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 entry level of this position, you will:

• Perform routine and limited assignments pertaining to the scientific missions of the organization. Assignments are simple and involve clear steps and processes.
• Select appropriate methods and procedures for assignments based upon previous assignments or instructions.
• Assist senior staff, project officers, analytical staff, and other staff as necessary.
• Perform conventional or simple regulatory and compliance work. 
• 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.

When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses.

Conditions of employment

• 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.
• If you are selected, a written participant agreement must be signed.
• Position has education requirements--see Qualifications/Education section.
• You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section.
• EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.
• You must be a U.S. citizen.

You must be enrolled at least half-time and maintain at least a half-time course load as defined by your academic institution (typically 6 undergraduate credit hours or 4.5 graduate credit hours per semester).

You must have and maintain good academic standing as defined by your academic institution (typically a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0).

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

This position requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

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. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.

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.

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 a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree in the academic discipline as described above; you do not need specialized experience.

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.

If you have part-time work experience, read this: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

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.