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. The positions are located in the U.S, Department of Agriculture (USDA), Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) in Washington, DC.

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Performs general data gathering, verification, reviewing documents; coordinates projects of a limited nature; perform basic statistical, quantitative and qualitative analysis; complete general projects to enhance the incumbents skill set and support. Responds to a range of internal/external inquiries (written and telephonic), conducts general data entry and basic statistical, quantitative or qualitative analysis on activities in support of FAS’s mission and initiatives. Updates manuals on policies, directives and memoranda when necessary. Records and files information on specific cases, current projects, and/or studies. Researches, compiles, analyzes and reports data in support of economics studies of proposed projects. Assists in the development of information and data on production, prices, utilization, trade and consumption of agricultural products. Inputs data into automated computer systems and learn basic modeling for economic analysis.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Must be in good academic standing as defined by their academic institution.
• Complete at least 640 hours of work experience prior to completion of degree.
• Enrolled at least half-time at a qualifying educational institution.
• A signed participant agreement is required for employment under Pathways.
• Satisfactory Background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of two-year trial period.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• 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/
• STUDENT STATUS: You must maintain status as a current student while on this appointment. The anticipated start date of this position is May 19, 2024. You must meet the definition of a "student" currently and after this date to be eligible for hire.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. ELIGIBILITY: Students who are currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment on at least a half-time basis at a qualifying educational institution in a certificate, degree, or diploma program. Applicants can qualify by meeting the EDUCATION requirements specified below. EDUCATION: GS-2: High school diploma or equivalent. GS-3: Completion of 1 full academic year of post-high school study. An academic year of undergraduate education is defined as a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours at an accredited college or university; OR A minimum of 36 weeks at an accredited business, technical, vocational, or qualifying educational institution for at least 20 classroom hours per week. GS-4: Completion of 2 full academic years (60 semester or 90 quarter hours) of post-high school study or an associate's degree. GS-5: Completion of 4 academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree. Conversion Information: Candidates selected from this announcement may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a permanent position in the competitive service, provided that all terms of the Internship Program are met and there is an available position. Conversion is not mandatory or guaranteed and is at agency discretion. Pathways Interns may convert to a permanent position in the same occupational series (e.g., GS-0110) as outlined in the intern's Pathways agreement. To be eligible for conversion, you must satisfactorily complete all Pathways Program requirements: Complete at least 640 hours of work experience prior to graduation; Complete all mandatory training requirements; Meet performance expectations and be recommended for conversion; Meet suitability requirements; and Meet the position's Qualification Requirements of the associated occupational series as outlined in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, General Schedule Qualifications Standards. See the link below: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=0300-ndx

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.

YOU MUST PROVIDE all transcripts/proof of enrollment/acceptance, and/or current class schedule. 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/

Contacts

• Address Foreign Agricultural Service Human Capital Management Division 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250 US
• Name: Tanja Blagmon
• Phone: 202-869-9068
• Email: [email protected]