Four basic types of positions that you can get your hands on and how.
The Career Position: is the one to which most federal workers ultimately subscribe.
Career–Conditional: This position is of a probationary nature, lasting three years, after which you become eligible for a career classification.
Term: These are positions filled for a finite period of time. Generally, an agency may be given a project or research study lasting for a set period of time (one, two, three years, for example), after which a report is due.
Temporary: These positions are less than one year in length and do not carry any special privileges or benefits like health insurance. However, work well done is generally remembered.