People of a certain age might need to work to keep yourself active or earn an income. In fact, there are many terrific jobs for seniors available and some of the best jobs for older workers are with local, state and federal government agencies.

Government jobs for people over 50 abound as they recognize the value of a mature workforce and the experience seasoned workers can bring to the job.

Mediator in the Court System

Competition for mediator positions within your state court system can be fierce. Mediators make great jobs for seniors, especially if those who have a background in counseling or the law. Mediators serve as part of the judicial system and help parties come to an agreement on divorce, child custody and other legal disputes. Mediators are appointed to the position, which is why a vast network of contacts and experience will come in handy, making this one of the ideal jobs for older workers.

Requirements for mediators vary from state to state. Some states only require a Bachelor's degree while others prefer a Master's or Juris Doctor. Aspiring mediators will have to undergo about 20 hours of training. but once it's over they can work for the court system or be in business for themselves.

National Institutes of Health

The National Institutes of Health has plenty of government jobs for people over 50 through a number of initiatives and is one of the AARP's top employers for older people. The NIH participates in more than 50 job fairs a year and sends job opening notices to its own retirees, urging them to return to the workplace. The NIH also offers telecommuting options for many workers and provides equipment such as technology to help seniors with low vision. Temporary, part-time, and full-time jobs for older workers are available in areas such as science, administration and executive leadership. The benefits, like those at many federal jobs, are extensive.

Veterans Affairs Administration

Working at the Veterans Administration also ranked as one of the AARP's top jobs for older workers. Their diversity and inclusion program is designed to appeal to all workers "regardless of color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability status, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, educational background, socioeconomic status, intellectual perspective, organizational level and more."

This government agency hires seniors for temp work, on a contract basis and as full- and part-time employees. You only have to work 10 hours a week to get health and dental coverage, 401K participation and a slew of wellness benefits. You can perform office administrative duties, write newsletters, organize events or run information workshops.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has special programs devoted to recruiting older hires through its Friends Group and Services Retirees Association. You may qualify for training through the agency’s Pathways Programs and start your government service as an intern. The agency has temporary, consulting, flex, telecommuting and full-time opportunities for workers. Jobs are available in communications, event planning, or acting as a host or guide at national parks. In addition, to complete health coverage for full-time employees, the Fish and Wildlife Service allows seniors to make catch-up contributions to their 401K plans.

Proving that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is one of the best jobs for seniors, is their referral service for elder care and grandchild care. They are open to working with older staff members if they need to take time off, either paid or unpaid, to care for family members.

How to Find Federal Jobs in the USA

Experienced people of a certain age needn't feel like there's no place for them in the current workforce. There are a variety of government jobs for people over 50, and they're not difficult to find. A good place to start is at USAJobs.gov which is a search engine listing available government job opportunities. Job seekers can also upload their resumes for those who are looking to fill open federal job positions.

Each job will list skills and experience needed and instructions for applying, and many of them are open to hiring people of a certain age.