Student Trainee (Soil Conservation)

Natural Resources Conservation Service • Camden, AL

2d

About The Position

This Pathways Student Internship provides paid work opportunities to students enrolled at qualifying educational institutions, from high school through graduate level. The position introduces students to the background, philosophy, concepts, and scope of Natural Resources Conservation Service soil conservation management programs and the policies of the employing organization. Assignments are developmental and combine on-the-job training with formal education to build competencies that may lead to conversion to a permanent professional Soil Conservation position, if program requirements are met and an appropriate position is available.

The intern assists with program and conservation planning for soil and water practices, including terraces, diversions, waterways, and farm drainage systems. The intern learns to conduct surveys and set construction stakes, and may use rods, chains, or other specialized instruments to lay out simple practices. Work assignments provide exposure to one or more Soil Conservation and Biological Sciences functions, with increasing complexity as proficiency develops. Training covers relevant principles, work processes, regulations, policies, and procedures, as well as personal computer use and file and data management.

The position may involve reassignment or relocation to a location where management determines services are needed; a mobility agreement may be required. The role is eligible for telework as determined by agency policy, but also involves regular field work and exposure to outdoor conditions. Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized. Conversion to a permanent, term, career-conditional, or career appointment is not guaranteed and is subject to program completion, qualifications, agency discretion, and position availability.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• 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 opportunity.
• Maintain good academic standing, defined by the agency as a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher, and provide proof of continued enrollment and good standing during the internship.
• Complete at least 480 hours of work experience before completion of the degree.
• Sign a Pathways Participant Agreement.
• 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.
• For the Soil Conservation Series GS-0457 basic requirement upon conversion, hold 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; those 12 hours must include at least 3 semester hours in soils and 3 in crops or plant science.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Pass the required background investigation and/or fingerprint check, E-Verify employment verification, and suitability requirements.
• Possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the type of vehicle operated to perform the duties.
• Serve a two-year trial period if applicable to the appointment type, unless previous federal service is creditable.
• Submit transcripts and any required education verification; foreign education must be supported by required equivalency documentation and English translation.
• Complete all mandatory Pathways training, meet performance expectations, and satisfy the position's qualification requirements to be considered for conversion.

Responsibilities

• Assist with program and conservation planning for soil and water practices such as terraces, diversions, waterways, and farm drainage systems.
• Learn to conduct surveys and set construction stakes for a variety of conservation practices.
• Use rods, chains, or other specialized instruments to lay out simple practices as assigned.
• Participate in scheduled assignments across Soil Conservation and Biological Sciences functions under the Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Complete on-the-job and formal training in applicable policies, rules, regulations, procedures, principles, and work processes.
• Learn to use personal computers and manage files and data.
• Complete at least 480 hours of work experience before completing the degree, along with mandatory training and other Pathways requirements.

Benefits

• A federal employee benefits package is available; specific eligibility depends on position type and the hiring agency.
• 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