Student Trainee (Engineering)

Natural Resources Conservation Service • San Juan, PR

1d

About The Position

This Pathways student internship provides paid work opportunities to students enrolled at least half-time in a qualifying educational institution and pursuing education related to the internship. The position supports engineering and conservation work through field surveying, data processing, project evaluation, and construction inspection. The role may be eligible for noncompetitive conversion to a permanent position if program requirements are met and a position is available; conversion is not guaranteed. The full-performance level of a position following conversion may be GS-09. The position is eligible for telework as determined by agency policy, and interns may be reassigned or relocated to locations where management determines their services are needed. Recruitment and relocation incentives may be offered.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Maintain good academic standing, defined as a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Complete at least 480 hours of work experience before completing the degree.
• Be enrolled at least half-time at a qualifying educational institution and continue to meet Pathways Program requirements throughout the appointment.
• Sign a Pathways participant agreement.
• Pass satisfactory background investigation and/or fingerprint adjudication, E-Verify employment verification, and any required suitability review.
• Possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the type of vehicle operated for the job.
• Be fluent in speaking, writing, and reading English and Spanish.
• Meet the applicable education requirement at 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.
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited qualifying educational institution, taking at least a half-time course load leading to a degree or certificate, and pursuing a certificate or degree in a field related to the internship.
• For conversion to an engineering position in the GS-0810/0890 series, meet the applicable engineering education qualification requirements, including the specified engineering degree or coursework requirements.
• Complete required Pathways training, meet performance and suitability expectations, and receive a recommendation for conversion if seeking conversion.
• Serve a two-year trial period if applicable to the appointment type, unless previous federal service is creditable.

Responsibilities

• Perform survey work to develop topographic, cross-section, profile, and other survey information for use by a professional engineer.
• Operate and receive training on engineering instruments, including an engineer's level, hand level, laser level, total station, data collector, and GPS.
• Use a personal computer to process and organize data, type design reports, estimate costs, calculate material quantities, and perform simple hydrology and hydraulic calculations.
• Assist with construction inspection and layout for conservation structures to ensure adherence to plans and specifications.
• Assist technicians in evaluating the needs and feasibility of proposed conservation projects.

Benefits

• Cost-of-living allowance (COLA) may be provided in addition to salary.
• Post allowance may be provided in addition to salary.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

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