Student Trainee (Biology)

Natural Resources Conservation Service • Berlin, VT

20h

About The Position

This Pathways Student Internship offers paid work opportunities to students enrolled in qualifying educational institutions. The intern receives intensive, specialized training in natural resources and biological sciences and related conservation programs, while gaining practical experience with the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Soil Conservation Management Programs and organizational policies.

Assignments are developmental and coordinated with formal education. The intern receives on-the-job and formal training in natural resource management, soil conservation, biological sciences, and related policies, regulations, procedures, and program functions. As proficiency grows, assignments become more demanding and provide experience across a variety of activities. The internship is intended to build competencies that may support conversion to a permanent professional position, subject to program requirements, agency discretion, and position availability.

The position is performed in an office and/or in the field and is eligible for telework as determined by agency policy. Interns may be reassigned or relocated to locations where their services are needed, and a mobility agreement may be required.

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.
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an accredited qualifying educational institution and take at least a half-time academic course load leading to a degree or certificate.
• Pursue or plan to pursue a certificate or degree in a field related to the internship, such as biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Maintain good academic standing, defined by the agency as a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Complete at least 480 hours of work experience before completing the degree.
• Sign a Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Meet the applicable education qualification by appointment: 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.
• If qualifying based on education, submit transcripts documenting coursework, credit hours, and grades; official transcripts are required before entering on duty if selected.
• Successfully pass required background adjudication and/or fingerprint checks and E-Verify employment verification.
• Have and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license for the type of vehicle operated in performing the duties.
• Meet Pathways program requirements throughout the appointment, including continued enrollment and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
• Complete mandatory training, meet performance expectations and suitability requirements, and meet the qualification requirements of the associated occupational series to be eligible for possible conversion.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant study in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Ability to provide appropriate course syllabi or detailed course descriptions when coursework is not clearly qualifying.

Responsibilities

• Receive training in natural resources, biological sciences, and related natural resource conservation programs.
• Assist in gathering and assembling preliminary data for conservation and natural resource plans.
• 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 conservation practices.
• Operate rods, chains, or other specialized instruments to lay out simple practices, as assigned.
• Complete scheduled assignments in Soil Conservation and Biological Sciences functions under the Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Receive formal and on-the-job training in applicable Office of Personnel Management, Department of Agriculture, and Natural Resources Conservation Service policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Learn to use personal computers and manage files and data.

Benefits

• A federal employee benefits package is available; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• 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