Student Trainee (Natural Resources Mgt & Bio Sciences) null

About the U.S. Department of the Army

The United States Department of the Army, one of the three military departments within the Department of Defense, operates under the leadership of the Secretary of the Army. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, an integral component of the Department of the Army, specializes in a broad array of public engineering, construction, and environmental management projects across military and civilian projects nationwide.

Your role

About the position:

Position(s) will be filled under the Department of the Army Pathways Intern Program. For this internship, you must be able to work as much as is practical (i.e. summers, fall and spring breaks, etc.) while attending/enrolled in school at least part-time.

Duties:

Pathways Internship positions provide for development and training. Assignments become more responsible as the incumbent increases knowledge and skills through work experience and academic training.

At the full-performance level, you will be expected to:

• Serve as a uniformed Park Ranger/Park Technician at a field office of the Operations Directorate.
• Assist visitors with problems such as camping, swimming, picnicking, boating, hiking, etc.
• Provide information in the form of talks to visitors on the area, points of interest, available facilities, questions asked by visitors, regulations, etc
• Perform a variety of light maintenance tasks.
• Plant and water trees.
• Build and install signs.
• They were patrolling campsites by removing debris, picking up litter, and cleaning fire rings.
• Work as a crew member on project maintenance activities such as building trails.
• Assist in performing inspections of recreation areas, property under lease, licenses and permits, concession contracts, etc.
• Report misuse of properties or facilities, unsanitary conditions, public nuisances, etc

Training & development

As an intern, gain hands-on experience in visitor assistance, delivering informational talks, performing light maintenance, and patrolling campsites. During the internship, assist in project maintenance, conduct recreation area inspections, and report property misuse, enhancing your skills in park operations and visitor services.

Salary & benefits

The salary for the role ranges from $35,499 - $43,590 per year.

If you join as a full-time employee, you will get the following benefits:

• Competitive annual salaries with cost of living increases
• Promotional opportunities
• Vacation and sick leave
• Health and life insurance
• Retirement plan
• 401K equivalent, with up to a 5% matching government contribution
• 10 paid federal holidays
• Family Friendly Leave
• Flexible hours and alternate work schedules
• Telework arrangements may be available
• Possible student loan repayment
• Recruitment and Relocation Bonuses may be offered for difficult-to-fill positions

Career progression

This opportunity follows a standard promotional path:

• Internship selection will be made at the GS-03. These grade levels are what typical college students in their second year may qualify for.
• Within 120 days after completion of the Internship requirements, you may be eligible for conversion to the entry-level for the target occupation. Entry levels for these positions are typically at the GS-05 level. The actual grade level at the time of conversion depends on academic achievement and other factors.
• The full performance level of this position is GS-09.
• Progression from the entry-level to the full performance level for this occupation will depend on the successful completion of all requirements for promotion. Promotions may be considered after a year at each grade level, but are not guaranteed to occur on a specific schedule.

Work-life balance

At the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a harmonious work-life balance is cultivated through structured schedules prioritising professional duties and personal time. With a focus on mission accomplishment and employee well-being, flexible work arrangements and supportive leadership ensure individuals can fulfil their responsibilities while enjoying meaningful downtime, fostering a culture of productivity and fulfilment.

Culture & vibe

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is focused on building strong leaders and, most importantly, listening to their workforce while strengthening their diversity. Join the team whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, they can help you learn new skills, enhance your abilities, and develop the leader within you – People First!

About you

Conditions of employment:

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• A two-year trial/probationary period may be required.
• Must sign Pathway agreement before employment.
• No transportation or housing will be provided.

Who may apply: 

Positions are open to current students pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate in an accredited high school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution on at least a half-time basis (as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled). Short-term training programs (e.g., several two-week programs completed) are not considered an academic course of study.

For this internship, you must be able to work full-time when not attending classes, ie summer, fall and spring break.

This intern position is designed to prepare a student trainee for employment after graduation. Interns will be assigned tasks designed to increase familiarity with the target occupation in a real-world work environment.

Education:

For this internship, you must be a current student majoring in professional engineering biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

This occupation has specific educational requirements for entry and applicants must show evidence that their planned academic program will meet those requirements (i.e. transcript reflecting enrollment in applicable programs). Students who graduate without meeting those requirements may not be converted to the target position and could be separated from federal service.

Natural Resource Management and Biological Science (0401)Degree: 

Biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position./Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Eligibility requirements for conversion to a permanent or term position. Interns must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen at the time of conversion.
• Complete at least 640 hours of work experience acquired through the Internship Program before or concurrently completing academic requirements.
• Complete their educational requirements (as specified in the announcement).
• Meet the Office of Personnel Management's qualification standard, including any applicable positive education requirement or selective placement factors and any other special qualifications requirements and conditions of employment (e.g. medical standards) appropriate for the specific competitive service position to which the intern will be converted.
• Complete all the requirements of the Internship Program as defined in the agency-participant agreement; and
• Perform their job successfully as a document.

How to apply

This role is available in multiple locations. You can submit your application for the location that best suits your preference.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• usace.army.mil/Careers/How-to-Apply/
• usace.army.mil/Careers/
• youtube.com/@CORPSCONNECTION