KEY REQUIREMENTS



• You must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• You must complete a background and security investigation.
• You must have a valid state driver's license.
• Cumulative GPA 2.9; 3.0 and higher preferred.
• Must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student.

The purpose of the Pathways Intern Employment Program is to provide the intern with exposure to public service, enhance educational experience, and provide financial support to encourage and support educational goals.  The program is formally structured to give interns the opportunity to work in positions related to their academic/career goals.  Participants will complete assigned duties, tasks, readings, and developmental activities specified in the program.  A written agreement is required between NRCS Nebraska and the intern.  Within 120 calendars days after completing educational requirements and Pathways Program specifics, NRCS may non-competitively promote and convert an intern to a career/career-conditional or term appointment.  Conversion is not guaranteed and is based on the need of the agency.

Soil Conservationist Student Intern

As a Soil Conservationist student intern with the Natural Resources Conservation Service you will work with staff specialists to assist with various stages of conservation planning, surveying and carrying out resource conservation plans.  The internship provides intensified training in soil conservation and is qualifying for a professional position upon graduation from college.

NRCS Pathways Program candidates will meet the qualification requirements consistent with OPM qualification standards applicable to the position being filled.

For GS-03: Completion of 1 academic year of post-high school study

For GS-04: Completion of 2 academic years of post-high school study or associate's degree

Note: An academic year of undergraduate education is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in an accredited college or university.

The required education must lead to a bachelor's degree with specialization in or directly related to the field in which the student trainee will particpate in the intern program.  The degree of specialization in this field must satisfy on graduation the specific educational requirements in the qualification standard for the corresponding position.

Unofficial transcripts are required to verify educational claims.  All academic degrees and coruse work must be completed at a college, or univeristy that has obtained accreditation or pre-acceditation status 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/.

Many NRCS positions have specific educational requirements, so we encourage you to provide a complete description of your eductional achievements.

The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.  USDA/NRCS also offers Flexi Work, Tele-work, Transportation Subsidies and a family friendly work environment.  The following web address is provided for your reference to explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employee.   To find out more click https://www.usajobs.gov/EI/benefits.asp

Relocation expenses are not authorized unless the individual selected is currently a Federal Employee under a competitive service appointment with permanent or conditional tenure.

OTHER INFORMATION:

EEO Policy Statement: http://www.usajobs.gov/eeo

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement: http://www.usajobs.gov/raps

Veterans Information: http://www.usajobs.gov/vi

Legal and Regulatory Guidance: http://www.usajobs.gov/lrg

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application (see "Required Documents" section below).  The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) by the closing date of this announcement.

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to the right of this announcement to create a USAJOBS account or log into our existing USAJOBS account.  Be sure to upload the required documents before you submit your application.  Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.  Mailed/emailed applications will not be accepted.

Note: To change or update your application, simply reapply through USAJOBS before the closing date of this announcement.  To check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position.

If you cannot apply online:

1. Click the following link to view and print the occupational questionnaire:View Occupational Questionnaire

2. Print the OPM Form 1203FX to provide your response to the occupational questionnaire:  http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf

3. Fax the completed 1203FX form along with all supporting documents to (478) 757-3144.  Do not use a separate cover sheet.  Your 1203FX form must be placed on top of all materies and will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission. 

4. Keep a copy of your fax transmission receipt in case verification is needed.

To fax supporting documents you are unable to upload:

1. Complete this cover page https://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf using the following Vacancy ID:756917.  You must use this fax cover sheet in order for your documents to be matched with your online application.

2. Fax this cover sheet and supporting documents to (478) 757-3144.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

The following documents are required:

• Completed Occupational Questionnaire.  This can be completed online.  Make sure that you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the questionnaire.  If you wish to complete the questionnaire via paper, please print the       and the 1203FX form to document your responses.

• Résumé

• College Transcripts to support education requirements.

• Veterans:  If you have prior military service, please include copies of all your DD-214s or proof of service.  Applicants claiming preference based on service-connected disability, or based on being the spouse or a mother of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must also complete and submit a SF-15 along with supporting documentation.

If you have submitted all documents listed above, you have completed the application process.   If you want to save an incomplete Occupational Questionnaire and return later, select the Save button at the top or bottom of each of the application pages and click the Logout button.

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

Once the online occupational questionnaire is received you will receive an automated acknowledgement email that your submission was successful.   After a review of ALL applications are made, you will be notified of your qualification or non-qualification and referral or non-referral to the hiring official for further consideration.   If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted.