Make an impact while you learn. The Semester of Service Program offers students a volunteer project-based opportunity to support real Federal missions, gaining hands-on experience and valuable career-ready skills. The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration aligning with each agency's strategic priorities.
Summary
Make an impact while you learn. The Semester of Service Program offers students a volunteer project-based opportunity to support real Federal missions, gaining hands-on experience and valuable career-ready skills. The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration aligning with each agency's strategic priorities.
Open to post-secondary students currently accepted for enrollment, seeking a diploma/degree in college, university, or other accredited educational institution (at least Bachelor's or above) on a full or half-time basis as defined by the educational institution.
Total duration: Minimum 90-days, aligned with academic term calendars
Remote (100% work off site)
Number of Positions: 1 Preferred Term(s): Fall 2026
This vacancy will be open until Wednesday, July 15th at 11:59pm ET or until 25 applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages.
The Office of Employee Development (OED) seeks a student volunteer to conduct a Learning Analytics Maturity Scan to assess the current state of evaluation practices and reporting capabilities across programs. This project addresses a short-term capacity gap during organizational realignment by providing a clear, evidence-based understanding of what data exists, how it is used, and where gaps limit decision-making.
The student will review existing data sources, current evaluation practices, and reporting workflows to assess alignment with established frameworks such as the Kirkpatrick Model and ROI-based evaluation principles. The student will identify strengths, gaps, and inconsistencies in how training effectiveness is measured and reported across OED.
Using a structured diagnostic approach, the student will develop a maturity model (e.g., foundational ? developing ? defined ? optimized) and assess OED's current state across key domains such as data quality, integration, governance, and use of evaluation analytics for decision-making. The final product will provide actionable recommendations to improve data reliability, evaluation reporting consistency, and alignment to organizational priorities.
Deliverables:
Learning Evaluation Maturity Assessment (current state across defined domains)
Data source inventory and evaluation practice review
Gap analysis identifying key risks and limitations
Maturity model framework with defined levels and criteria
Executive summary with prioritized recommendations for improvement
The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program, as authorized under 5 U.S.C §31114 and 5 CFR Part 3085, enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration. These assignments are designed to align with each agency's strategic priorities, offering participants practical experience within Federal operations while supporting the advancement of targeted initiatives.
Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S National studying in the U.S. or abroad. Note: Any remote work must be completed domestically within the United States.
Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited educational institution (at least Bachelor’s degree or above) throughout the 90 day Semester of Service opportunity. Students graduating before December 1, 2026 are not eligible.
Qualifying educational institutions must be located within the United States.
Be in good academic standing as defined by your institution.
Commit to volunteering 8 – 20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days.
Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Department of the Interior and your academic institution.
Agree to volunteer. This position is unpaid. No compensation, stipends, or hiring preference will be granted from this work. You may use this volunteer experience to qualify for future jobs you choose to apply for.
Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees.
Not be a current federal employee. Current federal employees can reach out to the contact below to inquire about job detail opportunities.
Qualifications
Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs. Specifically, applicants should:
MS or PhD candidates preferred. BS students with strong data analytics or research experience may be considered.
Required Experience:
Coursework or experience in data analytics, research methods, program evaluation, or related field
Ability to analyze and synthesize information from multiple data sources
Strong written communication and reporting skills
Experience organizing and assessing data quality and processes
Preferred (not required):
Familiarity with training evaluation frameworks (e.g., Kirkpatrick Model, ROI methodology)
Experience with LMS data or survey analysis
Basic knowledge of data visualization or reporting tools
Education
To qualify, you must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited college, university, or other accredited educational institution (at least Bachelor's degree or above). You also must be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Attach a copy of your transcripts to your application package for verification.
Additional information
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.
This is an unpaid volunteer experience. Student volunteers are not considered Federal employees for any purpose other than injury compensation and laws related to the Federal Tort Claims Act, and service is not creditable for leave accrual or other employee benefits.
Professional experience: Meaningful project work with clear deliverables, regular supervision and federal mentorship.
Skill Development: Hands-on application of academic knowledge in real-world Federal operations.
Career Exploration: Exposure to Federal missions, workplace culture, and potential career pathways.
Protection and support.
Coverage under Federal Tort Claims Act
Workers' compensation for service-related injuries
Structured onboarding and ongoing supervision
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application will be evaluated by Department of Interior personnel to determine your eligibility for the position, and your application will be forwarded to the project manager for review.
This is an unpaid volunteer experience. Student volunteers are not considered Federal employees for any purpose other than injury compensation and laws related to the Federal Tort Claims Act, and service is not creditable for leave accrual or other employee benefits.
Professional experience: Meaningful project work with clear deliverables, regular supervision and federal mentorship.
Skill Development: Hands-on application of academic knowledge in real-world Federal operations.
Career Exploration: Exposure to Federal missions, workplace culture, and potential career pathways.
Protection and support.
Coverage under Federal Tort Claims Act
Workers' compensation for service-related injuries
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Your resume (two or fewer pages) showing:
Your work experience including start and end dates.
Education information, such as the name of your school and dates of attendance.
Any knowledge, skills or abilities you've gained through education that relate to the project.
Note: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
Proof of current enrollment not less than half-time in a college, university, or other accredited educational institution (at least Bachelor's degree or above). Transcripts or a certificate of enrollment are preferred.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online assessment which you must complete to apply for the position. Complete the online assessment, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. You can view the assessment here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12999900
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/howto/application/status.
Paper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations should be sent to the vacancy contact listed below.
Office of the Secretary
45600 Woodland Road
Sterling, VA 20166
US
Next steps
Once your online application is received you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by DOI personnel to determine your eligibility for the position and your application will be forwarded to the opportunity manager for review.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Your resume (two or fewer pages) showing:
Your work experience including start and end dates.
Education information, such as the name of your school and dates of attendance.
Any knowledge, skills or abilities you've gained through education that relate to the project.
Note: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
Proof of current enrollment not less than half-time in a college, university, or other accredited educational institution (at least Bachelor's degree or above). Transcripts or a certificate of enrollment are preferred.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online assessment which you must complete to apply for the position. Complete the online assessment, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. You can view the assessment here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12999900
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/howto/application/status.
Paper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations should be sent to the vacancy contact listed below.
Office of the Secretary
45600 Woodland Road
Sterling, VA 20166
US
Next steps
Once your online application is received you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by DOI personnel to determine your eligibility for the position and your application will be forwarded to the opportunity manager for review.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
