Student Trainee (Agronomist)

Natural Resources Conservation Service • Colfax, WA

7d

About The Position

This Pathways student internship provides paid, career-oriented work experience in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Agronomy Management Programs. The intern is introduced to the programs’ background, philosophy, concepts, scope, and organizational policies while receiving formal and on-the-job training in agronomy and biological sciences functions. Assignments are developmental and intended to build competencies that may support conversion to a permanent professional position, subject to program requirements, agency discretion, and position availability.

The intern assists with site and condition surveys, provides technical guidance to landowners and operators on conservation practices, and helps plan or conduct meetings to help customers understand conservation problems. Work assignments and training progress in responsibility as proficiency is demonstrated. Training includes agency policies, rules, regulations, procedures, personal computer use, and file and data management.

The position is open to eligible students enrolled or accepted for enrollment at least half-time in a qualifying educational institution and pursuing a relevant certificate or degree. Continued enrollment and good academic standing are required throughout the appointment. The position is eligible for telework as determined by agency policy; fieldwork and office work may both be required. 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 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.
• Pass satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Have and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license for the type of vehicle operated for the duties.
• Meet the education requirement for the appointment grade: GS-02 requires high school completion or GED; GS-03 requires one full academic year of post-high-school study; GS-04 requires two full academic years of post-high-school study.
• Provide transcripts if qualifying based on education; transcripts must show course information and grades, and foreign education must include accepted equivalency documentation and English translation.
• Continue to meet Pathways requirements throughout the appointment, including continued enrollment and a GPA of at least 2.5 each semester or grading period.
• Complete mandatory training, meet performance and suitability requirements, and meet the applicable occupational-series qualification requirements to be eligible for conversion.
• Serve a two-year trial period if required by appointment type, unless prior federal service is creditable.
• Be prepared for reassignment or relocation to a geographic location where management determines services are needed; a mobility agreement may be required.
• Wear proper personal protective equipment for fieldwork.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant education in agronomy or a related science discipline covering plant breeding, crop production, soil and crop management, or other natural resource-related subjects.
• Commitment to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passion for the ideals of the American republic, and commitment to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Assist with site and condition surveys.
• Assist in providing technical guidance to landowners and operators on conservation practices, including cropping systems, nutrient, pest, tillage, and irrigation management.
• Assist with planning or conducting meetings to help customers better understand their conservation problems.
• Complete developmental assignments and on-the-job training in agronomy and biological sciences program functions.
• Receive and apply training in OPM, Department of Agriculture, and NRCS policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Learn to use personal computers and manage files and data.
• Complete assignments in various Agronomy and Biological Sciences functions according to the Pathways Participant Agreement.

Benefits

• A federal employee benefits package is available to eligible employees; 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