Student Trainee (Soil Conservation)

Natural Resources Conservation Service • Windsor, CT

18h

About The Position

This Pathways Student Internship provides paid, career-oriented work opportunities for students enrolled at qualifying educational institutions. The intern is introduced to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Conservation Management Programs, including their background, philosophy, concepts, scope, and organizational policies. The work is developmental and combines practical assignments with formal education to build competencies for potential conversion to a permanent professional position in Soil Conservation.

The intern assists with program and conservation planning for soil and water practices, learns to conduct surveys and set construction stakes, and may use rods, chains, or other specialized instruments to lay out simple practices. Assignments provide on-the-job training and exposure to Soil Conservation and Biological Sciences functions. As proficiency develops, assignments become more demanding and cover a variety of activities. The intern receives formal and on-the-job training in relevant federal policies, regulations, procedures, computer use, and file and data management.

The position may be eligible for telework under agency policy. Work includes outdoor field conditions and regular physical exertion. Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized. Interns must maintain Pathways eligibility and enrollment requirements throughout the appointment. Conversion to a permanent position may be possible if program requirements are met and a qualifying position is available, but is not guaranteed.

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 in an accredited technical or vocational school, college, university, graduate school, or professional school, and take at least a half-time academic course load leading to a degree or certificate.
• Be pursuing or planning a degree or certificate in a field related to the internship opportunity.
• Maintain good academic standing, defined as 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, 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.
• Meet the applicable education qualification for the grade: 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.
• Submit transcripts if qualifying based on education; foreign education must include required equivalency documentation and English translation.
• Continue to meet Pathways program requirements, including enrollment and minimum GPA requirements, throughout the appointment.
• For eligibility for conversion to the Soil Conservation Series (GS-0457), meet its qualification requirements, including the specified degree and coursework requirements.

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.
• Participate in developmental assignments and on-the-job training in Soil Conservation and Biological Sciences functions.
• Receive scheduled assignments in various functions in accordance with the Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Receive formal and on-the-job training in OPM, Department of Agriculture, and NRCS policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Learn to use personal computers and manage files and data.

Benefits

• A federal employee benefits package is available to eligible employees; specific benefits depend on position type.
• 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