Student Trainee (Soil Science)

Natural Resources Conservation Service • Hamilton Square, NJ

1d

About The Position

This Pathways Student Internship offers paid work opportunities to students enrolled in qualifying educational institutions, from high school through graduate level. The trainee performs developmental soil science assignments under the direction of a higher-graded employee, including field soil examinations and assistance with soil survey data and mapping. The position combines office and outdoor field activities. Telework may be available as determined by agency policy.

The appointment requires continued enrollment and good academic standing, with a minimum GPA of 2.5, and completion of at least 480 work hours before graduation. Candidates must meet the applicable education requirements for their grade level. After completing all Pathways requirements, interns may be considered for noncompetitive conversion to a permanent, term, or career appointment; conversion is not guaranteed and depends on agency discretion and position availability. A converted position may have a career ladder up to GS-09.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• If born after December 31, 1959, be registered with Selective Service or be exempt.
• Maintain good academic standing, defined by the agency as a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Complete at least 480 hours of work experience before completing the degree.
• Be enrolled at least half-time at a qualifying educational institution.
• Sign a participant agreement for employment under the Pathways program.
• Pass the required background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the vehicle type(s) operated for the job duties.
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited technical or vocational school, college, university, graduate school, or professional school, taking at least a half-time course load toward a degree or qualifying certificate.
• Plan to pursue or be pursuing a degree or certificate in a field related to the internship.
• Meet the education requirement for the applicable grade: GS-2 requires high school completion or a GED; GS-3 requires one full academic year of post-high-school study; GS-4 requires two full academic years of post-high-school study.
• Provide transcripts when qualifying based on education; foreign education requires qualifying recognition documentation and an English translation.
• Continue to meet Pathways requirements throughout the appointment, including providing proof of enrollment and maintaining a GPA of at least 2.5 each semester or grading period.
• Be able to complete 480 work hours before graduation if graduating during the semester or term of appointment.
• Serve a two-year trial period if applicable to the appointment type, unless previous federal service is creditable.
• Accept potential reassignment or relocation to a location where management determines services are needed; a mobility agreement may be required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field examinations of soils using an auger for soil boring.
• Work with a higher-graded employee to determine soil type and estimate 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 mapped areas and county-level progress of completed soil surveys.
• Complete developmental assignments to identify farm boundaries on aerial photographs, lay out photo coverage for mapping, and place match lines on photographs.
• Attend soil survey office meetings.
• Maintain accurate daily records of time distribution and work accomplishments and summarize the information each pay period.
• Prepare and maintain required records and reports.

Benefits

• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available to eligible employees and their families; specific eligibility depends 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