USDA Ag Research Service Summer Internships
We have openings for Summer Internships!
A number of our positions involves coding and data management.
Job Titles: BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE AID,
HYDROLOGIC TECHNICIAN or ENGINEERING AID
Department: United States Department of Agriculture
Agency: Agricultural Research Service
SALARY:
Starting at $16.35/hour
OPEN PERIOD:
May 13, 2024-August 16, 2024
SERIES AND GRADE:
Starting at GS-0404-01, 1316-01, GS-0802-02
POSITION INFORMATION:
Full-time/Part-time – Summer (multiple positions available)
Excepted service temporary position not-to-exceed 180 working days within a 1-year period
DUTY LOCATION:
West Lafayette, IN National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory (NSERL) -
Our mission is to develop the knowledge and technology needed by land users to conserve natural resources for future generations.
WHO MAY APPLY:
Applications will be accepted from U.S. citizens
KEY REQUIREMENTS
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered with Selective Service
• Successful adjudication of fingerprint check
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
A) DUTIES MAY INCLUDE (Biological Science Aids are supervised by C. Penn, J. Gonzalez or technicians supporting their research; positions are open until filled)
• Assist with plant, soil and water sampling in the lab and the field.
• Process and organize samples.
• Assist with sample extraction and analysis.
• Assist with general laboratory maintenance (washing glassware, making solutions, autoclaving)
B) DUTIES MAY INCLUDE (Hydrologic Technicians or Engineering Aids are supervised by
C. Renschler, D. Flanagan, J. Gonzalez, or technicians supporting their research; positions are open until filled)
• Perform routine measurements (e.g. photogrammetry of images and LIDAR).
• Perform routine computations (e.g. coding, analyzing digital topography, soil particles).
• Assist in the assembly, installation, or operation of equipment, instruments, or facilities.
• Maintain work area in a proper manner; and cleans and organizes equipment and supplies.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Working conditions can range from sedentary to physical both in the lab and field – with walking outside in agricultural fields and ditches, bending, and carrying items ranging from lightweight to moderately heavy (20-40 lbs). Inclement weather or dusty conditions can occur during sample collection and processing. Standing or sitting for periods of time during sample processing may occur.
You will get a chance to interact and work or meet with other summer interns. The summer intern
cohort meets usually at the start of the day to coordinate collaborative intern activities and meets once
a week for a special summer intern seminar series to learn directly about the work from NSERL
researchers and technicians.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: High school diploma or equivalent. Please provide your experience or
education related to field and laboratory work.
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED
Your application package will be reviewed to determine if you meet eligibility and minimum qualification
requirements.
OTHER INFORMATION
If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you
must submit member 4 copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point
veterans' preference, you must submit an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference plus the
proof required by that form.
Reasonable Accommodation: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application
and hiring process or have questions regarding reasonable accommodation and/or accessibility for any
part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Disability Program Manager on 202-720-
6161 or through the DC Relay Service on 202-855-1234 (TDD).
HOW TO APPLY
Your application package should refer to the internship opportunity (A and/or B), availability (Fulltime/
Part-time), and must include:
• A resume, curriculum vitae, or other document outlining your qualifications.
• Please provide your experience or education related to field and laboratory work.
• Full name, mailing address and day and evening phone number.
• Your country of citizenship
If claiming veteran's preference or 10-point veterans’ preference:
• DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
• SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans’ Preference and supporting documentation as required
by the form.
Applications are reviewed on an incoming basis until filled and must be sent to:
Demetria Driver
USDA-ARS, 275 S Russell St.
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Demetria.Driver@usda.gov
For questions regarding the application process, contact Sherry Egbert (765-494-9726) - or
sherry.egbert@usda.gov
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
EEO Policy Statement