STEP (Student Temporary Employment Program)

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offers two programs for summer employment: the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) and the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP). Both programs benefit the Service and students. The service can discover first hand the abilities of a potential employee and students gain exposure to public service while enhancing their educational goals.

The Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) provides an opportunity for students to earn money, continue their education, train with professionals, and combine academic study with on-the-job experience. Students may work part-time when school is in session and full-time during vacation periods.

Work does not have to be related to the student's academic or career goals. However, STEP students may later convert to the SCEP program if they are working in a position related to their academic and career goal. STEP work experience may be creditable toward SCEP work experience requirements.

Typically most STEP students at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge work during the summer vacation months in the biological or public use fields. The one-year STEP employment can be renewed at the refuge's discretion.

 Eligibility Requirements for STEP:

-          Be at least 16 years old

-          A U.S. Citizen

-          Currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a program of study leading to a degree at an accredited educational institution

-          Be in good academic standing

 Employment Period: Generally, Mid-May to Mid-August with some flexibility.

 Hours: Typical work hours are 7:00 am – 3:30 pm Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. However, the hours will vary depending upon the assignment.

 Salary: Approximately $11.00/hour

 Benefits: 4 hours of annual leave (vacation time) and 4 hours sick leave each two weeks; no insurance or other benefits are provided.

 How to Apply: Send the information listed below to:

STEP Administrator

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge

3006 Dinkins Lane

Paris , TN 38242

1.          A cover letter

2.          A resume or Optional Application for Federal Employment – OF 612. (pdf version)

3.          A Letter of Academic Standing from the educational institution.

4.          An official college transcript.

Application Deadline: The above requested information must be received by February 1, 2009.

 

More information on Public Use STEP position

More information on Biological STEP position

More information on the STEP program

Service Extends Comment Period on Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)

The Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) is the primary source for external recruitment for entry-level hires in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. SCEP provides work experience that is directly related to the student's academic program or career goals. SCEP students may be non-competitively converted to career, term or career-conditional appointments. SCEP gives students exposure to public service while enhancing their educational goals.

Managers typically use this program to bring undergraduate, as well as graduate or postgraduate level students into the workforce and at the same time have the opportunity to evaluate their performance in real work situations.