Originally Posted by: scottyd27 
Originally Posted by: federalgovtjobseeker 
Originally Posted by: brian76 
I submitted my application, the closest location is about an hour from me. Lol. Good luck everybody!
That distance isn’t terrible if you want the job. The closest office when I applied to be an RO was 2.5 hours away so if it’s what you want to do, go for it. Good luck!
My first POD was 2 hours away. I made it work for 18 months until I could transfer.
Yes, in my experience as a former RO, there are a lot of transfer opportunities once you're in. Especially for entry-level 7/9 positions. Some of the new hires will decide it's not for them, or transfer, creating opportunities. Also, back when I was an RO, (a little over 10 years ago), if you found someone who worked at your desired location who wanted to transfer to yours, you could switch ( I don't remember the administrative name but it was possible). The reason I know is because another RO in another office contacted me to switch but I wasn't willing at that time.
I'm thinking of returning to the RO grind... I worked in a couple of agencies after the IRS and they are not as organized/formal/strict as the IRS. Once you get used to that it's hard to not expect it from other agencies. Becoming an RO is not only an employment opportunity but it also makes you more independent, (you are going to be at the field or working from home, away from your office a lot), organized, goal oriented, professional, aware of where you are/where you go, keeps you on your toes, act according to the updated changes on the IRM, etc.
Knowing that the journeyman level has been increased to GS-11 as RAs is a good incentive also. Especially if you have been at that level or higher and are coming back. It's about time.
As many of the experienced RO's are saying on this thread, this is a position that doesn't hire every year and they hire through these mass hiring announcements, so if you're interested apply or you won't have a chance in a while. When I started, many new ROs were from other cities and eventually found their way back to the office of their choice, just like the experienced ROs stated there, within a year or two of being hired.
Good luck to everyone and my Thanks to the RO veterans who are coming in here and providing feedback/information. In my experience as a former RO, the knowledge and mentoring of the more experienced ROs was fundamental to development, especially in this position.