Pros
Good reputation for job security, prestigious or respected government agency, opportunities for career growth, opportunities to increase earning potential. Reputation for having great retirement plan and pension.
Cons
All the listed pros are a lie! They may have been true prior to 2008 when the housing market tanked, and caused the economic downfall. After 2009 the government enacted a pay freeze (cost of living adjustment) as well as a hiring freeze, and also massive annual budget cuts that inhibited the agency to operate efficiently. The budget cuts even resulted in tuition assistamce programs being eliminated, workforce reduction and job eliminations, and a government shutdown down where employees were furloughed for 2-3 weeks without pay.