Student Trainee (Biology)

Natural Resources Conservation Service • Palmer, AK

20h

About The Position

This Pathways Student Internship position provides paid work opportunities for students enrolled in qualifying educational institutions, from high school through graduate school. 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 designed to provide on-the-job training and exposure to one or more Natural Resources Management functions while the intern continues formal education. Training and increasing responsibility are intended to build competencies that may support conversion to a permanent professional position, subject to program requirements, available positions, and agency discretion. Interns may be reassigned or relocated to any geographical location where management determines their services are needed, and a mobility agreement may be required. Work is performed in an office and/or in the field; field and laboratory duties may require protective gear. Outdoor work may involve temperature and weather extremes. 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.
• 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.
• Plan to pursue or be pursuing 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 or higher, and provide proof of continued enrollment and good standing throughout the internship.
• Complete at least 480 hours of work experience before graduation or completion of the degree.
• Sign a Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Pass applicable background investigation and/or fingerprint adjudication, E-Verify, and suitability requirements.
• Serve a two-year trial period if applicable to the appointment type and unless previous federal service is creditable.
• Use direct deposit for federal payments.
• Possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license for the vehicle type operated in performing the duties.
• Meet the applicable education qualification at appointment: 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 or an associate degree.
• For possible conversion to a permanent position, complete mandatory training, meet performance expectations and suitability requirements, receive a recommendation for conversion, and meet the occupational series qualification requirements.

Responsibilities

• Receive training in natural resources, biological sciences, and related natural resource conservation programs.
• Gather and assemble preliminary data for conservation and natural resource plans.
• Learn the background, philosophy, concepts, scope, and organizational policies of the NRCS Soil Conservation Management Programs.
• 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 appropriate.
• Receive assignments in various Soil Conservation and Biological Sciences functions according to the Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Complete formal and on-the-job training in applicable Office of Personnel Management, Department of Agriculture, and NRCS policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Receive instruction in personal computer use and file and data management.
• Progress to more demanding assignments as training advances and proficiency is demonstrated.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) may be provided in addition to salary.
• 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