Clarification from the agency

Enrolled students or individuals who have been accepted for enrollment seeking a diploma, certificate, bachelor’s degree, graduate degree, or professional degree from a qualifying educational institution on a full- or half-time basis, including awardees of the Harry S. Truman Foundation Scholarship Program.

At the GS-4 level, you will:
- Assist senior staff, project officers, analytical staff, and other staff as necessary.

- Assist in the performance of other standardized support duties such as the collection of literature references and the organization of files.

- Assist with routine steps in science studies and regulatory/compliance work.

- Support higher-graded staff in planning for program management of environmental programs.

At the GS-5 level, you will:
- Complete developmental assignments that expand the employee's understanding of concepts, underlying principles, and program requirements and procedures.

- Assist with summary of environmental program information data for use in preparing reports and program evaluations.

- Perform routine tasks in science studies of a standard nature on regulatory and compliance issues and problems.

- Support higher-graded staff in planning for program management of environmental programs.

- Assist staff in preparation of materials for, and participation in, briefings with managers.

- Review literature for assessment and information gathering.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.
• You must submit transcripts & proof of enrollment (see Required Documents).
• You must be age 16 or older.
• You must be enrolled at least half-time during your appointment.
• You must submit a resume and required documents (see How to Apply section).

You will be required to obtain (before coming on board) and maintain a valid driver’s license and must be able to operate a Government-owned or leased motor vehicle.

If you are selected, the entire period served under the Internship Program will be a trial period.

This position is designated as Low Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation.

You must have and maintain good academic standing as defined by your academic institution.

If you are selected, a written participant agreement must be signed.

Qualifications

In addition to the eligibility requirements for the Pathways Internship Program, you must have educational achievements as described below to qualify for this position.  The required education must lead to a bachelor's degree with specialization directly related to this position.

You must be enrolled in an academic program directly related to the position.

In addition to the eligibility requirements for the Pathways Internship Program, you need a degree or combination of education and experience as described below to qualify for this position:

Student Trainee (Physical Science) - A bachelor’s degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics OR a combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown  above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Student Trainee (Engineering) -  A bachelor’s degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor’s degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics or a combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering.

Student Trainee (Life Science) -  A bachelor’s degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position OR a combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

To qualify for the GS-04 level, you need to have two full years of post-high school education or associate’s degree.

To qualify for the GS-05 level, you need to have completed four academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree.

As part of the application process, you are required to submit college transcripts or a list of courses as described in the Required Documents section of this announcement.  However, if you are selected, you must provide official educational transcripts before you start work with EPA.  More information on verification of education can be found here:  EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review your resume and required documents to ensure you are eligible for Pathways Intern employment and meet the basic qualification requirements.  We will notify you of the results of our evaluation through USAJOBS.  If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments.  Veterans’ preference applies to all referrals/selections made under the Pathways programs.