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Student Trainee (Financial Management)

Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Office of the Chief Financial Officer

Summary

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), with many vacancies in Washington, District of Columbia; Lakeland, Florida; Gaithersburg, Maryland; Greenbelt, Maryland; Silver Spring, Maryland; Suitland, Maryland; Newport, Oregon; Fort Worth, Texas; and Alexandria, Virginia.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/23/2026 to 04/29/2026
Salary
$35,048 - $67,543 per year
Pay scale & grade
ZA 1
Locations
Many vacancies in the following locations:
Washington, DC
Lakeland, FL
Gaithersburg, MD
Greenbelt, MD
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Internships - Not to Exceed (NTE) 1 Year
Work schedule
Multiple Schedules - May work full-time during the summer and flexible part-time work schedule during the school year.
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
CFO-26-12942032-PATH
Control number
866302100

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Students who have been accepted for enrollment or are currently enrolled in an accredited educational institution in good academic standing leading to completion of a degree or Certificate program., or a career or technical education programs, (which may include Registered Apprenticeship Programs, Job Corps, Climate Corps, AmeriCorps, and Peace Corps);

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Duties

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As a Student Trainee (Financial Management), you will perform a variety of developmental assignments such as identifying financial problems and seeking solutions consistent with applicable regulations and guidelines; updating manuals on policies, directives, and other memoranda; answering email; referring customers; creating various spreadsheets, databases, and other documents; and completing special projects.

This position will be filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS). Under CAPS, positions are classified by career, pay plan, and pay band.

The ZA-1 is equivalent to the GS-01/02/03/04/05/06.

The Intern (NTE) must:- Be accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a degree or certificate in a qualifying educational institution on at least half-time basis as determined by the educational institution or be in or a career or technical education programs, (which may include Registered Apprenticeship Programs, Job Corps, Climate Corps, AmeriCorps, and Peace Corps);;
- Meet the definition of a student throughout the duration of their appointments;
- Meet agency-specific requirements as specified in the agency's Participant Agreement with the Intern and;
- Meet the qualification standards (e.g., series and grade) for the position.

This appointment is not to exceed one year that may be extended as long as the individual continues to meet the eligibility requirements of the Pathways Intern Program and the employing office has a continuing need.

This position is being recruited with an opportunity for non-competitive conversion eligibility to a permanent OR term position in the competitive service upon completion of all program requirements. Conversion is not mandatory nor guaranteed (see Additional Information).

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

Key Requirements:

  • Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
  • Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
  • More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Additional Information.
  • Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov)
  • Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Additional Considerations:

  • Two year trial period may be required.
  • Payment of relocation expenses (PCS) is not authorized.
  • This position requires Low Risk Security Clearance.
  • If selected, you will be required to provide official transcripts and/or letter from the school stating you are enrolled in a degree/certificate/career program on at least a half time basis in good standing and your expected graduation date.
  • Background investigation will be required. Continued employment is subject to applicant's successful completion of security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, for those required to serve a 2-year probationary period, we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

  • Your performance and conduct;
  • Needs and interests of the agency;
  • Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of then Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.

Qualifications

Eligibility Requirements

In order 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), or career or technical education programs, (which may include Registered Apprenticeship Programs, Job Corps, Climate Corps, AmeriCorps, and Peace Corps); AND
  • 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; AND
  • Students currently enrolled must be in good academic standing maintaining a 2.0 grade point average on a cumulative basis; AND
  • The duties of this position should be related to your academic or career goals.
  • You must continue to meet these eligibility requirements throughout the duration of your appointment under the Pathways Internship Program.

Students who successfully complete the internship program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent appointment or a term (1-4 years in duration) appointment without further competition. Eligibility requirements for conversion: must be a U.S. Citizen; complete at least 480 hours of work experience acquired through the Internship Program (*In accordance with 5 CFR 362.204, 160 hours may be waived under certain conditions provided the Intern has completed at least 320 work hours under a Pathways Internship Appointment); successfully complete your degree or certificate requirements from a qualifying institution; meet the qualification requirements for the position to which you will be converted; meet agency-specific requirements as outlined in the Participant's Agreement; and must have performed successfully in your position as documented through performance evaluations.

To qualify at the ZA-1 or GS-01 level:

Enrollment in a high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) program.

Education

Applicants must demonstrate proof of enrollment for Spring 2026 by submitting an official proof of enrollment letter from a qualifying educational institution or a transcript indicating courses to be taken in Spring 2026. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Because of the level of interest anticipated for these positions, you will be asked to select up to three duty locations for which you wish to receive consideration, and to rank your location choices in order of preference. You are encouraged to choose carefully and please select only those locations where you would be willing to accept a position. You may wish to consider such things as the cost for relocation, which will not be reimbursed by the agency, and the cost of living in the duty location(s) you select.

College Transcript: If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.

Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.

Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: OPM Foreign Education Evaluation.

IF YOU ARE IN YOUR LAST SEMESTER/QUARTER of completing your degree/certificate requirements, you must show proof of acceptance to a continuing degree/certificate program. This may be documented by an acceptance letter for future enrollment in a degree/certificate program. If you do not provide proof of continuing education, you will be disqualified from further consideration. If selected, you will be required to provide official transcripts.

Additional information

During the application process you will have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

PROGRAM COMPLETION AND CONVERSION: This position offers non-competitive conversion to a permanent or term position in the competitive service upon completion of academic degree or certificate program. Conversion is at management's discretion and is not guaranteed. This temporary not to exceed (NTE) one year appointment may be extended without further competition. Additionally, within (180) days after the Intern's (NTE) successful completion of an academic degree or certificate program, the supervisor may convert the Intern (NTE) non-competitively from the Pathways Internship Program to a term or permanent position in the competitive service. The Intern (NTE) must meet all terms of 5 CFR 362.204. Additionally, the agency must have an available position. Conversion to a permanent or term position is not mandatory or guaranteed.

To be eligible for conversion, an Intern must:- Be a United States citizen or national;- Complete at least 480 hours of work experience acquired through the Program while enrolled as a half-time or full-time degree or certificate seeking student;- Complete a course of academic study, within the preceding 180-day period, at a qualifying educational institution conferring a diploma, certificate or degree;- Meet the qualification standards for the position to which she or he will be converted;- Receive a favorable recommendation by the supervisor; and- Meet agency-specific intern program requirements, as specified in the Participant Agreement.

If converted to a permanent or term appointment, the anticipated target position may be any series within the 500 Accounting and Budget Series Group with a Full Performance Level (FPL) up to the ZA-3, to which they may qualify for; 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.

NOAA participates in e-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.

The Federal Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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 supporting documentation to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Your resume, supporting documents and responses to the online questionnaire will be reviewed to determine if you meet eligibility and minimum qualification requirements. Veterans' preference applies to all selections made under the Pathways authority in accordance with CFR, Part 302.

Additionally, you will be evaluated using a Job Knowledge Test. The Job Knowledge Test is designed to assess technical and professional expertise directly relevant to the requirements of this announcement. This assessment measures the specialized knowledge and skills accumulated over time, which are critical for successful performance in this position. The best-qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

To preview the announcement questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12942032

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOAA is an agency that enriches life through science. From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration, and supporting marine commerce, NOAA's products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America's gross domestic product. NOAA's dedicated scientists use cutting-edge research and high-tech instrumentation to provide citizens, planners, emergency managers and other decision makers with reliable information they need, when they need it.

Agency contact information

Applicant Inquiries
Email
noaa.applicantinquiries@noaa.gov
Address
NOAA Office of Human Capital Services (OHCS)
1315 East West Hwy
SSMC4
Silver Spring, MD 20910
US

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