The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Student Trainee (Physical Science). You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.
The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Student Trainee (Physical Science). You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.
The selected student will be appointed at the GS-4 $17.45/hour Federal pay grade level, which is determined by meeting the qualification requirements.
Pay scale & grade
GS 4
Location
Boise, ID
2 vacancies
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 - This is a temporary Internship position, not-to-exceed (NTE) one year. When the NTE date is reached or when services are no longer needed, the selectee will be terminated. The NTE date may be extended.
Work schedule
Full-time - FULL-TIME (40 hours per week), summer position. Schedule may vary to fit student's schedule.
The major duties of the Student Trainee (Physical Science) include, but are not limited to:
Operate a mobile water-quality lab by collecting, filtering, and preserving water samples. Perform field tests such as measuring electrical conductivity, pH, temperature, bacteria levels, stream flow, and dissolved oxygen using either titration or electronic instruments.
Assists with operating watercraft and helps collect and measure reservoir water samples. Duties also include using a multi-parameter sonde and a deep-water sampler.
Logs water samples into the laboratory, prepares them for analysis, and filters samples to support the measurement of suspended solids and dissolved constituents.
Maintains primary responsibility for conducting laboratory determinations including pH, electrical conductivity, chemical oxygen demand, chlorophyll, nitrates + nitrites, silica, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total organic carbon, and turbidity.
Performs laboratory support duties by calculating final concentrations for assigned analyses and accurately recording and transferring field and laboratory data into computer systems. Cleans and sterilizes glassware used in chemical and biological testing, prepares required reagents and standards, and conducts quality-assurance checks to ensure reliability and accuracy of analytical results.
To be eligible, you must meet one of the following:
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 in good standing (minimum overall Grade Point Average of 2.0). Enrollment must be with an accredited educational institution.
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 their internship positions.
You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
You must be suitable for federal employment, determined by a background investigation.
You must submit a resume and supporting documentation (see Required Documents).
You must be at least 16 years old at the time of appointment.
Upon appointment, selected candidate(s) will be required to sign a Pathways Participant Agreement.
You must submit eligibility documents for veterans consideration (see Required Documents).
Who May Apply:
Pathways - Internship NTE
All Interns must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement, 05/26/2026. In addition, they must continue to meet these eligibility requirements throughout the duration of the appointment. Students that have graduated are not eligible for this position.
Qualifications
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.
To qualify for this position at the GS-04 grade level, you must possess the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
EDUCATION: Completion of 2 full academic years of post-high school study or an associate's degree in a directly related field of study that provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. You must provide transcripts with your application.
Academic Year: At the undergraduate level, 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours is comparable to 1 year of undergraduate education. Four years of progressive study or 120 semester hours meets the degree requirements.
Education
Accreditation: Only education from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education is acceptable to meet education requirements or to substitute for experience, if applicable. For additional info, refer to the Office of Personnel Management and U.S. Department of Education.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For additional info, refer to the U.S. Network for Education Information.
You will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications, if selected. An official transcript must be sent directly from the University's Registrar's office and must be provided from the institution awarding the degree. Academic transcripts certified by notary publics are NOT official. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to reporting to work as a condition of employment. Failure to submit official transcripts may be grounds for dismissal or rescission of the job offer.
Students must provide a copy of up-to-date transcripts (unofficial) at the end of each academic year, unless requested more frequently by the supervisor or Human Resources Office, for verification of enrollment and academic standing as proof of continuing eligibility for participation in the Intern Program.
Additional information
This is a temporary student internship opportunity under the Pathways Program. The major objective of the Pathways Program is to employ students, giving them a chance to work in a Federal agency and resume or continue their education without interruption caused by financial pressure. Students appointed may work part-time while school is in session and full-time (depending upon the needs of the agency) when students are on a vacation period or whenever the school is officially closed.
Temporary appointment not-to-exceed one year but may be extended each year without further competition, if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements under the Pathways Internship program and funding is available. Interns may NOT be eligible for non-competitive conversion to permanent employment.
This opportunity is intended for (but not limited to) students and apprentices who are pursuing a degree path, courses, or have the career goal of employment in the field of physical sciences .
Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and you may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including applicant rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/
This position is designated as a LOW RISK position. It requires a fully completed and favorably adjudicated SF85 Background Investigation (T1 or equivalent) that is current (within the last 5 years). This is a condition of employment.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify registration with the Selective Service System or that the applicant is exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Go to: https://www.sss.gov
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
Housing is not provided.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
After the vacancy announcement closes, a Human Resources Office representative will review your application/resume to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and minimum qualification requirements of the job. Your eligibility and qualification status will be based on an assessment questionnaire conducted using qualification standards, your responses to job-related questions, information provided in your resume, and required supporting documents (see the Required Documents section). Your answers to questions will be verified against information provided in your resume. Be sure that the resume clearly supports the responses to all the questions by addressing experience, education and/or training relevant to this position.
Veterans' preference applies to the selection for positions in the Pathways Program. The examination and selection of applicants will be made in accordance with the requirements of 5 CFR 302.
Applicants must make a fair and accurate assessment of their qualifications. Applicants rating themselves higher than is apparent in their description of experience, competencies, skills, and/or education/training OR whose resume/application is incomplete may be removed from employment consideration.
Eligible, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official in an unranked order by preference status: (1) Preference eligible having a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more (CPS and CP); (2) Other preference eligible; (XP); (3) Applicants eligible for 5-point veterans' preference (TP); and (4) Applicants not eligible for veteran's preference (NV).
Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies with the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s). Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration. You may choose to have your information shared with other agencies when applying for this position. If an agency requests a copy of a certificate you are on, you will be notified.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume, an on-line assessment questionnaire, and the following supporting documents, as appropriate:
Resume: Applicants must submit a resume that demonstrates how skills and experiences meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the job announcement to be considered for the job. Each job experience should at least include start and end dates (month and year) and number of hours worked per week. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.For more information: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/
Transcript(s): You MUST furnish a copy of your college transcript(s) (unofficial copy is acceptable), if applicable. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university, specific courses, and the number of semester/quarter hours currently enrolled. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Applicants not currently enrolled must provide a student schedule for the upcoming semester/quarter verifying at least half-time enrollment status. If selected, applicants will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications prior to reporting for work.
Proof of Pathways Eligibility:
As a student, you must show proof, such as a letter from your accredited U.S. educational institution, that verifies you:
have been accepted for enrollment;
the degree/diploma/certification program in which you are enrolled;
are enrolled at least half-time (as defined by the school);
number of semester/quarter hours or class schedule for next semester/quarter; and
anticipated graduation date.
As a career or technical participant, you must show proof such as a letter from your qualifying career or technical education program that verifies:
Participants of AmeriCorps and similar programs are required to fulfill at least 1700 workhours within a twelve (12) month period and those who meet this requirement within ten (10) or eleven (11) months are considered to have successfully completed the program.
DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, if applicable; If entitled to veterans' preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 Copy preferred, including character of service), and should indicate on your application materials the type of veterans' preference you are claiming. Veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.
-- For 5-point veterans' preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 Copy preferred, including character of service), or an official statement of service from your command if he/she is currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions.
-- For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214 (Member 4 Copy preferred, including character of service), and the required documentation requested by this form.
As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in the applicant not being considered for this position.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applications (resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documentation) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on 05/26/2026 . To apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page.
Do not submit photographs with the application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - applicant must remove any images from badges, licenses, etc.
Regional Office
Bureau of Reclamation
Regional Office
1150 N. Curtis Road, Suite 100
Boise, ID 83706
US
Next steps
Upon successful submission of the application packet, you will receive a confirmation email from USAJOBS. If you do not receive this email confirmation, the application has not yet been accepted by the system.
After all application packages have been received, resumes and supporting document(s) will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the resume, application questionnaire, and other assessment criteria identified in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section above. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in the USAJOBS profile.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume, an on-line assessment questionnaire, and the following supporting documents, as appropriate:
Resume: Applicants must submit a resume that demonstrates how skills and experiences meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the job announcement to be considered for the job. Each job experience should at least include start and end dates (month and year) and number of hours worked per week. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.For more information: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/
Transcript(s): You MUST furnish a copy of your college transcript(s) (unofficial copy is acceptable), if applicable. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university, specific courses, and the number of semester/quarter hours currently enrolled. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Applicants not currently enrolled must provide a student schedule for the upcoming semester/quarter verifying at least half-time enrollment status. If selected, applicants will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications prior to reporting for work.
Proof of Pathways Eligibility:
As a student, you must show proof, such as a letter from your accredited U.S. educational institution, that verifies you:
have been accepted for enrollment;
the degree/diploma/certification program in which you are enrolled;
are enrolled at least half-time (as defined by the school);
number of semester/quarter hours or class schedule for next semester/quarter; and
anticipated graduation date.
As a career or technical participant, you must show proof such as a letter from your qualifying career or technical education program that verifies:
Participants of AmeriCorps and similar programs are required to fulfill at least 1700 workhours within a twelve (12) month period and those who meet this requirement within ten (10) or eleven (11) months are considered to have successfully completed the program.
DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, if applicable; If entitled to veterans' preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 Copy preferred, including character of service), and should indicate on your application materials the type of veterans' preference you are claiming. Veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.
-- For 5-point veterans' preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 Copy preferred, including character of service), or an official statement of service from your command if he/she is currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions.
-- For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214 (Member 4 Copy preferred, including character of service), and the required documentation requested by this form.
As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in the applicant not being considered for this position.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applications (resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documentation) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on 05/26/2026 . To apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page.
Do not submit photographs with the application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - applicant must remove any images from badges, licenses, etc.
Regional Office
Bureau of Reclamation
Regional Office
1150 N. Curtis Road, Suite 100
Boise, ID 83706
US
Next steps
Upon successful submission of the application packet, you will receive a confirmation email from USAJOBS. If you do not receive this email confirmation, the application has not yet been accepted by the system.
After all application packages have been received, resumes and supporting document(s) will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the resume, application questionnaire, and other assessment criteria identified in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section above. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in the USAJOBS profile.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
