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The BIA Office of Trust Services' Pathways Internship Program connects current college students to paid internships throughout the Bureau of Indian Affairs and with Tribal Nations across the United States. With meaningful projects, rotational assignments, and multi-semester opportunities, Pathways prepares interns for an impactful career in public service and offers a direct pipeline to full-time employment with the BIA or Tribal Nations upon graduation.
Learn more about this agency09/12/2024 to 09/11/2025
$34,803 - $45,982 per year
Salary listed is for Rest of United States (RUS); however, salary will be set in accordance with pay scale for selected location.
GS 2 - 4
Many vacancies in the following location:
No
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Not required
No
Multiple Appointment Types - NTE Intern Appointment may be extended in increments of up to one year. There is no limit on the number of extensions that may be granted, so long as the Intern NTE maintains eligibility in accordance with the Pathways Internship Agreement.
Full-time
Competitive
4
No
No
No
ST-24-12545335-CBXH-LNS
809302700
Current students enrolled in accredited educational institutions from high school to graduate level. Includes internships, pathways and other student programs.
Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
Native Americans or Alaskan Natives with a tribal affiliation.
• United States Citizens who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment on a full-time basis in an accredited institution • Indian Preference Eligibles (must submit a BIA Form 4432)
Pathways Interns, also called "Student Trainees", fulfill a wide variety of roles and functions for the offices or programs to which they are assigned. In general, though, Student Trainees can expect to:
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: (OPM Operating Manual, Qualification Standards for Pathways Internship Positions, GS-0399).
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0300/administration-and-office-support-student-trainee-series-0399/
Requirements for Internship Appointments:
GS-2 grade level: Completion of high school or GED diploma.
GS-3 grade level: Completion of 1 academic year of post-high school study.
GS-4 grade level: Completion of 2 academic years of post-high school study or associate's degree.
NOTE: One full academic year of undergraduate, graduate, vocational, trades, technical, or high school education is the number of credit hours determined by the college, university or school to represent 1 year of full-time study. The high school curriculum must be approved by a State or local governing body. All education beyond high school must be accredited by an accrediting body or organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
PATHWAYS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: The following eligibility requirements must be maintained throughout the duration of the Internship appointment:
Be at least 18 years of age
Currently Enrolled Full-time or Accepted for Enrollment Full-time (12 credit hours)
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
Compliance with the terms and conditions of the Pathways Internship Program Participant Agreement
Enrolled in an accredited college or university seeking a bachelor's degree related to the program area (as identified in the Participant Agreement).
CONVERSION REQUIREMENTS: The incumbent of this position may be noncompetitively converted to a term or career conditional position with a full performance level (FPL) of GS-5 through GS-11 upon successful completion of all qualifications and eligibility requirements identified in the Pathways Participant Agreement. The FPL will be determined at the time of conversion and is a management decision on a case-by-case basis. Successful program completion requirements include:
-Complete at least 640 hours of work experience in accordance with 5 CFR 362;
The program is open to individuals pursuing Certifications, Associate's degrees, Bachelor's degrees, Business degrees, Master's degrees, Law degrees, and Doctorates per the requirements section of this announcement. Native American and Alaska Native students are highly encouraged to apply!
Degree program areas include natural resources management, geography, agricultural engineering, agricultural economics, animal husbandry, animal science, horticulture, rangeland management, soil conservation or science, environmental sciences, fisheries and wildlife biology, forestry and other related biological sciences.
For graduate education, one academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
NOTE: IF YOUR SCHOOL'S DEFINITION OF ONE YEAR OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDY IS LESS THAN 30 SEMESTER HOURS (OR 45 QUARTER HOURS) YOU MUST PROVIDE PROOF.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education which shows the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: FOREIGN EDUCATION
NOTE DOCUMENTATION OF STUDENT ENROLLMENT STATUS: If you do not have a transcript because you are a first year or a returning student, you must upload and attach a copy of your degree plan/curriculum and any other acceptable proof to verify currently accepted or enrolled. Examples of acceptable proof are enrollment course schedule or plan, registration of current course work, advisor approved degree checklist, or letter of acceptance that is on college or university official letter head.
If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
All new hires earn the beginning salary of their pay grade (Step 1). See 2024 Salary Tables here and select the appropriate pay chart. If no specific
chart is listed for your specific geographic location, see the "rest of U.S." chart.
NOTE: This vacancy is utilizing the Nationwide Special Salary Table Number 001M along with applicable chart for designated geographic location.
The full performance level of this position is GS-4. Promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. A career ladder promotion is at the discretion of management, and in no way guaranteed. Students may be promoted if all eligibility and qualification requirements are met. For promotion, the student must have no performance issues, be in good academic standing, remain in compliance with the Pathways Internship Participant Agreement, and meet the requirements for the grade level as described under the OPM Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Schedule D, Pathways Internship Positions.
NOTE: Internship work periods and schedules vary. Students will be placed on "Leave Without Pay" or LWOP status during periods in which they are not actively interning, such as during the school year. LWOP is a temporary non-pay and non-duty status which is granted based upon a student's educational needs (5 CFR 630.101).
Students will be required to provide a copy of up-to-date transcripts and upcoming class schedule (unofficial may be acceptable) at the end/beginning of each academic semester for verification of enrollment and academic standing as proof of continuing eligibility for participation in the Pathways Program.
Visit https://www.bia.gov/service/pathways for more information about the Pathways experience.
TELEWORK: Indian Affairs has determined that the duties of the position are suitable for CORE/Scheduled telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
TRAVEL AND RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE AUTHORIZED. ANY RELOCATION EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH REPORTING FOR DUTY WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SELECTED EMPLOYEE.
This position has been designated as an Incidental Operator under the Indian Affairs Motor Vehicle Safety Program and requires the incumbent to operate a motor vehicle in order to properly carry out his/her assigned duties but whose principal duties are not operating a motor vehicle and his/her position is not classified as a motor vehicle operator. The incumbent will be required initially and annually to acknowledge and certify possession of a valid state driver's license.
CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 80 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit:
http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp .
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You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your resume will be evaluated after the closing date to determine whether you meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position described above. Qualified candidates will be evaluated for this internship job based on how well you meet the qualifications above, including in the online Assessment Questionnaire. For applicants to be considered, all of the Required Documents must be included (uploaded) in their application packets: resume, transcript and/or proof of enrollment, and BIA Form 4432.
Competencies measured include:
The following documents are required for this position:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
ONLINE APPLICATION SUBMISSION:
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
1. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
2. Follow the prompts to select your resumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted.
3. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
4. You will be automatically redirected to the next stage of the online application, which will include the Required Online
Assessment Questionnaire. You must complete this stage to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the
required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login ); all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
PLEASE NOTE - NO APPLICATION MATERIAL WILL BE ACCEPTED VIA E-MAIL.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/809302700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
The Department of the Interior (DOI) places a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspectives and encourages applications from all interested eligible candidates. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental principles that guide the Department and allow us to successfully achieve our mission.
Indian Affairs provides services to 574 federally recognized tribes with a population of about 2.5 million American Indian and Alaska Natives. Indian Affairs offers an extensive range of programs such as social services, law enforcement and detention services, administration of tribal courts, natural resources management, economic development, implementation of land and water claim settlements, housing improvement, disaster relief, and the replacement and maintenance of schools, roads, and bridges.
Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC, Section 472). Verification Form BIA-4432 must be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference. Indian Preference eligibles not currently employed in Federal service may be appointed under the Excepted Service Appointment Authority Schedule A, 213.3112(a)(7). Consideration will be given to Non-Indian applicants in the absence of qualified Indian Preference eligibles. For more information, please visit: https://www.bia.gov/jobs.
