Student Trainee (Hydrology) Internship null

About the United States Department of the Interior

The United States Department of the Interior manages and conserves America's natural resources and cultural heritage. It oversees national parks, wildlife refuges, and tribal affairs, aiming to promote responsible land and resource management.

Your role

Duties:

• The USGSCentral Midwest Water Science Center is seeking associates and undergraduate and graduate level students working towards a degree in Hydrology or Physical Science to gain practical experience in gathering and analyzing basic hydrologic data.
• As a Student Trainee (Hydrology) you will serve in a trainee capacity, performing routine and recurring development assignments to acquire knowledge and understanding of functions, principles, practices, and methods used in the area of Hydrology.
• Initial consideration will be given to candidates whose applications have been received before the first cut-off date. Pathways Eligibility and Qualifications must be met for those applications submitted by the first cut-off date. This announcement has an initial cut-off date of February 27, 2024. Applications received after the initial cut-off date will only be referred for consideration when the initial group is exhausted and/or there are additional vacancies to fill.

Duties for GS-03 and GS-04 include, but are not limited to:

• Preparing summary of findings, tables, and graphs for use in technical reports and presentations.
• Developing hydrologic and precipitation data for current projects.
• Gathering basic hydrologic data (quantity, quality, availability, movement, and distribution of water).
• Collecting and processing data to be used in computing stream discharge, determining groundwater availability, or calculating sediment in the field collecting hydrologic data such as streamflow measurements, groundwater levels, and water quality samples.
• Compiling, querying, and maintaining groundwater and surface water records in scientific databases to evaluate water quality, water availability, and water use.
• Utilizing ArcGIS scripting (such as Python scripts) to automate data processing and repetitive GIS tasks.
• Operating a government-owned vehicle regularly.

Additional Duties for GS-05 include, but are not limited to:

• Collecting hydrologic data, preserving water samples for analysis, making discharge measurements, and running levels to gages and wells. Checking discharge measurement computations, computing means daily gauge heights or preparing digital recorder tapes, computing and compiling daily discharge values.
• Assisting higher-graded Hydrologists with performing project work.
• Installing, maintaining, servicing, and troubleshooting sensing, recording, and communications equipment and instrumentation. Calibrating meters and analytical equipment through appropriate techniques and protocols.
• Develop simple preliminary stage-discharge and/or velocity index curves and ratings.
• Writing reports on non-complex hydrologic studies.
• Operating a government-owned vehicle regularly.

Training & development

The training & development of Interns at the US Department of the Interior is a dynamic and comprehensive program designed to cultivate the skills and expertise of emerging talents. Interns engage in hands-on experiences, mentorship programs, and specialized workshops, fostering a deep understanding of the department's mission and operations. This immersive approach empowers interns to contribute meaningfully to the Department's diverse initiatives while preparing them for successful careers in public service.

Salary & benefits

The annual salary for the role at this company can range from $35,499 to $57,431.

If you are eligible for full-time employee these benefits include:

• Alternate Work Schedule (AWS)
• Child Care Options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• EAP Additional Resources and Tips
• Fact Sheet Part-Time Employment
• Physical Fitness Program
• Taxable Reimbursement Request—Attachment 3
• Remote Work
• Student Loan Repayment
• Telework
• Whistleblower Protection
• Federal Health Programs (FEHB)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Planning for Retirement

Career progression

Beginning as an intern at the US Department of the Interior opens doors to a dynamic career progression. From gaining hands-on experience in resource management to contributing to policy development, interns evolve into valuable team members. With mentorship and diverse opportunities, they transition seamlessly into roles that shape the nation's environmental stewardship and public lands management.

Work-life balance

The US Department of the Interior prioritizes a harmonious work-life balance, fostering an environment where employees can thrive both professionally and personally. With flexible schedules and a commitment to employee well-being, the department recognizes the importance of maintaining an equilibrium between fulfilling responsibilities and enjoying personal pursuits. Embracing a culture that values work-life balance enhances job satisfaction and contributes to a motivated and engaged workforce.

Culture & vibe

At the US Department of the Interior, collaboration flows like the nation's diverse landscapes, fostering a dynamic work culture where employees unite with a shared passion for preserving America's natural treasures. The office buzzes with innovation, mirroring the department's commitment to sustainable practices and responsible stewardship. Here, every individual is a vital thread in the rich tapestry of conservation, weaving together a culture of purpose, camaraderie, and environmental advocacy.

About you

Clarification from the agency:

• Open to all qualified students who are U.S. citizens and meet the eligibility requirements for the Pathways Internship Program as described below.

Conditions of employment:

Key Requirements:

• Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
• Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• The entire period served under the Intern Program counts as a trial period.
• Housing will not be provided.
• Selectee must provide a valid state driver's license & safe driving record.
• Selectee subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam.

Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?

• You will be required to operate a government-owned or -leased vehicle in the performance of your official duties.
• Applicants for this position must meet the following requirements:
  • Possess a valid State license, and
  • Possess a safe driving record. If selected, you will be required to provide proof of a valid State license & a copy of your driving record.
• Taking and passing a pre-employment medical examination at Federal expense is required due to the physical demands of this job.
• Because this position requires travel for official business, the selectee will be required to apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment. Individuals who have delinquent account balances from a previous Government charge card will be required to satisfy their existing obligation before a new card can be issued.
• If converted to a permanent or term appointment, the anticipated target position will be a Hydrologist with an FPL of GS-12 or a Hydrologic Technician with an FPL of GS-09; however, the target position and FPL may change based on the need of the organization at that time. Interns must meet the qualification requirements for the position to which converted.
• If selected, you will be required to provide official transcripts &/or a letter from the school stating you are enrolled in a degree/certificate program on at least a half-time basis in good standing and your expected graduation date.
• A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

Qualifications:

This internship is geared toward students majoring in one of the following areas of study: Hydrology/Physical Sciences.

For GS-03:

Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-3 level:

• Six months of general experience of any kind that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position or that has provided the applicant with a general knowledge of hydrologic practices and procedures;
• One full year of successfully completed education above the high school level that included at least one course in subjects such as engineering, industrial technology, construction drafting, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics.
• A combination of post-high school education and general experience that together equates to 100% of the qualification requirement.

For GS-04:

Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-4 level:

Six months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-3 level in the Federal service that is in or related to the duties of this position. NOTE: Excess specialized experience beyond the required 6 months may be substituted for general experience; i.e., one year of creditable specialized experience will meet the requirements for 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience. General experience is any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position to be filled, OR experience that provides a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation for which the applicant is applying.

Specialized experience may include work as a technician or aid in engineering, earth, physical, or natural science, forestry, soil conservation, or surveying; trades or crafts work in maintenance or construction of facilities or equipment related to hydrology; drafting; or construction estimating if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position.

Examples of GS-3 level work assignments include:

• Performing minor repairs at gaging stations, to water level recorders and other equipment used in hydrologic investigations;
• Assisting in making measurements of stream flow or making simple current meter measurements on small streams;
• Recording routine measurements of water levels at specified observation wells;
• Collecting water quality samples and assisting in making laboratory determinations of water quality parameters by predetermined methods;
• Maintaining and assisting in readying current meters and sampling equipment for fieldwork. For example 1-5, a designated authority made assignments by giving complete, explicit oral and/or written instructions at the beginning of each assignment, covering work methods, available equipment, procedures, reference guidelines, etc. Recurring assignments were carried out within well-established procedures, with minimal instruction, and were only infrequently spot-checked or observed by a designated authority. Less routine assignments were occasionally checked in progress or upon completion.

Applicants may substitute the successful completion of two full years of study that included at least 12 semester hours, or the equivalent, in any combination of courses such as engineering, industrial technology, construction drafting, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics.

A combination of completed post-high school education and specialized and/or general experience may be used to meet the qualification requirements for the GS-04 level. NOTE: When crediting education to meet any part of the experience requirement, such education must include the appropriate number of directly related credit hours required in any combination of courses such as engineering, industrial technology, construction drafting, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics. When crediting this education, you must prorate the number of hours of directly related courses required as a proportion of the total education to be used.

For GS-05:

Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-5 level:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 level in the Federal service that is in or related to the duties of this position. Specialized experience may include work as a technician or aid in engineering, earth, physical, or natural science, forestry, soil conservation, or surveying; trades or crafts work in maintenance or construction of facilities or equipment related to hydrology; drafting; or construction estimating if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position.

Examples of GS-4 level work assignments include:

• Making adjustments and minor repairs to water level recorders or other equipment used in water investigations;
• Following well-defined methods and designated formulas; computing, extracting, compiling, and presenting geological or hydrologic data in prescribed tabular or graphic form;
• Computing mean daily gauge heights from water stage record charts, editing record tapes, and making corrections based on field notes. For examples 1-3, the work assignments involved familiar conditions, concepts, and methods that were made in terms of the objectives to be achieved without explicit instruction as to work methods. Assignments involving new, more difficult, or unfamiliar areas of work were given with more specific guidance. Explicit instructions were provided for solving technical problems involving unfamiliar conditions, methods, or concepts.
• Applicants may substitute successful completion of a full four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree
  • With major study in an appropriate field of science (i.e., geology, chemistry, physics, geophysics, biology, ecology, mathematics, soils, forestry, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical science, atmospheric science) engineering, construction, or industrial technology, or
  • That included at least 24 semester hours, or the equivalent, in any combination of courses such as engineering, industrial technology, construction drafting, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics.

A combination of completed post-high school education and specialized experience may be used to meet the qualification requirements for GS-5. Only progressive education over the first 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours (i.e., beyond the first two years) of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement, assuming the education includes the appropriate number of directly related semester hours, or the equivalent, in any combination of courses such as engineering, industrial technology, construction drafting, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics.

Education

To be eligible for an appointment under the Pathways Internship Program:

• You must be a student accepted for enrollment or enrolled in a degree or certificate program on a full- or half-time basis as defined by the school (certificate program means post-secondary education, in a qualifying educational institution, equivalent to at least one academic year of full-time study that is part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum); 
• Enrollment is with a qualifying educational institution such as a high school or state-approved homeschool; or accredited technical or vocational school; a 2- or 4-year college or university; a graduate or professional school (e.g., law school, medical school); or a post-secondary home school curriculum; 
• Students currently enrolled must be in good academic standing maintaining a 2.0 grade point average on a cumulative basis; 
• The duties of this position should be related to your academic or career goals.
• You must continue to meet these eligibility requirements throughout your appointment under the Pathways Internship Program.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• careers.doi.gov/
• usgs.gov/human-capital/helpful-links benefits
• intern.usajobs.gov/job
• youtube.com/user/USInterior