Make an impact while you learn. The Office of the Secretary Internship Program (OSIP) is an unpaid, in-person opportunity at Interior headquarters in Washington, DC. OSIP volunteers are placed within participating Office of the Secretary offices to support Interior's mission, gain hands-on experience, and develop career-ready skills. Visit www.doi.gov/OSIP to learn more.
Summary
Make an impact while you learn. The Office of the Secretary Internship Program (OSIP) is an unpaid, in-person opportunity at Interior headquarters in Washington, DC. OSIP volunteers are placed within participating Office of the Secretary offices to support Interior's mission, gain hands-on experience, and develop career-ready skills. Visit www.doi.gov/OSIP to learn more.
Current students enrolled in an accredited educational institution -or- individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years.
The Office of the Secretary Internship Program (OSIP) places current students and recent graduates within DOI headquarters in Washington, DC, giving them a front-row seat to the work of the Office of the Secretary. OSIP provides a structured internship experience through meaningful assignments, professional development, networking, and exposure to the operations of the Department.
Program Details
Unpaid, full-time, in-person in at DOI Headquarters in Washington, DC.
Spring 2027 Internships begin February 1st, 2027 and conclude May 7th, 2027.
All internships include orientation, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities.
Support headquarters-level offices in areas such as policy, operations, communications, data analysis, research, and mission support.
What You'll Gain
Meaningful public service experience that strengthens federal career readiness.
Engaging workshops covering federal resume writing, interviewing, navigating USAJOBS, and career panels.
Exposure to senior DOI leadership and mission-critical programs.
Opportunities to contribute to work aligned with Interior's mission and Administration priorities.
A supportive cohort environment, encouraging collaboration and community among interns.
Conditions of Program
To participate in this Program:
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Commit to participating as an unpaid full-time volunteer through the duration of the internship which will last February 1st through May 7th, 2027.
Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Department of the Interior.
Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees.
Qualifications
You will be considered based on your knowledge, skills or abilities related to program and project needs.
To be eligible for this internship ALL of the following requirements must be met:
Student or Recent Graduate Status: Must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program -or- have graduated within the prior two years from an accredited institution. You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Citizenship: Interns must be United States citizens or owe permanent allegiance to the United States. (Currently, natives of American Samoa, Swains Island and certain inhabitants of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are the only groups that owe permanent allegiance to the United States).
Background Investigation: You must successfully complete a suitability review and receive a favorable determination based on information provided in their security forms, a credit report, and fingerprint check to determine suitability for Federal employment.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
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. 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. Other benefits of the program include:
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.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the eligibility requirements and qualifications listed above. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement.
This is an unpaid volunteer experience. 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. Other benefits of the program include:
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 by 11/22/2026 which includes:
1. Resume: Your resume cannot exceed two pages (see USAJOBS Resume) and must show:
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, volunteering, or other work experience that could contribute to the internship and the work of our offices and Office of the Secretary sub-offices.
2. Unofficial Transcripts: If you are a current student, provide proof of current enrollment at an accredited educational institution. Recent graduates should provide transcripts to verify when your degree was conferred.
3. Online Assessment Questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13095923
OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
One letter of recommendation from a current or former professor, supervisor, or someone else who can speak to your work ethic, skills, and competencies
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 11/22/2026 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 (e.g. letter of recommendation, transcripts, or cover letter) 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/13095923
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package by 11/22/2026 which includes:
1. Resume: Your resume cannot exceed two pages (see USAJOBS Resume) and must show:
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, volunteering, or other work experience that could contribute to the internship and the work of our offices and Office of the Secretary sub-offices.
2. Unofficial Transcripts: If you are a current student, provide proof of current enrollment at an accredited educational institution. Recent graduates should provide transcripts to verify when your degree was conferred.
3. Online Assessment Questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13095923
OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
One letter of recommendation from a current or former professor, supervisor, or someone else who can speak to your work ethic, skills, and competencies
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 11/22/2026 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 (e.g. letter of recommendation, transcripts, or cover letter) 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/13095923
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.
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.
