Student Trainee (Biology) (Start ASAP)

About the United States Department of the Interior

The United States Department of the Interior manages and conserves America's natural resources and cultural heritage. It oversees national parks, wildlife refuges, and tribal affairs, aiming to promote responsible land and resource management.

Your role

As a Student Trainee (Biology) you will serve in a trainee capacity, performing routine and recurring development assignments to acquire knowledge and understanding of functions, principles, practices, and methods used in the area of biology

Duties include:

• Assists in collecting, sorting, and organizing laboratory samples.
• Follows detailed instructions in performing laboratory duties such as cleaning, packaging, and sterilizing glassware and other laboratory equipment. Maintains general order and cleanliness of the laboratory.
• Following detailed instructions, and measures and makes laboratory solutions.
• Operates pH meter, spectrophotometer, and electronic balance to determine chemical and physical characteristics of compounds and solutions. Records data.

Physical Demands

The fieldwork requires some physical exertion such as walking over wet, rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities. The work requires moderate physical ability and average agility and dexterity.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office, laboratory, and/or in the field. The office is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Temperature and weather extremes may be encountered in the performance of the outdoor work. Field and laboratory duties may require the use of special protective gear. The incumbent is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger themself, fellow workers, or property with entrusted.

Training & development

The training & development of Interns at the US Department of the Interior is a dynamic and comprehensive program designed to cultivate the skills and expertise of emerging talents. Interns engage in hands-on experiences, mentorship programs, and specialized workshops, fostering a deep understanding of the department's mission and operations. This immersive approach empowers interns to contribute meaningfully to the Department's diverse initiatives while preparing them for successful careers in public service.

Salary & benefits

The salary for this role at this company can range from $17 to $27 per hour.

If you are eligible for full-time employee these benefits include:

• Alternate Work Schedule (AWS)
• Child Care Options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• EAP Additional Resources and Tips
• Fact Sheet Part-Time Employment
• Physical Fitness Program
• Taxable Reimbursement Request—Attachment 3
• Remote Work
• Student Loan Repayment
• Telework
• Whistleblower Protection
• Federal Health Programs (FEHB)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Planning for Retirement

Career progression

Beginning as an intern at the US Department of the Interior opens doors to a dynamic career progression. From gaining hands-on experience in resource management to contributing to policy development, interns evolve into valuable team members. With mentorship and diverse opportunities, they transition seamlessly into roles that shape the nation's environmental stewardship and public lands management.

Work-life balance

The US Department of the Interior prioritizes a harmonious work-life balance, fostering an environment where employees can thrive both professionally and personally. With flexible schedules and a commitment to employee well-being, the department recognizes the importance of maintaining an equilibrium between fulfilling responsibilities and enjoying personal pursuits. Embracing a culture that values work-life balance enhances job satisfaction and contributes to a motivated and engaged workforce.

Culture & vibe

At the US Department of the Interior, collaboration flows like the nation's diverse landscapes, fostering a dynamic work culture where employees unite with a shared passion for preserving America's natural treasures. The office buzzes with innovation, mirroring the department's commitment to sustainable practices and responsible stewardship. Here, every individual is a vital thread in the rich tapestry of conservation, weaving together a culture of purpose, camaraderie, and environmental advocacy.

About you

Conditions of employment:

Key Requirements:

• Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
• Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
• The entire period served under the Intern Program counts as a trial period.
• Housing will not be provided.
• Selectee subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam.

Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?

• Pre-Employment Medical - Taking and passing a pre-employment medical examination at Federal expense is required due to the physical demands of this job.
• Because this position requires travel for official business, the selectee will be required to apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment. Individuals who have delinquent account balances from a previous Government charge card will be required to satisfy their existing obligation before a new card can be issued.
• If converted to a permanent or term appointment, the anticipated target position will be Biologist GS-5; however, the target position and FPL may change based on the need of the organization at that time. Interns must meet the qualification requirements for the position to which converted.
• If selected, you will be required to provide official transcripts &/or letter from the school stating you are enrolled in a degree/certificateprogram on at least a half time basis in good standing and your expected graduation date.
• A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

Qualifications:

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for an appointment under the Pathways Internship Program:

• You must be a student accepted for enrollment or enrolled in a degree or certificate program on a full- or half-time basis as defined by the school (certificate program means post-secondary education, in a qualifying educational institution, equivalent to at least one academic year of full-time study that is part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum); 
• Enrollment is with a qualifying educational institution such as a high school or state-approved homeschool; or accredited technical or vocational school; a 2- or 4-year college or university; a graduate or professional school (e.g., law school, medical school); or a post-secondary home school curriculum; 
• Students currently enrolled must be in good academic standing maintaining a 2.0 grade point average on a cumulative basis; 
• The duties of this position should be related to your academic or career goals.
• You must continue to meet these eligibility requirements throughout the duration of your appointment under the Pathways Internship Program.

Qualification Requirements

This internship is geared toward students majoring in one of the following areas of study: an appropriate field of science i.e., microbiology, biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics.

For GS-02:

Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-2 level:

• Three months of experience of any kind that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position;
• Experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation
• High school graduation or the equivalent.

For GS-03:

Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-3 level:

• Six months of general experience of any kind that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position; or experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation;
• One full year of completed education above the high school level that included at least 6 semester hours in courses such as physical science, engineering, or any branch of math (except for financial and commercial math).

For GS-04:

Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-4 level:

• Six months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-3 level in the Federal service that is in or related to the duties of the position to be filled. NOTE: Excess specialized experience beyond the required 6 months may be substituted for general experience; i.e., one year of creditable specialized experience will meet the requirements for 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience.
• General experience is any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position to be filled, OR experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation for which the applicant is applying.
• Specialized experience may include work as a technician or aid in a research activity or control program work, nursery work that required the growing and maintenance of plants in a controlled environment, or work comparable to that with a large dairy farm where production records, animal environment, and sanitary conditions were kept in accordance with modern dairy practice if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled. Farming experience that was not performed in a controlled environment, or experience as a laborer who was not responsible for planning and scheduling his/her work, but only performed assigned tasks, would not qualify as specialized experience.

Examples of GS-3 level work assignments include:

• Weighing, grinding, or mixing samples;
• Preparing laboratory glassware, equipment, and apparatus requiring special cleaning, sterilization, or washing procedures;
• Removing dead fish and/or wildlife from ponds, raceways, and habitats;
• Assisting higher-level staff in reading and recording results of instruments, taking samples, performing standard tests, or collecting data for studies. For example 1-4, a designated authority made assignments by indicating generally what was to be done, limitations, quality and quantity expected, deadlines, and priority of assignments. Additional specific instructions were provided for new, more difficult, or unusual assignments or those that were not straightforward and/or repetitive. Recurring assignments were carried out within established procedures and with minimal instruction.
• Applicants may substitute the successful completion of two full years of study that included at least 12 semester hours or the equivalent in any combination of courses such as microbiology, biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours or the equivalent of courses must be directly related to the position to be filled.
• A combination of successfully completed post-high school education and specialized and/or general experience may be used to meet the qualification requirements for the GS-04 level. NOTE: When crediting education to meet any part of the experience requirement, such education must include the appropriate number of directly related credit hours required in any combination of courses such as microbiology, biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. When crediting this education, you must prorate the number of hours of directly related courses required as a proportion of the total education to be used.

For GS-05:

Basic Education Requirement:: Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Biologist, all grade levels.

• Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. 
• Combination of education and experience--courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above (24 semester hours or the equivalent in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position), plus appropriate experience and/or additional education for a total of 4 years. The education or combined education and experience must be comparable in type, scope, and thoroughness to that acquired through the successful completion of a 4-year course of study as described in "A" above

Education

• Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
• Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. 

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• careers.doi.gov/
• usgs.gov/human-capital/helpful-links benefits
• intern.usajobs.gov/job
• youtube.com/user/USInterior