Student Trainee (Forestry)

Natural Resources Conservation Service • London, KY

1d

About The Position

This Pathways Student Internship provides paid work opportunities for students enrolled at qualifying educational institutions, from high school through graduate level. The intern receives intensive, specialized training in forestry and related natural resource conservation programs, along with formal and on-the-job instruction in applicable federal, Department of Agriculture, and Natural Resources Conservation Service policies, procedures, and regulations. Assignments provide practical experience in forestry and biological sciences functions and are selected to provide exposure to one or more program areas. The position introduces interns to the background, philosophy, concepts, and scope of NRCS Forestry Management Programs and the policies of the employing organization. Training also includes personal computer use and file and data management.

The internship requires continued qualifying enrollment and good academic standing throughout the appointment. Students may be eligible for conversion to a permanent or other federal appointment after completing program requirements, but conversion is not guaranteed. The position may include reassignment or relocation to locations where management determines services are needed. Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. The position is eligible for telework as determined by agency policy.

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 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.
• Be subject to satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Serve a two-year trial period if applicable to the appointment type, unless previous federal service is creditable.
• Meet the federal direct-deposit requirement and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the vehicle type(s) used in 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.
• Provide transcripts and, when needed, supporting course descriptions or syllabi to document education qualifications.
• Continue meeting Pathways requirements throughout the appointment, including continued enrollment and a GPA of at least 2.5 each semester or grading period.
• Meet applicable Forestry Series GS-0460 education requirements for conversion, including the specified forestry or related coursework, if seeking conversion.

Responsibilities

• Receive intensive and specialized training in forestry and related natural resource conservation programs.
• Assist with program and conservation planning for forestry practices, including woodland, windbreak, visual resource management, and recreation activity.
• Assist in gathering and assembling preliminary data for developing and applying conservation plans.
• Complete scheduled assignments in various Forestry and Biological Sciences functions under the Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Receive 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.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; eligibility depends on position type and employment status.
• 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