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Student Trainee (Physical Science or General Engineer)

Department of Energy
Department of Energy - Agency Wide
Office of Science - Facilities Division or Office of Accelerator R&D and Production
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is part of the Office of Science - Headquarters, Department of Energy. As a Student Trainee (Physical Science or General Engineer), you will provide professional engineering support to Department of Energy (DOE) programs, project or initiatives within a DOE organization whose mission or responsibilities include designing, evaluating, developing, testing, modifying, installing, inspecting and or maintaining products and systems.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
05/04/2024 to 05/16/2024
This job will close when we have received 100 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$45,146 to - $72,703 per year

Salary depends on grade selected.

Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 7
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Germantown, MD
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Internships - Internship may be full-time or part-time. This is a Not to Exceed 09/30/2024.
Work schedule
Multiple Schedules
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
7
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
24-SC-00901-12390285-INTERN
Control number
789812200

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens, Nationals, and Foreign Nationals who meet both Immigration and Annual Appropriations Laws who are also students currently enrolled or have been accepted for enrollment in a degree seeking program (diploma, certificate, 4 year college or university, graduate, professional school, etc.) See the Requirements, Qualifications, and Education sections of this announcement for more information.

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Duties

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As a GS-7 Student Trainee (Physical Science), you will:

  • Serve as a student trainee and perform general scientific work of limited scope and complexity in two or more of the major areas of Physical Science (e.g., Chemistry, Physics, Geophysics, Geology, Hydrology, etc.), in support of DOE projects assigned to higher grade physical scientists.
  • Plan scientific methods and work procedures and selects standard scientific methods, practices and data to be applied to the assignment and identified problems.
  • Conduct a variety of routine, limited analyses requiring professional knowledge of physical science disciplines (e.g., Chemistry, Physics, Geophysics, Geology, Hydrology, etc.).
  • Perform preliminary analyses of data to assess relevancy, accuracy and usefulness. Make computations and identifies inconsistencies.
As a GS-5 Student Trainee (Physical Science), you will:
  • Work with other scientists to plan research methods and select standard practices and methods to be applied to assignment and identified scientific problems.
  • Conduct a variety of routine, limited analyses requiring professional knowledge of two or more physical science disciplines (i.e.).
  • Perform basic research, collect information, prepare samples, evaluate, and verify samples and supporting records.
  • Maintain records and locate and compile data and other information from various sources.
  • Perform routine calculating, plotting, and checking of numerical data, prepare graphs and data profiles, and accomplish routine analyses.
As a GS-7 Student Trainee (General Engineer), you will:
  • Serve as a student trainee and performs general engineering work of limited scope and complexity in support of DOE projects assigned to higher grade engineers.
  • Plan work procedures and select standard practices and data to be applied to engineering assignment and identified problems.
  • Conduct a variety of routine, limited analyses requiring professional knowledge of two or more engineering disciplines (i.e., civil, mechanical, chemical, nuclear, environmental, industrial or electrical).
  • Assist in coordinating and carrying out limited, well defined engineering projects.
  • Research and evaluate basic engineering designs, specifications and related documentation to perform and interpret calculations and computations and determines if factual information is relevant, accurate and useful.
As a GS-5 Student Trainee (General Engineer), you will:
  • Serve as a student trainee and performs general engineering work of limited scope and complexity in support of DOE projects assigned to higher grade engineers.
  • Work with other engineers to plan work procedures and select standard practices and data to be applied to engineering assignment and identified problems.
  • Conduct a variety of routine, limited analyses requiring professional knowledge of two or more engineering disciplines (i.e., civil, mechanical, chemical, nuclear, environmental, industrial or electrical).
  • Research basic engineering designs, specifications and related documentation to perform and interpret basic calculations and computations.
  • Prepare routine, recurring engineering reports for use by higher graded engineers or to convey factual engineering data and information.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be enrolled or have been accepted for enrollment and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) at a qualifying educational institution on a full or half time basis.
  • Must be in good academic standing (GPA of 2.0 or higher).
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen, National, or Foreign National who meets both Immigration and Annual Appropriations Laws.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
  • Interns will be on a trial period for the duration of the appointment.
  • A Pathways Internship Participant Agreement is required.
  • Must be at least 16 years of age or older.
  • Must submit a copy of your current transcripts and/or letter of acceptance as proof of your enrollment. If selected, official transcripts/proof of enrollment must be submitted prior to establishing a start date.
  • If selected, you will be required to submit transcripts after each semester/quarter to verify enrollment and verify that you still meet the eligibility requirements to be on an internship appointment.
  • Internships may be either part- or full-time depending on agency needs and interns school schedule. This should be discussed during the interview process.
  • This is an internship position NTE 09/30/2024. Internships may be extended through the school year based on workload requirements and budget availability. This appointment does not confer permanent federal status.

Qualifications

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (05/16/2024) of this announcement.

Pathways Internship Eligibility Requirements

  1. Be accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a degree or certificate in a qualifying educational institution on a half- to full-time basis (as determined by the educational institution).; AND
  2. Meet the definition of a student throughout the duration of their appointments and maintain a 2.0 or higher GPA.; AND
  3. Meet agency-specific requirements as specified in the agency's Participant Agreement with the Intern.; AND
  4. Meet the qualification standards (e.g., series and grade) for their internship position.
BELOW ARE THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GS-5:
GS-5 EDUCATION:Completion of 4 academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree.

BELOW ARE THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GS-7:
GS-7 EDUCATION: For the Pathways Internship Program you may qualify based solely on education as follows: One full year of graduate level education (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours or equivalent).; OR
SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Based on a Bachelor's degree that is demonstrated through class standing (upper 1/3 of class); grade point average (3.0/4.0 overall or 3.5/4.0 in major), or election to membership in a qualifying national scholastic honor society.

Your educational goals should include obtaining a professional degree in physical science, engineering, or a related major that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform in this position.

Education

Pathways Internship Education Requirements

  1. Current students 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 pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate.
  2. You must maintain student eligibility and enrollment for the duration of the internship. If you do not maintain eligibility and enrollment, you are ineligible for this program.
  3. Every semester/quarter, you must maintain good academic standing with an overall GPA of a 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale and provide updated transcripts to verify continuous enrollment.

Your educational goals should include obtaining a professional degree in physical science, engineering, or a related major that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform in this position.

You must submit a copy of your current transcripts for proof of education and enrollment. If you are not currently enrolled but have been accepted for future enrollment, you must submit a copy of your acceptance letter with your application. The absence of this information will result in an ineligible rating.

Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

CERTIFICATE: A Certificate program is a post-secondary educational program, in a qualifying educational institution, equivalent to at least one full- time academic year of study, that is part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational or business school curriculum. Transcripts would need to be provided.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to OPM Instructions.

Additional information

  • The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
  • This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
  • We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies.
  • For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.opm.gov/telework/
  • EEO Policy: www.energy.gov/justice/eeo-complaint-process
  • Reasonable Accommodation Policy: www.energy.gov/hc/department-energy-reasonable-accommodation-program
  • Veterans Information: https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans
  • Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/
  • Relocation expenses/incentives will NOT be paid.
  • Recruitment incentives will NOT be paid.
  • Advance in Hire (Superior Qualifications) will NOT be offered.
  • Creditable Service will NOT be offered.
  • Student Loan Repayment will NOT be offered.
  • Positions may be covered by a bargaining unit. Bargaining unit will vary by departmental element, grade, and/or location.
  • This position is Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
  • This appointment may be extended depending on the organization's needs and funding.
  • Salary will be determined based on the duty location after selection. The salary listed reflects the 2024 General Schedule Base scale. Salary will be adjusted to meet the locality pay of the duty location upon selection. A complete list of salary tables can be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2024/general-schedule.
  • Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination.
  • Management has the prerogative to select at any grade level.
  • The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at AdministrativeInvestigations@hq.doe.gov.

THIS POSITION IS A NOT-TO-EXCEED 09/30/2024 SUMMER INTERNSHIP AND DOES NOT OFFER CONVERSION TO A CAREER-CONDITIONAL APPOINTMENT.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PATHWAYS PROGRAM? For additional information regarding the Pathways Program, please refer to the following website: USAJOBS Help Center | Students & recent graduates

How you will be evaluated

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

Once the application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications. If you are eligible and minimally qualified for this job you will be referred to the hiring manager in an unranked order, based on veterans' preference.

If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.

Veterans preference is applied after applicants are assessed. Veterans will receive selection priority over non-veterans.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

  • Attention to Detail
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Physical Sciences
  • Research


To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, clickhttps://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12390285

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