Student Trainee (Biology)

Natural Resources Conservation Service • Des Moines, IA

23h

About The Position

This Pathways Student Internship provides paid work opportunities for students enrolled in qualifying educational institutions. The intern receives intensive, specialized training in natural resources and biological sciences and related conservation programs, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Soil Conservation Management Programs. Assignments are developmental and are selected to provide on-the-job training and exposure to one or more Natural Resources Management functions. As proficiency advances, assignments become more demanding and provide experience across a variety of activities. In conjunction with formal education, the internship is intended to build competencies that may support conversion to a permanent professional position in Natural Resources Management. Conversion is not guaranteed and depends on meeting program and qualification requirements and the availability of a position.

The position provides formal and on-the-job training in applicable agency policies, rules, regulations, procedures, work processes, and functional areas. The intern is also instructed in personal computer use and file and data management. Work may be performed in an office and/or in the field. The position is eligible for telework as determined by agency policy. Interns may be reassigned or relocated to any geographical location where management determines their services are needed; a mobility agreement may be required.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an accredited qualifying educational institution, taking at least a half-time academic course load leading to a degree or certificate related to the internship.
• Maintain good academic standing as defined by the agency, including a minimum GPA of 2.5, and provide proof of continued enrollment and standing as required.
• Complete at least 480 hours of work experience before completing the degree.
• Sign a Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Pass satisfactory background investigation and/or fingerprint adjudication, and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license for the type of vehicle operated in performing the duties.
• Meet the education requirement for the applicable grade: GS-02 requires high school completion or a 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.
• Submit transcripts when qualifying based on education; foreign education must include the required equivalency verification and English translation.
• Meet all applicable Pathways program requirements throughout the appointment; conversion eligibility also requires satisfactory completion of training, performance expectations, suitability requirements, and the associated occupational series qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Receive training in natural resources, biological sciences, and related natural resource conservation programs.
• Assist in gathering and assembling preliminary data used to develop and apply conservation and natural resource plans.
• Learn about the background, philosophy, concepts, and scope of NRCS Soil Conservation Management Programs and the employing organization’s policies.
• Assist with program and conservation planning for soil and water practices, including terraces, diversions, waterways, and farm drainage systems.
• Learn to perform surveys and set construction stakes for various practices; operate rods, chains, or other specialized instruments to lay out simple practices as assigned.
• Receive assignments in Soil Conservation and Biological Sciences functions in accordance with the Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Complete formal and on-the-job training in applicable OPM, Department of Agriculture, and NRCS policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Learn to use personal computers and manage files and data.
• Complete at least 480 hours of work experience before completing the degree and satisfy mandatory Pathways training and performance requirements.

Benefits

• A federal employee benefits package is available, subject to eligibility based on appointment type and work schedule.
• 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