Obama’s transition team is moving ahead to make key executive appointments but there is a whole slew of other, maybe not quite as prestigious, but important positions that will open up as result of the new administration.

If you are considering a move to serve your country, go take a look at the “Plum Book“, just released yesterday which is compendium of positions that will come about as the Bush administration leaves office. (Why do they call it Plum, are they all plum jobs?) If the potential of working within HHS gets you excited, here is the listing (caution PDF) from that Department.  The Washington Post also offers some guidance and caution to would be job seekers.

On a personal note, arguably the most rewarding job I have had in my career (besides this one) was serving as a policy wonk within the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs for the Commonwealth of MA. While the political compromises that are sometimes made can be deeply frustrating, the ability to influence/direct policy and legislation is deeply gratifying, especially when you see the results of your work still having an impact many years later.