STUDENT TRAINEE (RANGELAND MANAGEMENT), GS-0499-2/3/4

Duties

SUMMARY OF DUTIES: As a student trainee, you will serve in a developmental role in a natural resources program to develop the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities for employment in a civil service career.

Student trainees will:

• Become familiar with professional agriculture or natural resources management activities.
• Receive orientation pertaining to the organizational structure of the Bureau and its methods of working with rangeland management professionals in performing technical and basic professional duties pertaining to range management work.
• Receives other assignments to broaden knowledge of Bureau activities in the related program functions, such as timber, fire, wildlife and recreation.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
2. Students will be required to provide a copy of up-to-date transcripts (unofficial may be acceptable) at the end of each academic semester, unless requested more frequently by the supervisor, Pathways Program Coordinator, or Human Resources Officials, for verification of enrollment and academic standing as proof of continuing eligibility for participation in the Intern Program.
3. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must possess the physical capabilities required for the position such as, long periods of standing, walking over rough, steep, or rocky surfaces, recurring stooping, reaching, bending, as well as occasional lifting heavy objects, up to 50 pounds. Any condition, which would cause you to be a hazard to yourself or to others, will disqualilfy you for employment.
4. Management may require you to operate a motor vehicle to conduct assigned duties. If it is determined that operation of a motor vehicle is required subsequent to appointment, management will ensure the employee meets state licensing requirements and BIA driving policy by submitting GSA Form 3607, Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS AND ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements for Pathways positions, including general and/or specialized experience as defined by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), or by the BIA. Any positive education requirements and selective placement factors must be obtained prior to applicant consideration. In addition, the applicant must meet any additional conditions of employment following appointment and specialized experience may be considered for determining level for which the individual is qualified.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Pathways Program candidates must mee the minimum education requirements determined by OPM. These requirements vary by grade levels as follows (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#GS-CSST):

• For the GS-02 grade level: Completion of high school or GED diploma.
• For the GS-03 grade level: Completion of 1 academic year of post-high school study.
• For the GS-04 grade level: Completion of 2 academic years of post-high school study or associate's degree.

NOTE: Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Schedule D, Pathways Internship Positions: One (1) 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 (1 year of education is defined as two semesters (30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours).. 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. The Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs

STUDENT INTERN PROMOTION POTENTIAL: Central Office may promote a student intern who meets the education qualification (number of credit hours) requirements for the position and they have a current "Fully Successful" Performance Rating of Record and a 2.0 GPA. This provision does not confer entitlement to promotion.

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.
• Enrolled in an accredited college or university seeking a degree directly related to the program field, such as forestry or natural resources management and biological sciences.
• Full-time enrollment (or at least 12 credit hours).
• A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
• Maintain a valid Pathways Program Participant Agreement.
• Be able to perform the job successfully.

Education

CONVERSION REQUIREMENTS: Interns of this position maybe 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 the Pathways Internship Program requirements. The FPL will be determined at the time of conversion and is a management decision on a case-by-case basis. Non-competitive conversions are not guaranteed, they are based on various factors such as budget, organizational need, student performance, education, etc.

In order to be eligible for a non-competitive conversion, you must meet the following:

• Complete at least 640 hours of work experience acquired through a related student trainee/Internship Program.
• Have completed their academic degree requirements with at least an overal 2.0 GPA.
• Meet OPM's qualification standards for the position to which the student will be converted. See qualification requirements at: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs0400/0499.htm
• Meet agency specific requirements for position, such as the DOI Policy on Qualification Requirements for GS-0454 Rangeland Management.
• Received a "Fully Successful" or above performance evaluation.
• Be converted timely within conversion period from when the degree is conferred (120) days.
• Accept job placement offer and relocate if necessary.
• Received favorable recommendation from supervisor for non-competitive conversion "appointment."