Pathways Internship- Student Trainee (Life Science/Physical Science/Engineering)
CLICK HERE to learn more and apply.
Summary
The Pathways Program offers federal internship and employment opportunities for current students, recent graduates and those with an advanced degree. There are three different paths available: Internship, Recent Graduates, and Presidential Management Fellows Program. The Internship Program is for current students. If you’re a current student in high school, college, trade school or other qualifying educational institution, you may be eligible. This program offers paid opportunities to work in federal agencies and explore federal careers while completing your education.
This position is in Region 9. If selected, you must work at the location stated in this announcement. About Region 9: Region 9
Salary will be based on the grade level for which you are selected.
- Open & closing dates
- 01/18/2022 to 01/27/2022
- Salary
- $38,449 - $55,925 per year
- Pay scale & grade
- GS 04 - 05
- Location
- MANY vacancies in the following location: San Francisco
- Telework eligible
- Yes-as determined by the agency policy.
Duties
At the GS-4 level, you will:
- Assist in the performance of other standardized support duties such as the collection of literature references and the organization of files.
- Assist with routine steps in science studies and regulatory/compliance work.
- Support higher-graded staff in planning for program management of environmental programs.
At the GS-5 level, you will:
- Complete developmental assignments that expand the employee's understanding of concepts, underlying principles and program requirements and procedures.
- Assist with summary of environmental program information data for use in preparing reports and program evaluations.
- Perform routine tasks in science studies of a standard nature on regulatory and compliance issues and problems.
- Support higher-graded staff in planning for program management of environmental programs.
- Assist staff in preparation of materials for, and participation in, briefings with managers.
- Review literature for assessment and information gathering.
One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations).
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
You must submit transcripts & proof of enrollment--see Required Documents. You must be age 16 or older. If you are selected, a written participant agreement must be signed. Position has education requirements--see Qualifications/Education section. You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section. You must be a U.S. citizen. You must be enrolled at least half-time and maintain at least a half-time course load as defined by your academic institution (typically 6 undergraduate credit hours or 4.5 graduate credit hours per semester).
You must have and maintain good academic standing as defined by your academic institution (typically a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0).
If you are selected, the entire period served under the Internship Program will be a trial period.
This position is designated as Low Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an
appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.
As required by Executive Order 14043, if you are selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by 11/22/21, or before onboarding with the agency if after 11/22/21, except in limited circumstances. For information about COVID-19 workplace safety at EPA, as well as resources and health and safety guidance, visit COVID-19 Safe Federal Workplace.
Qualifications
In addition to the eligibility requirements for the Pathways Internship Program, Pathways Interns qualify for an initial appointment based on their educational achievements as described below:
To qualify for the GS-04 level, you need to have completed two full academic years of post-high school study or an associate’s degree.
To qualify for the GS-05 level, you need to have completed four academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree.
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.
If you have part-time work experience, read this: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
Education
You need a degree or combination of education and experience as described below to qualify for this position.
Life Scientist:
You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in one of the following: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major, as listed.
--OR--
Environmental Engineer:
All applicants must meet one of the following requirements to qualify for consideration for an engineering position:
- Successful completion of a professional engineering degree at an accredited university or college OR
- Have a combination of college level education or training AND technical experience that has furnished you with (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
- Professional registration as an engineer.
- Evidence of passing the Engineer-in-Training written test.
- Successful documented completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences as described by OPM.
- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field and at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance.
Please review the OPM page on specifics about required curriculum and for more information on qualifications, please visit GS-800: All Professional Engineering Positions qualifications
--OR--
Physical Scientist:
You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in one of the following: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics; OR a combination of education and experience with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
For information about accreditation requirements, visit EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.