses, and provide expert guidance to senior government officials, including Congress and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This is a critical role for a seasoned professional looking to make a lasting impact on the security of employee benefit plans across the nation.

Requirements for Chief Actuary

U.S. Citizenship.
Must meet the basic education requirement: A Bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester hours in actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, business, finance, economics, insurance, or computer science.
Education must include at least 12 semester hours of mathematics, covering differential and integral calculus.
Minimum of one year of specialized experience at or above the GS-15 grade level or equivalent.
Submission of a resume limited strictly to two pages.
Completion of a successful background investigation.
Submission of required documentation, including transcripts and, if applicable, military/veteran records.
Willingness to undergo drug screening as part of the onboarding process.

Preferred Qualifications for Chief Actuary

Expert-level mastery of actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, and economics as applied to employee benefit plans.
Proven ability to translate complex legislative and regulatory issues into clear, actionable briefings for non-technical stakeholders.
Deep understanding of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974.
Experience managing high-level interagency initiatives and representing an organization before professional actuarial and industry bodies.
Strong strategic thinking and executive judgment capabilities.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure ($151,661–$209,600).
✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, and dental insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework eligibility.
✓Generous paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
✓Professional development and leadership training opportunities within the Department of Labor.

💡 How to Apply Chief Actuary Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Chief Actuary Job

Create a professional account on USAJOBS.gov and upload your two-page resume and relevant transcripts.
Complete the initial application on USAJOBS by the closing date.
Submit the final application via the Department of Labor’s dedicated portal, where you will answer position-specific questions.
Ensure all supporting documents (SF-50, veteran documentation, etc.) are attached to your application package.
Verify that your submission is complete by reviewing the 'Review and Submit' status markers.
Monitor your application status through the hiring agency’s talent acquisition system.

💡 General Tips

Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit; documents exceeding this will be disqualified.
Use standard font (10-point minimum) and one-inch margins to ensure readability.
Clearly document your work history, including month/year of employment and total hours worked per week.
Focus your resume on demonstrating the Technical Qualifications (TQs) through specific professional accomplishments.
Save your work frequently during the online application process to avoid timeouts.
Submit your application well before the 11:59 PM ET deadline to account for potential technical delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a specific format for the Technical Qualifications?

No, you do not need to write a separate narrative statement. Instead, weave your accomplishments and experience directly into your two-page resume to demonstrate how you meet the TQs.

Can I submit a longer resume if I have extensive experience?

No. The agency strictly enforces a two-page limit. Any resume exceeding two pages will result in your application being deemed ineligible.

Is this a remote position?

The position is located in Washington, D.C. While it is telework-eligible, it is not listed as a fully remote role.

Job from Employee Benefits Security Administration

The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) is dedicated to ensuring the integrity of private-sector employee benefit plans. From pension funds to health insurance, EBSA protects the interests of millions of plan participants and beneficiaries. Working within the DOL, you will join a mission-driven team focused on fairness, safety, and transparency in the American workplace.