HOW TO APPLY
Thank you for your interest in joining the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a student trainee through the Pathways Internship Program.
To be considered for the position, follow these steps:
- Click “Apply” to be redirected to the USAJobs application portal.
- Once redirected, click “Apply” to complete the Assessment Questionnaire. Follow the step-by-step process to verify your eligibility. You must complete all sections of the form to successfully verify your eligibility.
- After completing the form, submit all required documents, including your resume, transcripts, proof of enrollment, and any other relevant materials electronically.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Step into a career where your contributions will shape the future of America’s infrastructure. As an engineering student trainee with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), you will join a mission-driven team at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), working alongside landowners and conservation partners to foster practices that ensure our natural resources’ sustainability. Through hands-on work, you will support projects like survey work, construction layout, and conservation structure inspections, use tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and 3D modeling, and play a key role in protecting ecosystems and promoting long-term environmental resilience.
This role offers a unique opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in engineering, natural resource management, and USDA policies. It’s a pathway to growth, leadership, and purpose where you will collaborate with NRCS experts on projects such as operating engineering instruments; gathering data; and using tools like MATLAB, SOLIDWORKS, and Autodesk Inventor to help develop conservation plans. As you progress through your training, your assignments will increase in complexity, providing deeper insights into engineering principles, environmental awareness, and compliance while positioning you for career growth and the chance to make a lasting impact on conservation’s future.
WHY THE USDA?
Do you want to work for a premier conservation agency whose mission is to "help people help the land"? The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), works in close partnership with farmers, ranchers, forest managers, nongovernmental organizations, local and state governments, and other federal agencies to create and maintain healthy and productive working landscapes.
As part of the USDA's new Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Mission Area, NRCS has 3,000 locations and covers every county in the United States. We help stewards of agricultural lands and non-industrial private forest lands plan and implement proven conservation systems through technical and financial assistance designed to enhance productivity, improve soil and water health, and restore wetlands and wildlife habitat.
We need people who are committed to action through public service—people who help ensure that all of us enjoy the benefits that come from a healthy environment and productive agriculture. Please consider joining us and helping to make a difference for generations to come.
SALARY LEVEL
- Salary for this position will vary depending on the assigned grade (GS-02 through GS-04) and locality. Salary may also include locality pay adjustments based on the duty location. Additionally, student trainees may be eligible for recruitment and relocation incentives as well as the Student Loan Repayment Program upon conversion to permanent status.
DUTIES
- Perform a variety of survey work to develop topographic, cross-section, profile, and other types of duties for use by a professional engineer.
- Operate and be trained in operating engineering instruments such as an engineer's level, hand level, laser level, total station, data collector, and GPS.
- Operate a personal computer to process data, organize data, type design reports, estimate costs, calculate material quantities, and perform simple hydrology and hydraulic calculations.
- Assist with construction inspection and layout for conservation structures for adherence to plans and specifications.
- Assist technicians in evaluating proposed conservation projects’ needs and feasibility.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
- Must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or lawfully permitted to work in the United States as a permanent resident or authorized employee.
- Must be registered with Selective Service (if applicable).
- Must be in good academic standing with a GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Must complete at least 640 hours of work experience prior to completing their degree.
- Must be enrolled at least half-time in a qualifying education institution.
- Must sign a Pathways Participant Agreement to be employed under the Pathways Internship Program.
- Must pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
- Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
- Must complete a two-year trial period.
- Must provide proof of continued enrollment and good academic standing (GPA of 2.5 or higher) throughout the internship’s duration.
EDUCATION
Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited education institution. Fields of study relevant to this position include engineering or a related discipline. Applicants must meet the following education requirements for the indicated GS levels:
- GS-02: Completion of high school or possession of a GED diploma.
- GS-03: Completion of one full academic year of postsecondary study.
- GS-04: Completion of two full academic years of postsecondary study or an associate's degree.