Student Trainee (Soil Conservation)

Natural Resources Conservation Service • Greenfield, MA

1d

About The Position

This paid Pathways student internship introduces students to the background, philosophy, concepts, and scope of the Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Conservation Management Programs and to the policies of the employing organization. The internship offers developmental assignments and, alongside formal education, helps interns build competencies for potential conversion to a permanent professional position in Soil Conservation. Conversion is not guaranteed and depends on program completion, qualifications, an available position, and agency discretion.

Interns receive formal and on-the-job training in Soil Conservation and Biological Sciences, including applicable Office of Personnel Management, Department of Agriculture, and Natural Resources Conservation Service policies, rules, regulations, and procedures. Assignments are scheduled under a Pathways Participant Agreement and provide exposure to one or more program functions, with increasing responsibility as proficiency develops. Interns are also instructed in personal computer use and file and data management.

The position may be located at one of the selected locations, and interns may be reassigned or relocated to another geographic location where management determines their services are needed. The position is eligible for telework as determined by agency policy. Work includes regular field exposure and physical exertion. Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.

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 related to the internship.
• Maintain good academic standing, defined by the agency as a minimum GPA of 2.5, and provide proof of continued enrollment and standing throughout the internship.
• Complete at least 480 hours of work experience before completing the degree or graduating.
• 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.
• If qualifying 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, including 30 semester hours in a natural resource or agricultural field and at least 12 semester hours in soils and crops or plant science, with at least 3 semester hours in soils and 3 in crops or plant science.
• Pass applicable background investigation and/or fingerprint checks, E-Verify, and suitability requirements.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the vehicle types used in performing the job.
• Submit transcripts and any other required education documentation; foreign education must include the required equivalency verification and English translation.
• Complete mandatory Pathways training, meet performance expectations, and satisfy applicable qualification requirements for conversion, if considered.

Responsibilities

• Assist with program and conservation planning for soil and water practices, including terraces, diversions, waterways, and farm drainage systems.
• Learn to conduct surveys and set construction stakes for a variety of conservation practices.
• Use a rod, chain, or other specialized instruments to lay out simple practices as needed.
• Complete developmental assignments and training in Soil Conservation and Biological Sciences functions.
• Receive instruction in applicable federal agency policies, rules, regulations, procedures, and personal computer, file, and data management.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with 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