PATHWAYS INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS AT LEAST 16 YEARS OF AGE
These internships, filled under the DeCA Pathways Programs, provide students in high school, college, technical or vocational school, a certificate program, and other qualifying educational institutions with the opportunity to explore federal careers related to their educational career field or career goals as paid employees.
Students must meet eligibility and requirements by the announcement closing date.
Summary
PATHWAYS INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS AT LEAST 16 YEARS OF AGE
These internships, filled under the DeCA Pathways Programs, provide students in high school, college, technical or vocational school, a certificate program, and other qualifying educational institutions with the opportunity to explore federal careers related to their educational career field or career goals as paid employees.
Students must meet eligibility and requirements by the announcement closing date.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national. Applicants with a Permanent Resident Card are authorized to live and work in the U.S. but are not eligible for employment in positions requiring U.S. citizenship. If selected, proof of citizenship is required.
Must be at least 16 years of age. Per Department of Labor regulations, under age youths may not perform hazardous jobs.
Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered with or exempt from Selective Service.
Pathways Interns may work full-time or part-time schedules at any time during the year, without limitations. However, the work schedule cannot interfere with their academic schedule.
Appointment is subject to successful verification of identity and employment eligibility through E-Verify. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, at https://www.e-verify.gov/.
Appointment is subject to a favorable suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. New federal employees will be fingerprinted.
Must be able to obtain and maintain clearance eligibility based on the appropriate background investigation.
Selectee must sign Pathways Participant Agreement.
The entire period served under the Internship Program counts as the participant's trial period.
Direct deposit of pay is required.
Qualifications
This position requires good hand and eye coordination, alertness, integrity, tact, and courtesy, as well as the skill to operate simple equipment repetitively.
Recognized program in a technical or vocational school;
Two-year or four-year college or university, or
Graduate or professional school (e.g., law school or medical school).
To be considered you must provide appropriate supporting documentation/information from your school. See Required Documents for more information.
Physical requirements: (1) Stand for prolonged periods. (2) Lift up to 25 pounds independently. (3) Twisting, bending and manual dexterity using hands and upper body. You will attest to your ability to perform these physical requirements in the Questionnaire.
Work conditions: Environment is subject to temperature changes, including blasts of cool air from automatic doors.
Overtime: Occasional Bargaining Unit Status: Not Covered Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Nonexempt Obligated Position: No Reemployed Annuitants Considered: No, DoD criteria not met. Recruitment/Relocation Incentives Offered: None Telework eligible: No Remote work eligible: No
Education
You may use foreign education to qualify provided a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign education programs has deemed the foreign education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program or a U.S. accredited college or university has given full credit for the foreign courses. You MUST provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application.
Additional information
Executive Order 12564 requires a federal workplace to be free of illegal drugs and prohibits the use of illegal drugs both on and off duty by federal employees. As a reminder, marijuana is still classified as an illegal drug by the Federal government and is prohibited for use by Federal employees even if such use is legal in the state where the Federal employee resides and/or works. The Defense Commissary Agency is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace where the use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated and may result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal service.
Positions may be filled from this announcement up to 90 days after it closes.
Applicants with financial difficulty are not automatically removed from consideration.
The title, series, and grade of the position held should be related to the student's educational career field or career goals. The student is eligible to be noncompetitively converted to a term, career, or career-conditional appointment after meeting the requirements described in 5 CFR 362.204.
Selectees are required to complete an online onboarding process.
Upon first appointment to a civilian position in the Federal government, you are entitled only to the lowest step (Step 1) of the grade for which selected. The display of a salary range on this announcement does not suggest or convey an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.
Interns are responsible for informing their supervisor (1) about instances when the agreed upon work schedule does not allow ample time to meet educational requirements and (2) any change in academic status to include GPA and/or enrollment status.
Retired military service members appointed to a Department of Defense (DoD) civilian position within 180 days of their retirement date require a waiver before starting work. 5 United States Code 3326.
Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
The following may result in a rating of ineligible. Ineligible applicants receive no consideration.
Submitting an incomplete application package may result in your not being considered for this position. Your resume must reflect that you are either Part-Time with the number of hours listed, Full Time, or 40 hours per week as your work schedule. If you fail to provide this information in your resume, your resume will be considered as incomplete.
Submitting any document that contains a photo or image of you.
Including social media links, inappropriate material or content, classified or government sensitive information, or personal information such as age, gender, race, religion, or social security number on your resume.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or questionnaire responses.
Deliberately attempting to falsify your application information, such as copying portions of this announcement into your resume.
Should you receive a tentative job offer, be aware such offers are automatically withdrawn if a selectee fails to (1) record an acceptance or declination by the response date provided in the offer notice and/or (2) meet any pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to a scheduled appointment.
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.
HR reviews your resume and supporting documents to determine if you meet the qualifications and requirements, and to determine if you meet the eligibility/eligibilities you selected. Errors and/or omissions affect your consideration for employment. Your questionnaire score is a preliminary measure of how well your background matches the position. If you submit multiple resumes, the last one received is used for this evaluation and sent to the hiring manager if you are referred for selection consideration.
Under category rating procedures you are placed into one of three categories based on the evaluation results:
Best Qualified -Candidates who possess the type and quality of experience that substantially exceeds the position's minimum qualifications, including all selective placement factors and appropriate quality ranking factors. Candidates in this category are referred to hiring managers before candidates in other categories.
Highly Qualified - Candidates who possess the type and quality of experience that exceeds the position's minimum qualifications.
Qualified - Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are proficient in some but not all the position's requirements.
Veterans' preference eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more (CPS, CP) are placed at the top of the highest category on the referral list (except for scientific or professional positions at the GS-9 level or higher). Other preference eligibles are placed above non-preference eligibles within their assigned category.
Selections are subject to restrictions of the DoD referral system for displaced employees.
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.
1. Resume: Required. Applying for a Federal job requires more information than applying for a job in the private sector. Do not assume a private sector resume is sufficient for Federal positions. Learn more about creating a suitable resume by reading What to include, viewing the Resume Writing video and using the USAJOBS Resume Builder. In addition to information identified in What to Include, provide pay plan-series-grade of Federal civilian positions and rank for military positions, when applicable, and be sure your resume is complete. HR bases the review on submitted documents and does not make assumptions.
Current/Former Federal employees: List any relevant performance-related rating received within the last three years and/or awards in your resume. Hiring Managers use objective methods and may consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process.
2. Enrollment Verification/Transcripts: Required. You must submit:
A letter on school letterhead and signed by your academic advisor, school counselor, admission office, etc. to prove enrollment, OR
A copy of your official transcripts and a copy of your class schedule for next semester. Copies of documents from your school website are acceptable if they contain all relevant information (Your name, school name, list of classes and credits earned, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class standing), OR
Legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with relevant information listed above, OR
Acceptance letter from school (including technical school, community college, college or university, etc.), indicating at least half-time enrollment for the coming term/semester/quarter.
Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application process if they contain the relevant information identified above. If selected, you are required to provide an official transcript before your start date is set.
4. Supporting Documents: As applicable. See below.
Veterans' Preference.Must provide acceptable documentation of your preference and appointment eligibility when you apply.
Separated from active duty service: Provide a copy of your DD-214. The member 4 copy of your DD-214 is preferred as it contains all required information. DD-214 Worksheets are not acceptable documentation, nor are other than a member 4 copy to which a member 4 Character of Service section is added. Contact the National Archives or your military personnel records center to request a copy of your DD-214.
During the application process, you may submit alternate documents showing the veteran's name, active service beginning and ending dates, campaign or expeditionary medals received, military pay grade/rank/rate at separation, separation date, and character of service. Alternate documents include retirement or separation orders, document showing transfer to any of the reserve corps of the Armed Forces, or an official statement from the military personnel records center. If selected, you must provide the DD-214 before your start date is set.
Separating from active armed forces duty within 120 days: Provide written documentation from the armed forces certifying that the service member is expected to be separated from active duty service not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The document must include the following information: (1) service member's name, (2) date of the expected separation from active duty, (3) expected character of the active duty service at separation, (4) pay grade/rank/rate at separation, (5) dates of active duty service, and (6) any campaign or expeditionary medals received. You must provide the DD-214 when it becomes available.
In addition to the above, Disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and family members eligible for derived preference must submit a completed SF-15 and all additional proof required by the SF 15. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs or call 1-800-827-1000 to obtain a copy of the VA letter establishing proof of disability. The character of service shown on the VA letter is not used to adjudicate veterans' preference as only the branch of service in which the individual served can certify the character of service for appointment purposes. Note that a letter from the VA that contains the following may be sufficient instead of a SF-15: Dates of service, Discharge status, and Disability rating.
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.
Submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM ET on 09/22/2025. A complete application package includes your resume, required documents, a completed questionnaire and applicable supporting documents. You may include a copy of your performance appraisal and list awards on your resume, which will receive due consideration.
You are responsible for verifying your application package is complete, accurate, and submitted timely. As uploaded documents may take one or more hours to clear the virus scan, plan accordingly to ensure your application process is complete and your application package is submitted by the specified closing date and time.
To begin, click Apply to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your resume, required documents, and/or other supporting documents. You need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply or create an account before applying. You will be taken to an online application. Follow all prompts and complete the online application, verify you've included all required and supporting documentation, and submit your application. Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application is found at the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center. To receive consideration, you must complete all steps of the application process.
You can verify your application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, selecting the Application Status link, and then selecting the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page displays your application status, the documents received and processed, and your questionnaire responses.
Defense Commissary Agency West
1300 E Avenue
Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800
US
Next steps
Notices post to your USAJOBS account and are emailed to you. You can expect to receive a notice when you complete the application process, when your qualifications status is determined (qualified or not qualified), and when your referral status is determined (referred or not). If you are referred but not selected, you will receive a final notice.
The hiring manager may choose to conduct interviews and may conduct telephone interviews to preclude travel hardships for applicants. Someone from the hiring agency (i.e., DeCA) will contact you if the hiring manager decides to interview you.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
1. Resume: Required. Applying for a Federal job requires more information than applying for a job in the private sector. Do not assume a private sector resume is sufficient for Federal positions. Learn more about creating a suitable resume by reading What to include, viewing the Resume Writing video and using the USAJOBS Resume Builder. In addition to information identified in What to Include, provide pay plan-series-grade of Federal civilian positions and rank for military positions, when applicable, and be sure your resume is complete. HR bases the review on submitted documents and does not make assumptions.
Current/Former Federal employees: List any relevant performance-related rating received within the last three years and/or awards in your resume. Hiring Managers use objective methods and may consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process.
2. Enrollment Verification/Transcripts: Required. You must submit:
A letter on school letterhead and signed by your academic advisor, school counselor, admission office, etc. to prove enrollment, OR
A copy of your official transcripts and a copy of your class schedule for next semester. Copies of documents from your school website are acceptable if they contain all relevant information (Your name, school name, list of classes and credits earned, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class standing), OR
Legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with relevant information listed above, OR
Acceptance letter from school (including technical school, community college, college or university, etc.), indicating at least half-time enrollment for the coming term/semester/quarter.
Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application process if they contain the relevant information identified above. If selected, you are required to provide an official transcript before your start date is set.
4. Supporting Documents: As applicable. See below.
Veterans' Preference.Must provide acceptable documentation of your preference and appointment eligibility when you apply.
Separated from active duty service: Provide a copy of your DD-214. The member 4 copy of your DD-214 is preferred as it contains all required information. DD-214 Worksheets are not acceptable documentation, nor are other than a member 4 copy to which a member 4 Character of Service section is added. Contact the National Archives or your military personnel records center to request a copy of your DD-214.
During the application process, you may submit alternate documents showing the veteran's name, active service beginning and ending dates, campaign or expeditionary medals received, military pay grade/rank/rate at separation, separation date, and character of service. Alternate documents include retirement or separation orders, document showing transfer to any of the reserve corps of the Armed Forces, or an official statement from the military personnel records center. If selected, you must provide the DD-214 before your start date is set.
Separating from active armed forces duty within 120 days: Provide written documentation from the armed forces certifying that the service member is expected to be separated from active duty service not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The document must include the following information: (1) service member's name, (2) date of the expected separation from active duty, (3) expected character of the active duty service at separation, (4) pay grade/rank/rate at separation, (5) dates of active duty service, and (6) any campaign or expeditionary medals received. You must provide the DD-214 when it becomes available.
In addition to the above, Disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and family members eligible for derived preference must submit a completed SF-15 and all additional proof required by the SF 15. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs or call 1-800-827-1000 to obtain a copy of the VA letter establishing proof of disability. The character of service shown on the VA letter is not used to adjudicate veterans' preference as only the branch of service in which the individual served can certify the character of service for appointment purposes. Note that a letter from the VA that contains the following may be sufficient instead of a SF-15: Dates of service, Discharge status, and Disability rating.
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.
Submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM ET on 09/22/2025. A complete application package includes your resume, required documents, a completed questionnaire and applicable supporting documents. You may include a copy of your performance appraisal and list awards on your resume, which will receive due consideration.
You are responsible for verifying your application package is complete, accurate, and submitted timely. As uploaded documents may take one or more hours to clear the virus scan, plan accordingly to ensure your application process is complete and your application package is submitted by the specified closing date and time.
To begin, click Apply to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your resume, required documents, and/or other supporting documents. You need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply or create an account before applying. You will be taken to an online application. Follow all prompts and complete the online application, verify you've included all required and supporting documentation, and submit your application. Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application is found at the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center. To receive consideration, you must complete all steps of the application process.
You can verify your application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, selecting the Application Status link, and then selecting the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page displays your application status, the documents received and processed, and your questionnaire responses.
Defense Commissary Agency West
1300 E Avenue
Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800
US
Next steps
Notices post to your USAJOBS account and are emailed to you. You can expect to receive a notice when you complete the application process, when your qualifications status is determined (qualified or not qualified), and when your referral status is determined (referred or not). If you are referred but not selected, you will receive a final notice.
The hiring manager may choose to conduct interviews and may conduct telephone interviews to preclude travel hardships for applicants. Someone from the hiring agency (i.e., DeCA) will contact you if the hiring manager decides to interview you.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
