Duties HelpDuties Summary Positions are being filled under the Pathways Student Internship Authority which is designed to provide students enrolled in a variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with paid work opportunities in agencies to explore federal careers while in school. IMPORTANT APPLICATION DEADLINE: The first referral of candidates will be made from applications received by 11:59 PM EST, December 09, 2018; subsequent cut off dates and referrals will be made as vacancies occur. Learn more about this agency Responsibilities The incumbent of this position performs a variety of clearly defined tasks within one or more functional areas of biological sciences. Biological sciences include forestry, rangeland management, wildlife biology, fish biology, ecology, botany, recreation, natural resources management, biological sciences, and other related disciplines. Assignments will vary by Agency and setting. The major duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Develops and applies knowledge of principles, concepts, work processes, and regulations of one or more functional areas of biological science. Assists in one or more phases of the research process. Performs routine techniques using a variety of specialized equipment. Records instrument readings, collects samples, and takes measurements. Maintains inventory of chemical and biological materials. Maintains work area in a neat and orderly manner Forest Service incumbents in wildland fire management may also perform the following: Develops and applies knowledge of fuels management and fire suppression techniques. Cleans, reconditions, and stores fire tools and equipment. Serves as a member of fire crew assigned to suppress wildland fires. Reviews detailed procedural instructions and receives in-depth on-the-job and formal classroom training. Travel Required Not required Supervisory status No Promotion Potential None Job family (Series) 0499 Biological Science Student Trainee Requirements HelpRequirements Conditions of Employment Required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check. DIRECT DEPOSIT: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing. If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so. All applicants must be at least 16 years of age at the time of appointment. Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Permanent Residents and Foreign Nationals who meet both Immigration and Annual Appropriations Law requirements may also apply. Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. If selected you may be subject to a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and a credit report inquiry. Must be in good academic standing as defined by the agency as a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Enrolled at least half-time at a qualifying educational institution. Meet education requirements. (see Qualifications section) A signed participant agreement is required for employment under Pathways. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: https://www.e-verify.gov/ Work may require lifting of objects up to 50 pounds Recreation Management positions require possession of Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Fire Management positions at GS-05 grade level require Ninety (90) days of experience as a primary/rigorous firefighter or equivalent experience outside federal employment Fire Management positions at GS-03 level require passing of WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT). The WCT Arduous fitness (Pack) Test requires completing a three (3) mile hike within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack. Housing and travel will be addressed on an agency and/or office level basis, and may or may not be available. Qualifications Pathways Intern Program Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must meet Pathways Intern Program Eligibility Requirements as shown below by the closing date of the announcement. Applicants must be currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment from a qualifying educational institution on a full or half-time basis. Applicants must be seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) and be in good academic standing (GPA of 2.5 or equivalent) to qualify for the intern program and to stay throughout the duration of their intern program. The duties of the position must be related to the student's academic field of study or career interests. Position Qualifications: Applicants must meet position qualifications requirements as shown below at the time of appointment. Entrance on duty dates for appointment are scheduled for May 26, 2019; June 09, 2019; June 23, 2019; or July 07, 2019. The agency must be able to verify that the education was completed successfully before the applicant can be appointed. GS-02: Completion of high school or possession of a GED diploma. GS-03: Completion of 1 full academic year of post-high school study. GS-04: Completion of 2 full academic years of post-high school study or an associate's degree. GS-05: Completion of 4 academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. NOTE: Grades recruited for are the GS-02 to the GS-05, however, not every USDA agency and location will select for all or any grades. Selections will be made according to agency needs. Education College Transcripts: You must submit a copy of your college transcript or high school diploma/GED certificate as proof that you meet the educational requirements for the grade to which you are applying. You may submit unofficial copies of transcripts at the initial phase of the application process; however, if selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entrance-on-duty. See "Required Documents" section for more details. All academic degrees or course work must be completed in an educational institution that has obtained accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see http://www.ed.gov/ SDL2017
