The SES includes most managerial,
supervisory, and policy positions classified above General Schedule (GS)
grade 15 or equivalent positions in the Executive Branch of the Federal
Government.
These positions are excluded:
positions requiring appointment
by the President with Senate confirmation;
legislative and judicial branch
positions;
positions in law enforcement
and intelligence gathering agencies, in the Foreign Service, and in
other agencies excluded by statute or by the President.
Administrative law judges, members
of boards of contract appeal, and positions in independent Government
corporations (e.g., Tennessee Valley Authority) and in certain financial
regulatory agencies also are excluded.
Size
There is no statutory limitation on the number of positions; however,
the law requires that OPM allocate SES spaces biennially to agencies based
on their program needs and current utilization of spaces. Agencies can
establish positions within their allocation without further OPM approval.
The number of permanent positions allocated for FY 2002/2003 is 7676.
