Student Trainee (Soil Conservation)

Natural Resources Conservation Service • Kenai, AK

23h

About The Position

This Pathways Student Internship provides students enrolled in qualifying educational institutions with paid work opportunities in federal agencies while they are in school. The position introduces the student to the background, philosophy, concepts, and scope of Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Conservation Management Programs and provides a practical understanding of the organization’s policies. Work assignments are developmental and are selected to provide on-the-job training and exposure to one or more Soil Conservation and Biological Sciences functions. In conjunction with formal education, the internship is intended to build competencies that may support conversion to a permanent professional Soil Conservation position, subject to program requirements, an available position, and agency discretion.

The intern receives training in the principles, concepts, work processes, and regulations of functional areas of Soil Conservation and Biological Sciences, as well as formal and on-the-job instruction in Office of Personnel Management, Department of Agriculture, and Natural Resources Conservation Service policies, rules, regulations, and procedures. The intern is also instructed in the use of personal computers and file and data management. Assignments become more demanding as the intern demonstrates proficiency and, on a scheduled basis under the Pathways Participant Agreement, include a variety of functions.

The role may involve reassignment or relocation to any geographical location where management determines the employee’s services are needed; a mobility agreement may be required. The position has a career development plan and, following conversion, a career ladder up to the GS-09 full performance level, subject to applicable requirements and management recommendation. 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 exempt.
• Maintain good academic standing as defined by the agency, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Be enrolled at least half-time at a qualifying educational institution and be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited technical or vocational school, college, university, graduate school, or professional school.
• Pursue or plan to pursue a certificate or degree related to the internship opportunity.
• Complete at least 480 hours of work experience before completing the degree.
• Sign a Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Pass the required background investigation and/or fingerprint check and the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license for the type of vehicle 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.
• For conversion to the Soil Conservation Series GS-0457, meet its basic education requirement: a degree in soil conservation or a related agricultural or natural resource discipline, with 30 semester hours in a natural resource or agricultural field, including at least 12 semester hours in soils and crops or plant science; at least 3 of those hours must be in soils and 3 in crops or plant science.
• Continue to meet Pathways requirements throughout the appointment, including providing proof of continued enrollment and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher each semester or grading period.
• Complete mandatory training, meet performance and suitability requirements, receive a recommendation for conversion, and meet the applicable occupational-series qualifications to be eligible for conversion.
• Submit transcripts and any required foreign-education equivalency documentation when qualifying based on education.
• Serve a two-year trial period if required by the appointment type, unless previous federal service is creditable.
• Have federal payments made by direct deposit.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant fields of study include agriculture, soil conservation, soil science, plant science, crop science, agronomy, forestry, rangeland management, agricultural engineering, natural resources, environmental science, or another natural resource-related discipline.
• Volunteer work, including work through National Service programs or other organizations, may be credited when qualifying.

Responsibilities

• 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 a variety of conservation practices.
• May operate rods, chains, or other specialized instruments to lay out simple practices.
• Receive on-the-job training and exposure to one or more Soil Conservation and Biological Sciences program functions.
• Complete scheduled assignments in various Soil Conservation and Biological Sciences functions under the Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Learn the policies, rules, regulations, and procedures of OPM, the Department of Agriculture, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• Learn to use personal computers and manage files and data.

Benefits

• A federal employee benefits package is available, with benefits for the employee and family; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA), in addition to salary, may apply depending on location.
• 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