Student Trainee (Soil Science)

Natural Resources Conservation Service • Owensboro, KY

1d

About The Position

This Pathways Student Internship provides paid developmental work in soil science for students enrolled at least half-time in an accredited educational institution and pursuing a relevant certificate or degree. The position involves field and office assignments supporting soil surveys. Under the guidance of a higher-graded employee, the trainee examines soil borings, compares soil samples with descriptions and legends, and tentatively classifies soil types. The trainee also assists with soil survey data, progress maps, aerial photographs, and related records and reports.

The position includes fieldwork across varied terrain and exposure to outdoor conditions, as well as office work. Interns must continue to meet Pathways requirements, including maintaining good academic standing and completing the required work experience and training. Selected candidates may be eligible for conversion to a permanent federal position after completing program requirements, but conversion is not guaranteed.

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 a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher, as defined by the agency.
• Complete at least 480 hours of work experience before completing the degree.
• Be enrolled at least half-time at a qualifying educational institution and continue to meet Pathways Program requirements throughout the appointment.
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited technical or vocational school, college, university, graduate school, or professional school, taking a half-time academic course load toward a degree or qualifying certificate.
• Be pursuing or planning a certificate or degree in soil science or a related field relevant to the internship.
• Sign a Pathways participant agreement.
• Pass satisfactory background adjudication and/or fingerprint check, and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license for the vehicle type operated in the position.
• Meet the applicable education qualification 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.
• Submit transcripts when qualifying based on education; official transcripts may be required before entering on duty if selected.
• Meet the soil science series basic education requirements for conversion, including a degree in soil science or a closely related discipline with 30 semester hours in biological, physical, or earth science, including at least 15 semester hours in specified soils subjects.
• Complete mandatory training, meet performance expectations and suitability requirements, and be recommended for conversion to be eligible for conversion.

Responsibilities

• Perform developmental field examinations of soils using an auger to obtain soil borings.
• Work with a higher-graded employee to determine soil type and the amount of topsoil remaining.
• Examine soil borings and compare soil samples with descriptions and legends to tentatively classify soil type.
• Assist the MLRA Soil Survey Leader or designated employee in tabulating soil survey data.
• Help maintain soil survey progress maps showing areas mapped and survey progress by county.
• Identify farm boundaries on aerial photographs, lay out photo coverage for mapping, and place match lines on photos as developmental assignments.
• Attend soil survey office meetings.
• Maintain daily records of time distribution and work accomplishments, and summarize the information each pay period.
• Prepare and maintain required records and reports.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

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