Student Trainee (Physical Science) Internship (Jun 2024)

About the United States Department of the Army

The United States Department of the Army is a federal executive responsible for military operations and land-based warfare. It is one of the three military departments within the Department of Defense, overseeing the U.S. Army and its various missions and responsibilities.

Your role

Duties:

• Pathways Internship positions provide for development and training. Assignments become more responsible as the incumbent increases knowledge and skills through work experience and academic training.

At the full-performance level, you will be expected to:

• Calibrate and maintain scientific instruments.
• Perform computations on data collected utilizing spreadsheet applications.
• Assist with field visits.
• Take measurements or make observations of instrumented conditions and recording.
• Write portions of technical reports.
• Research and editing technical report material.
• Compile data for management actions.
• Assist in laboratory and field-testing materials.

Training & development

The US Army prioritizes continuous training and development, offering a diverse range of educational programs and hands-on experiences to enhance the skills and capabilities of its personnel, ensuring readiness for evolving challenges and career advancement. The focus is on fostering a highly skilled and adaptable force capable of meeting the demands of dynamic military environments.

Salary & benefits

The annual salary for the role can range from$33,906 - $61,595 per year.

Internship benefits may include:

• Hands-On Experience
• National Security Exposure
• Networking Opportunities
• Skill Development
• Training and Development Programs
• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology

Career progression

• Internship selection will be made at the GS-03/04/05/07 grade levels. These grade levels are what typical college students in their Sophomore year or higher may qualify for.
• Within 120 days after completion of the Internship requirements, you may be eligible for conversion to the entry-level for the target occupation. Entry levels for these positions are typically at the GS-05 level. The actual grade level at the time of conversion depends on academic achievement and other factors.
• The full performance level of this position is Student Trainee (Physical Science) position is GS-07.
• Progression from the entry-level to the full performance level for this occupation will depend on the successful completion of all requirements for promotion. Promotions may be considered after a year at each grade level, but are not guaranteed to occur on a specific schedule.

Work-life balance

The US Army Corps of Engineers prioritizes work-life balance, recognizing the importance of maintaining the well-being of its personnel while fulfilling critical responsibilities. Policies and practices are implemented to support a healthy equilibrium between professional and personal life for its employees.

Culture & vibe

The US Army Corps of Engineers culture is rooted in discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to national service, fostering a dynamic environment focused on engineering excellence and mission accomplishment. Employees experience a sense of duty, camaraderie, and dedication to supporting the nation's infrastructure and natural resource needs.

About you

Requirements

Conditions of Employment:

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• A year trial/probationary period may be required.
• Must sign a Participant Agreement that sets forth the expectations for the internship.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be available to work full-time during the summer months when school is not in session and may be allowed to work part-time while attending classes when school is in session.
• Students may be placed into a Leave Without Pay status to attend classes outside of the commuting area and can return to pay status during extended breaks.
• Must maintain a cumulative and term grade point average of 2.0 or higher throughout the internship.
• Must reside in the local commuting area. The local commuting area includes any population centre and the surrounding localities where people live and routinely travel back and forth daily to their jobs.
• Must be enrolled in classes a minimum of half time for the duration of the internship (include a class schedule for Fall 2023 with application).
• May be required to possess or obtain a valid State motor vehicle operator's license for the class of vehicle being operated based on site-specific, job-related requirements, and must maintain this license.
• MUST PROVIDE all transcripts/proof of enrollment/acceptance, and/or current class schedule.
• A pre-employment medical examination is required. If selected, satisfactory completion of a medical examination is required before assignment to the position

Qualifications

The initial cut-off for consideration is 30 days from the opening date of this announcement. Applications received after this date will be given consideration approximately every 30-45 days thereafter, as management requests, until the position is filled or the vacancy is closed. Applications expire 90 days after submission.

You will be evaluated based on your level of competency in the following areas:

• Communications
• Physical Sciences

To qualify for a Pathways Internship as a GS-03, students must have completed one full academic year of post-high school study.

To qualify for a Pathways Internship as a GS-04, students must have completed two full academic years of post-high school study or have an associate's degree.

To qualify for a Pathways Internship as a GS-05, students must have completed 4 academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree.

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.

Internship for current students in good standing at an accredited education.

For this internship, you must be able to work full-time during the summer months and may be allowed to work part-time while attending classes when school is in session. Students may be placed into a Leave Without Pay status to attend classes outside of the commuting area and can return to pay status during extended breaks.

This intern position is designed to prepare a student trainee for employment after graduation in an Engineering, Natural Resource, or Physical Science series, GS-05/07/09, target grade GS-11. Interns will be assigned tasks designed to increase familiarity with the target occupation in a real-world work environment.

Additional information:

• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• This is a Career Program (CP) 18 - Engineers & Scientists (Construction) position.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from the Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• You may claim military spouse preference.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• This position may require a mobility agreement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.

How to apply

To apply for this position, click the "Apply on employer site" button below, which navigates you to the careers page where the application can be submitted directly.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• intern.usajobs.gov