EPA Intern Program

Welcome! If you are seeking information about summer or temporary student opportunities or scholarships at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, please go to our Agency website at www.epa.gov/students The EPA Intern Program discussed below is for potential applicants who already have earned a college degree or are expecting to receive one no later than August, 2006. U.S. citizenship is required.

All applications for the 2006 EPA Intern Program (EIP) must be submitted on line at the EPA EZ-Hire web site www.epa.gov/ezhire or on the Office of Personnel Management USAJobs website www.usajobs.opm.gov.

The EIP positions will be advertised on these sites under the titles of Environmental Protection Specialist, and Biologists and Environmental Scientists.

Applications on these sites will only be accepted between March 27st and April 7st of 2006. You can only apply on line between these dates.

You are encouraged to visit these sites early, register, and become familiar with the typical application procedures and job announcements listed. The EIP announcement and procedures will be similar to jobs already posted.

All applicants will be required to submit:

A resume in the Federal format as explained on the websites.
Two (2), one-page essays:

One describing an activity where you used the following skills to benefit an organization/group to which you belong: planning; organization; team work; leadership; and written and verbal communication.

Another on a particular environmental issue that you would like to work on at the Environmental Protection Agency and why this issue is important to you.
Supplemental materials to be sent will include:

Two letters of recommendation, one each, from:
1. A professor or advisor who knows your academic work, or someone who knows your job related qualifications
2. Someone who knows your leadership potential or community service involvement
Copies of all college transcripts [official or unofficial] or a complete list of all college courses that includes grades, overall grade point average for all courses, and semester/quarter hours earned, majors, type and year of any degrees.

If applicable, a Certification statement from a State Vocational or Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Counselor or Gallaudet University Placement Office that describes your ability to perform the essential duties of this position (See Eligibility Criteria section in the vacancy announcement.).

Specific Vacancy Announcement Numbers for the EIP program will be posted on this page as they become available.

About the EPA Intern Program

The EPA Intern Program (EIP) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a comprehensive, entry-level, professional, full-time employment and career development program. As a program participant, you will join an intensive two-year program to help you "jump-start" your career and develop your potential for future advancement within the Agency.

Attracting and retaining top-notch employees is crucial to the success of EPA. To foster both their personal and professional growth, EIPers participate in a two-year EPA familiarization and career development program. Key components of the program are:

An Orientation Conference held in Washington, DC, to familiarize new EIPers with the Agency;
Multiple rotational assignments, including an opportunity for a two-month rotation to a different geographic location;
Individual Development Plans to serve as road maps for professional and personal development during the program and beyond;
Site visits and group project to introduce the "hands-on" work of the Agency, such as research, monitoring, environmental clean-up, community involvement, compliance, and prevention;
A Graduation Conference, featuring team training and environmental studies;
On-going networking activities.

Applicant Characteristics

The EIP seeks graduates from Bachelors degree programs in a variety of academic majors, including, but not limited to:

Biological Sciences and Ecology
Chemistry and Physical Sciences
Environmental Engineering
Financial Management
Public and Environmental Policy

Business
Computer Science
Environmental Studies
International Studies
Public Administration

In addition, applicants should be able to demonstrate the following:

Academic achievement
Leadership potential and teamwork skills
Good citizenship and commitment to a career in public service
Interests in environmental issues
Solid written and verbal communication skills
U.S. citizenship (required)

Employment Information

Candidates selected to complete the EIP will be offered professional EPA Intern Program Environmental Protection Specialist positions at the GS-7 or Environmental Scientist/Biologist positions at the GS-7 or 9, at either EPA Headquarters or Regional Office locations. Starting salaries are approximately $30,000 -$40,000 per year, depending on the grade and location of the position.

As EPA employees, EIPers enjoy a comprehensive federal compensation package that includes health and life insurance, federal retirement program, sick and annual leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (federal 401K plan). Quality of Work Life Programs such as career and personal development, flexible work hours, alternative work schedules, and tuition assistance may also be available.

Recruitment and Qualifications

Program positions will be filled through the Administrative Careers with America (ACWA) program, supplemented by the Selective Placement for People with Disabilities hiring authority, as well as others, such as Peace Corps, Americorps/VISTA, and the Federal Career Intern Program for Biologists and Environmental Scientists.

The ACWA program provides for entry-level hiring in a large number of professional and administrative occupations. Candidates are evaluated using rating schedules that typically include questions about competencies such as candidate's relevant training, education, experience, skills, achievements in school, employment, and other activities.

Other Information

The EPA Intern Program vacancy announcements will be posted for approximately two weeks in Spring, 2006 (usually April), on the Office of Personnel Management's website at www.usajobs.opm.gov or the EPA Ezhire website at www.epa.gov/ezhire.

Approximately 70 applicants may be invited to Washington, DC for the EIP Interview Process to be held in June, with travel expenses paid by EPA. We anticipate hiring approximately 25 EIP interns for the EIP class of 2006, who will come on board in August 2006.

For more information about the EIP, please write to:

EPA-InternProgram@epa.gov

EPA Intern Program - (Mailcode 3661A)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Human Resources
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460