Student Trainee (Paralegal) (Start ASAP)

About U.S. Department of the Army

The United States Department of the Army, one of the three military departments within the Department of Defense, operates under the leadership of the Secretary of the Army. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, an integral component of the Department of the Army, specializes in a broad array of public engineering, construction, and environmental management projects across military and civilian projects nationwide.

Your role

About the position:

Position(s) will be filled under the Department of the Army Pathways Intern Program. Serve as a Student Trainee (Paralegal) performing a variety of duties intended to provide the employee with a good working knowledge of various programs, policies, and regulations.

This position is eligible for telework but is not a remote or virtual position. Applicants must be willing to report to the duty station location.

Duties:

• Perform legal research to investigate questions of law raised in response to matters for action.
• Perform fact-finding research on assignments assigned by staff attorneys on various legal subjects.
• Prepare legal memoranda and other written documents by general law school standards.
• Draft correspondence and legal opinions, adhering to prescribed guidelines and conventional format for legal documents.

Training & development

At the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, trainees undergo a robust training and development program designed to instill technical expertise and leadership skills crucial for managing engineering projects and operations. This comprehensive program combines classroom learning, hands-on projects, and mentorship, focusing on civil, mechanical, and environmental engineering disciplines to ensure trainees are well-equipped to contribute to the Corps’ mission of delivering vital public and military engineering services.

Salary & benefits

The annual salary for the role ranges from $61,023 - $79,331 per year.

If you join as a full-time employee, you will get the following benefits:

• Competitive annual salaries with cost of living increases
• Promotional opportunities
• Vacation and sick leave
• Health and life insurance
• Retirement plan
• 401K equivalent, with up to a 5% matching government contribution
• 10 paid federal holidays
• Family Friendly Leave
• Flexible hours and alternate work schedules
• Telework arrangements may be available
• Possible student loan repayment
• Recruitment and Relocation Bonuses may be offered for difficult-to-fill positions

Career progression

At the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a trainee typically begins their career immersed in foundational engineering projects and support roles, gaining hands-on experience. As they demonstrate skill and reliability, they progress to roles of increased responsibility, such as leading project teams or managing larger, complex engineering initiatives, contributing significantly to both military and civilian infrastructure projects nationwide. This experience promises a solid foundation for career growth and securing future opportunities in the field.

Work-life balance

At the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a harmonious work-life balance is cultivated through structured schedules that prioritize both professional duties and personal time. With a focus on mission accomplishment and employee well-being, flexible work arrangements and supportive leadership ensure individuals can fulfill their responsibilities while enjoying meaningful downtime, fostering a culture of productivity and fulfillment.

Culture & vibe

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is focused on building strong leaders and, most importantly, listening to their workforce while strengthening their diversity. Join the team whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, they can help you learn new skills, enhance your abilities, and develop the leader within you – People First!

About you

Conditions of employment:

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position requires the incumbent to agree to and sign a Pathways Internship Participant Agreement.
• This is a Temporary position intended to last 120 days. A temporary position may be extended to a maximum of two years and may be terminated at any time during the duration of the appointment

Who may apply:

Students who are eligible for participation in the Department of the Army Internship Program;

• Positions are open to current students pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate in an accredited high school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution on at least a half-time basis (as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled).
• Short-term training programs (e.g., several two-week programs completed) are not considered an academic course of study.
• This internship is for current students in good standing at an accredited education. Students must be in good academic standing i.e., maintenance of a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA).
• For this internship, they are seeking students to work full-time or part-time. Full-time is available when not attending classes (i.e. summers, fall and spring breaks, etc.) based on agency needs while continuing their education.
• This is a temporary position not to exceed 120 days, with the possibility to be extended up to an additional year, not to exceed a total appointment of 24 months. Interns must meet the definition of student throughout their appointment.
• To qualify for a Pathways Internship as a GS-07, students must have completed 1 full academic year of graduate-level education; or Eligibility under the Superior Academic Achievement Provision and completion of a bachelor's degree.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• usace.army.mil/Careers/How-to-Apply/
• usace.army.mil/Careers/
• youtube.com/@CORPSCONNECTION