What do you do if you are killing too much time on the job?

I am employeed at local government. I've been there less than 3 months, and they haven't really given me anything to do, and I am killing too much time at my desk.
They have given me one programming assignment, and its due date is coming up, and I am ok with that, but other than that nothing much at all.
Is it still too early to be concerned about lack of work? Do they think I can't do the work and are not giving me work, or am I still getting breathing room?
I know gov tends to be slow paced, but I think I am overly slow paced. I am not sure how to bring this up to my supervisor. Please offer your advice. Thanks.

Lady G:
Do you mean that you actually do get-paid survey at work? That sounds highly productive, and I am with on making little extra cash, but they can track your Internet use at work.

The system is like that from ages long !.The term redtapism emerged from Government departments !
Please try to enjoy your work !!

If you want to be promoted and move up at all (if it is possible in your position), yes I'd say bring it up to the supervisor. There is nothing better than having a motivated employee and hopefully showing that will be beneficial to you in the future.

If you don't care for promotions etc. why not just enjoy the off-time?

Well I am in the same situation. I subscribed to survey sites that pay you for taking surveys online, so at least i'm ocuppied with "something". But I hear you. You are talented enough to be doing important, productive things. I'll tell you what I also did. I signed up for college, online! I will be able to study while at my desk and even take online courses. But do offer yourself to your boss. use phrases like " I noticed there were some files that can use "blank". If you need "blank" I can help you out. if all fails anwser other peoples q's..like me : )

i wish i had yours, or lady G's job!!!

:(

enjoy it!
gov job doing nothing and getting paid an exceptional rate is where its at i'd say!!!

You could ask for a promotion or you could do what most people do: get a new job.

According to you have one asignment at hand. If you are capable as you said, make sure you submit it to your superiors( the one assigned you). When the work is evaluated and proved to be okay, for sure you will be assigned another job. But again, you ought to approach your superior and ask if there is a job you can perform to justify your pay. I am sure in the very short time possible you will be assigned more job than probably your ability to perform them.

Definitely rethink your job security, performance expectations, office dynamics.

You were hired to fill a position, perhaps your employer overstated the need for you or underestimates your potential. But most definitely do not wait for someone else to find work for you to do. Be Proactive or be unemployed. Supervisors juggle alot of tasks, training you is probably pretty low on their To-Do list.

Indicate your interest in learning more, become an active listener to the tasks around you. Communicate with your supervisor regarding tasks for you - be careful to not take too much direction from co-workers. They aren't writing your performance evaluation and have very personal, selfish reasons to give you work.

3 months is sufficient time for you to be actively involved in everyday tasks. Consider asking for more professional training courses to fill the time, assisting someone else within your department,etc..

Good luck.