Student Trainee (Soil Conservation)

Natural Resources Conservation Service • Corozal, PR

2d

About The Position

This Pathways Student Internship provides paid, career-oriented work for students enrolled at least half-time in a qualifying educational institution. The intern is introduced to the background, philosophy, concepts, and scope of Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Conservation Management Programs and learns the employing organization’s policies. Assignments are developmental and combine formal education with on-the-job training and exposure to Soil Conservation and Biological Sciences functions. As proficiency advances, assignments become more demanding and provide experience across a variety of activities. The internship is intended to build competencies that may lead to conversion to a permanent Soil Conservation professional position, subject to program requirements, qualifications, agency discretion, and position availability.

The position may be eligible for telework under agency policy. Interns may be reassigned or relocated to any geographical location where management determines their services are needed, and a mobility agreement may be required. Fieldwork involves physical exertion and exposure to equipment, adverse weather, poor field conditions, dangerous animals, and biting insects; protective equipment is required at project sites. Compensation may include a cost-of-living or post allowance. Recruitment and relocation incentives may be offered.

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.
• 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.
• Be pursuing or planning a certificate or degree in a field related to the internship, such as agriculture, soil conservation, soil science, plant science, crop science, agronomy, forestry, rangeland management, agricultural engineering, natural resources, or environmental science.
• Maintain good academic standing as defined by the agency, including a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• 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 successfully pass E-Verify.
• Have a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license for the type of vehicle operated to perform the duties.
• 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.
• Submit transcripts when qualifying based on education; education must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Continue to meet Pathways requirements throughout the appointment, including continued enrollment and a GPA of at least 2.5, and complete mandatory training and performance requirements for potential conversion.

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 a rod, chain, or other specialized instruments to lay out simple practices.
• Receive scheduled assignments in various Soil Conservation and Biological Sciences functions in accordance with the Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Receive formal and on-the-job training in relevant principles, concepts, work processes, and regulations.
• Learn federal, Department of Agriculture, and Natural Resources Conservation Service policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Receive instruction in using personal computers and managing files and data.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; eligibility depends on position type and other factors.
• Cost-of-living allowance may be provided in addition to salary.
• Post allowance may be provided in addition to salary.
• Recruitment and relocation incentives may be offered.

What This Job Offers

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