Student Trainee

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development (RD) is a dynamic organization recruiting for employees who possess the energy, compassion, and commitment to serve those in rural communities and will enjoy working in a fast paced and results driven organization. RD offers different Pathways opportunities for students and recent graduates to work in the agricultural, science, technology, math, environmental, management, business and many other fields.  

To learn more about RD and our mission visit our website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd

Currently we are hiring for the Pathways Programs listed below, which offer a clear path to career positions with our Agency! Positions open beginning April 13, 2020, and the deadline to apply is April 22,2020.

Provides students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions from high school to graduate level the opportunity to work for agencies and explore federal careers while getting paid for the work performed.  Students who successfully complete this program may be eligible for conversion to a term or permanent position in the competitive service. Appointments may be at the highest-grade level for which the Intern is qualified. 

RD positions we are recruiting for are noted below and posted on the USAJOBS website.

·       Pathways Student Trainee (Budget), GS-0599-3/4 - This position serves in a developmental trainee capacity. As a student trainee the incumbent performs a variety of budget tasks assigned to provide experience in the practical application of Budget principles, procedures, and techniques. Gains exposure to and develops an understanding of various Rural Development and government budget processes and their overall relationship to the automated budget system and reporting and auditing functions.

·       Pathways Student Trainee (Business), GS-1199-3/4 – This position serves in a developmental trainee capacity. As a student trainee receives extensive on-the-job training in a variety of routine tasks that will provide experience and technical competence in the methods, procedures, principles, theories and techniques utilized in the performance of various administrative or program functions under the direction of Rural Development (RD) management.

What You Need to Apply:

All applications must be submitted on USAJOBS.gov. Below is information on what you will need to apply:

·       Cover letter. This is optional but should be one page maximum.

·       Resume. It must include the following information: 1) contact information; 2) completed coursework; 3) education/GPA; 4) work/volunteer experience including the work schedule and hours worked per week as well as dates of employment; and title, series and grade, if applicable; 5) supervisor’s name, phone number and e-mail address for each work period listed and whether or not we may contact them for reference checks; and, 6) at least 3 professional references.

·       Transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if selected, an official college transcript will be required prior to appointment. Transcripts MUST include the student’s full name, name of the school, current GPA/academic standing, past and current coursework, and degree program. If your school does not provide transcripts or the transcripts does not provide all the necessary information listed above, you should include additional academic documentation from the school that meets the requirements above. This additional documentation may include a letter from the school’s registrar’s office or official enrollment verification.

·       Acceptance letter. Students who have recently graduated or are expected to graduate in the fall/winter term must also include an official acceptance letter along with their transcripts to verify they are continuing their education. (For Internship Program applicants only)

·       Veteran’s Preference documentation. If claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted. If claiming 10-point veteran's preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference.