Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., and Ranking Member Susan Collins, R-Me., Wednesday announced publication of the “Plum Book,” which is published every four years and lists the top jobs in the Executive Branch.
This year’s book lists over 7,000 senior level and support positions that may be subject to noncompetitive appointment. Over 4,000 of these positions were, in fact, noncompetitively filled with political appointees as of September 1, 2008. Of those, over 1,100 required Senate confirmation. The remaining 3,000 represent positions that have been filled competitively by senior career civil servants even though the positions themselves could be filled noncompetitively.
“We are pleased to announce publication of this important government resource,” Lieberman and Collins said in a joint statement. “The Plum Book is essential reading for anyone interested in pursuing public service in the Executive Branch of government.”
The volume may be accessed online at www.gpoaccess.gov/plumbook. The Government Printing Office (GPO) also will sell hard copies of the book.
Formally known as the “United States Government Policy and Supporting Positions,” the book’s contents are compiled by all federal agencies through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), with formatting, publishing, and distribution assistance from GPO. It has traditionally been known as the “Plum Book” because it lists the best jobs in the Executive Branch. It was first published in 1952, during the Eisenhower Administration, as a resource for members of Congress and has been published every four years since.
Sponsorship of the publication alternates every four years between the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.