Student Trainee (Forestry)

Natural Resources Conservation Service • Hamilton Square, NJ

3d

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 forestry and related natural resource conservation programs, including forestry and biological sciences functions. Training includes the principles, concepts, work processes, and regulations of functional areas, as well as federal, Department of Agriculture, and Natural Resources Conservation Service policies and procedures.

The position offers practical exposure to NRCS forestry management programs and conservation planning. Assignments are made across program functions in accordance with the Pathways Participant Agreement and are intended to provide on-the-job training. The intern is instructed in the use of personal computers and file and data management. Work may involve field sites and physical activity on rough terrain; protective equipment is required at project sites. Telework eligibility is determined by agency policy. Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or 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 forestry or a related field relevant to the internship.
• Maintain good academic standing, defined as a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher, throughout the internship.
• Complete at least 480 hours of work experience before graduation.
• Sign a Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Pass the required background investigation and/or fingerprint check and employment verification check.
• Possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license for the vehicle type operated in performing the duties.
• Meet the applicable education requirement 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.
• If qualifying based on education, submit transcripts and any requested supporting course information; education must be from an accredited institution.
• Agree to serve a two-year trial period if applicable to the appointment type, unless previous federal service is creditable.
• Be willing to be reassigned or relocated to a location where management determines services are needed; a mobility agreement may be required.

Responsibilities

• Receive training in all phases of forestry and related natural resource conservation programs.
• Assist with program and conservation planning for forestry practices, including woodland, windbreak, visual resource management, and recreation activities.
• Gather and assemble preliminary data for developing and applying conservation plans.
• Complete scheduled assignments in forestry and biological sciences functions under the Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Learn and apply relevant forestry and biological sciences principles, concepts, work processes, regulations, and agency procedures.
• Receive instruction in personal computer use and file and data management.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package, with benefits eligibility dependent on position 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