Student Intern - Soil Conservation

Natural Resources Conservation Service • Davenport, IA

11h

About The Position

This Pathways student internship provides paid work opportunities to students enrolled in qualifying educational institutions and introduces them to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Conservation Management Programs. The intern learns the background, philosophy, concepts, scope, and policies of the organization through work assignments, formal instruction, and on-the-job training. Assignments are developmental and are intended to build competencies that may support conversion to a permanent professional position in Soil Conservation, subject to program requirements and agency discretion.

The intern assists with program and conservation planning for soil and water practices, including terraces, diversions, waterways, and farm drainage systems. Training includes surveying and staking construction sites, potentially using rods, chains, and other specialized instruments to lay out simple practices. Work assignments introduce one or more functions in Soil Conservation and Biological Sciences and become more demanding as proficiency develops. The intern also receives instruction in agency policies and procedures, personal-computer use, and file and data management.

The position requires continued eligibility under the Pathways Program, including enrollment and good academic standing. Work may involve field conditions and physical exertion. Telework eligibility is determined by agency policy. Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• If male and born after December 31, 1959, be registered with Selective Service or be exempt.
• Maintain good academic standing, defined by the agency as a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Complete at least 480 hours of work experience before completing the degree.
• Be enrolled at least half-time at a qualifying educational institution and pursue a relevant certificate or degree.
• Sign a Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Satisfactorily pass applicable background investigation and/or fingerprint checks, and pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Have a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the type of vehicle operated in performing the duties.
• Remain enrolled and in good academic standing throughout the internship and provide proof as required.
• Meet the applicable student-intern eligibility and position education requirements by appointment. Qualifying education ranges from high school completion or GED for GS-02, one full academic year of post-high-school study for GS-03, and two full academic years for GS-04.
• For potential conversion to the Soil Conservation Series, meet its qualification requirements, including the specified natural-resource or agricultural education and coursework, as applicable.
• Submit transcripts and any required foreign-education equivalency documentation when applicable.
• Serve a two-year trial period if required for the appointment type, unless previous federal service is creditable.
• Be willing to be reassigned or relocated to a location where management determines services are needed; a mobility agreement may be required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with program and conservation planning for soil and water practices such as terraces, diversions, waterways, and farm drainage systems.
• Learn to perform surveys and set construction stakes for a variety of conservation practices.
• May operate rods, chains, or other specialized instruments to lay out simple practices.
• Participate in scheduled assignments across Soil Conservation and Biological Sciences functions under the Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Receive formal and on-the-job training in relevant principles, concepts, work processes, regulations, and USDA and NRCS policies and procedures.
• Learn to use personal computers and manage files and data.

Benefits

• A federal employee benefits package is available; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED