For the Federal Government

Student Educational Employment

SCHOOL AND WORK

A Rewarding Combination

Gain valuable work experience...while you're still in school...and get paid for it!  Thank you for your interest in student employment with the Federal Government.  

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has consolidated the previous programs (e.g., Cooperative Education, Stay-in-School, Federal Junior Fellowship, and Summer Aid

Programs) into the new Student Educational Employment Program. This new program combines key features of the old programs along with added flexibilities to produce a

 more effective and streamlined program.  

The Federal Government has always looked to educational institutions to find people who have the skills needed to meet its future employment needs. That's why we created

 the Student Educational Employment Program to attract talented students to Federal public service.  It's an opportunity to earn money and continue your education, to train

with people who manage the day-to-day business of the national Government, and to combine your academic study with on-the-job experience.  Most Federal agencies use

this program. Some develop additional student, intern, or fellowship programs to meet their specific business needs.  No matter what agency you choose, the Student

Educational Employment Program will introduce you to the advantages and challenges of working for the United States Government.

What is the Student Educational Employment Program?

The Student Educational Employment Program has two components student temporary employment and student career experience. It is available to all levels of students: high

 school, vocational and technical, associate degree, baccalaureate degree, graduate degree, and professional degree students.

1.      Student Temporary Employment Component

Job opportunities under this component offer you temporary employment. Employment can range from summer jobs to positions that can last for as long as you are a student.  These employment opportunities need not necessarily be related to your academic field of study.

2.      Student Career Experience Component

This component offers you valuable work experience directly related to your academic field of study. It provides formal periods of work and study while you are attending school.  

It requires a commitment by you, your school, and the employing Federal agency. You may be eligible for permanent employment under this component after successfully completing your education and meeting work requirements.

Program Features Under Both Components:

• Students may be employed year round.
• Flexible schedule of work assignments.
• Open to all students...high school, under-graduate, graduate, and vocational/technical

Eligibility Requirements

You are eligible under the Student Educational Employment Program if you are:

A student enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student (diploma, certificate, etc.)  At least the minimum age required by Federal, state or local laws and standards governing the employment of minors, Taking at least half-time academic or vocational and technical course load in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, graduate or professional school, and A U.S. citizen or a national (resident of American Samoa or Swains Island). Non-citizens may be eligible for employment if:

1.      (1) permitted by a Federal agency's appropriation act, and

2.      (2) eligible to work under U.S. immigration laws.

U.S. citizenship is required for conversion to permanent employment under the Student Career Experience Component

Employment Outlook

"Highly competitive" and "talented" both describe the current and future employment needs of the Federal public service. Like the private sector, organizations throughout Government are undergoing streamlining and restructuring to become more efficient and less costly to operate. This means that fewer jobs are available in most industries, including Government.  However, many Federal agencies are still recruiting for specific occupations where Government needs to provide critical services, maintain its technical expertise, and attract students who demonstrate the skills and abilities the Government needs.

Next Steps....

Students may contact their school guidance office, career planning and placement office, teachers, or Federal agency employment office where they are interested in working.  They may also visit the OPM website at this address:

http://www.opm.gov/employ/students/index.htm

Summer Employment

A SUMMER EXPERIENCE
Are you looking for a summer experience that allows you to work along side people who manage the day-to-day business of our Nation? The Federal Government may have the right opportunity for you. Summer job opportunities are available in Federal agencies throughout the United States and cover a wide variety of positions.

How to Find Summer Job Opportunities
Use the Office of Personnel Management's USAJOBS. Summer job opportunities can be located on the System by searching under the heading "Summer" or by searching by series "9999." 

The System is accessible from a number of user friendly mediums.

USAJOBS consists of:

 Internet - The official world wide web site for jobs and employment information, may be accessed at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov.  On the web site, job seekers can access worldwide current job vacancies, employment information fact sheets, applications and forms, and in some instances, apply for jobs online. Complete job announcements can be retrieved from the web site. The USAJOBS web site also has an Online Resume Builder feature. Using the resume builder, job seekers can create online resumes specifically  designed for applying for Federal jobs. Resumes created on the USAJOBS resume builder can be printed from the system for faxing or mailing to employers; and saved and edited for future use. For many of the vacancies listed on the site, job seekers can submit resumes created through USAJOBS directly to hiring agencies through an electronic submission process.

Automated Telephone System - An interactive voice response telephone system which can be reached at (478) 757-3000 or TDD (478) 744-2299.  By telephone, job seekers can access worldwide current job vacancies, employment information fact sheets, and applications and forms, and in some instances, apply for jobs by phone.

How to file with Federal agencies
Once you have located the summer job and are sure that you meet the work experience and/or education requirements, complete the application form(s) requested in the agency's vacancy announcement. Be sure to specify the title of the job and the vacancy announcement number on your application. If additional information is needed, it will be included in the agency's vacancy announcement and should be submitted at the time you apply.  

Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have questions about your application after it has been submitted, you should contact the agency directly.  You should provide the agency with enough information to easily locate your application (e.g.,name, social security number, summer job vacancy announcement number, job title, and date submitted).

Application Forms and Deadlines
Contact any of the sources identified under "How to find summer job opportunities"  listed above to obtain the required application forms. You should submit a separate application for each job for which you are interested and qualified.  It is important to start your job search early! Application filing dates vary with each agency. Be sure to check vacancy announcement deadlines.

Employment Outlook
"Competitive" describes the outlook for summer jobs. The number of jobs available is relatively small in comparison to the large number of applicants for summer employment with the Federal Government. Only a small percentage of applicants who apply are hired.  Therefore, you should not limit your efforts to obtain summer work solely to the Federal Government.

Salary
As a summer employee, the pay you receive will depend on the education and/or work experience you already possess.

Military Draft Registration
Male applicants between the ages of 18 and 25 are eligible for appointment only after registering with the Selective Service System.

Work Permits
Some State laws require persons under the age of 18 to obtain a work permit before being employed. Applicants who are under 18 should check with State or local authorities for specific requirements.

Re-employment
Under some circumstances persons who worked for a Federal agency during a previous summer may be reemployed by the same agency without having to compete with other applicants.  To find out about reemployment possibilities, contact the agency where you previously worked.

Qualification Requirements: FOR TECHNICAL OCCUPATIONS (404) 

THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS ARE:                                                            

GS-02 level: Three months of general experience, or high school graduation or equivalent                                                                    

GS-03 level: Six months of general experience, or one year above high school with course(s) related to the occupation, if required                         

GS-04 level: Six months of general experience and six months of specialized experience, or two years above high school with courses 

related to the occupation, if required

GS-05 level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04                                                                 

GS-06 level and above: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.                                             

General experience is defined as progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates the ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position to be filled.         

Specialized experience is defined as experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.                                                                         

Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions

Fisheries Biologist

Fishery Biology Series includes positions which require professional knowledge and competence in the Science of fishery biology to perform work: (a) developing, conserving, managing, and administering fishery resources; and (b) evaluating the impact of construction projects and other socioeconomic activities that present potential or actual adverse effects on fishery resources and their habitat. The work also requires an ability to determine, establish, and apply biological facts, principles, methods, techniques, and procedures that are necessary for the production and/or management of aquatic resources in their natural habitat and/or within facilities and systems that have been constructed for their benefit and public use.

Forestry

Forestry Series includes positions which require primarily professional knowledge and competence in forestry science. The work includes development, production, conservation, and utilization of the natural resources of forests and associated lands; the inventory, planning, evaluation, and management of each forest resource including timber, soil, land, water, wildlife and fish habitat, minerals, forage, and outdoor recreation including wilderness, in relationship with each other to meet both present and future public and local private needs and demands; the protection of resources against fire, insects, disease, floods, erosion, and other depredations; the valuation, management and protection of forest lands and properties; the interpretation and communication of principles, facts and legislation upon which the management of forest land rests; and the development of new, improved, or more economic scientific methods, practices, or techniques necessary to perform such work.

Forestry Technician

Forestry Technician Series includes all positions that primarily require a practical knowledge of the methods and techniques of forestry and other biologically based resource management fields. Forestry technicians provide practical technical support in forestry research efforts; in the marketing of forest resources; or in the scientific management, protection, and development of forest resources.

Park Ranger

Park Ranger Series includes positions the duties of which are to supervise, manage, and/or perform work in the conservation and use of Federal park resources. This involves functions such as park conservation; natural, historical, and cultural resource management; and the development and operation of interpretive and recreational programs for the benefit of the visiting public. Duties characteristically include assignments such as: forest and structural fire control; protection of property from natural or visitor related depredation; dissemination to visitors of general, historical, or scientific information; folk-art and craft demonstration;control of traffic and visitor use of facilities; enforcement of laws and regulations; investigation of violations, complaints, trespass/encroachment, and accidents; search and rescue missions; and management activities related to resources such as wildlife, lakeshores, seashores, forests, historic buildings, battlefields, archeological properties, and recreation areas.

Tasks Expected of Park Ranger

Competencies

Range Technician

Range Technician Series includes all positions that primarily require a practical knowledge of the methods and techniques of range conservation and related resource management fields. Range technicians provide practical technical support in range research efforts; in the marketing of the range resource; and in the scientific management, protection, and development of grasslands and other range resources.

Rangeland Management

Rangeland Management Series covers positions that require primarily professional knowledge and competence in rangeland management to perform work involving the preservation, development, and management of rangelands. This includes the ability to analyze and protect the natural resources, to develop programs and standards for rangeland use and conservation, and to advise State officials, and private and Indian landowners in rangeland management practices.

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biology Series includes positions which require professional knowledge and competence in the science of wildlife biology to perform work involving: (a) the conservation, propagation, management, protection, and administration of wildlife species; or (b) the determination, establishment, and application of biological facts, principles, methods, techniques, and procedures necessary for the conservation and management of wildlife resources and habitats. The work requires professional knowledge of the distribution, habits, life histories, and classification of birds, mammals, and other forms of wildlife.

Wildlife Refuge Manager

Wildlife Refuge Management Series includes positions which require primarily professional knowledge and competence in the management, administration, and scientific operation of public lands and waters designated as national wildlife refuges. The work requires biological analyses, planning, and evaluation, and has as its principal purpose the conservation, protection, and propagation of wildlife species and the manipulation and utilization of their required habitat. The work involves a variety of activities in land, water, and habitat management, land planning, resource identification and allocation, administration, public relations, supervision, and other activities involving wildlife resource utilization, protection, inventory and evaluation, and maintenance of grasslands, marshes, and soils. The work also involves management considerations of land exploration and public, commercial, industrial, and agrarian land use.

Biological Science Technician

Biological Science Technician Series includes all positions that primarily require a practical knowledge of the methods and techniques of one or more of the biological or agricultural sciences when the work is not more appropriately included in another technician series of the Biological Sciences Group, 400. Biological science technicians provide practical technical support to production, research, operations, or program administration efforts in laboratories, field, or other settings including greenhouses, barns, caves, or wildlife refuges.

Ecologist

Ecology Series includes positions that involve primarily advisory, research, analytical, or other professional work in the science of ecology. Ecology utilizes a systems approach to study the interrelationships of organisms with each other, with their physical and chemical environment, and with society. Such relationships are considered primarily at the levels of individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Ecologists analyze biological components and processes in the context of ecosystems including environmental factors, physical-chemical relationships, and social relationships. They use quantitative and systems analysis techniques to predict effects of planned or natural changes in ecosystems and to develop understanding of and solutions to ecological problems.

Hydrologic Technician

Hydrologic Technician Series includes positions of hydrologic aids and technicians who apply practical knowledge of hydrologic methods and techniques; and of the construction, application, operation, and limitations of instruments, equipment, and materials used in hydrologic investigations. They collect, select, compute, adjust, and process data; prepare charts and reports; and perform related duties supporting professional work in hydrology, the science concerned with the study of water, its quantity, quality, availability, movement, and distribution.

Soil Conservation Technician

Soil Conservation Technician Series includes all positions that require a practical knowledge of the methods and techniques of soil, water, and environmental conservation as they relate to agricultural operations and land use measures. Soil conservation technicians advise property holders on the effectiveness of applying soil and water conservation practices or assist in research efforts.

Zoologist

Zoology Series includes positions which involve work in the field of zoology, including classification, structure, ecology, parasitological phenomena, evolution and the life history of animals. This work requires professional education and training in the animal and related natural sciences, and knowledge of the principles, methods, techniques, and procedures applied in the investigation, and solution of zoological problems.

Minimum Qualifications for the above Federal Job Series

Minimum qualifications are stated in vacancy announcements for Federal positions found on USAJOBS (www.usajobs.opm.gov). You may also find out more specific information about minimum qualification requirements by consulting any Federal Human Resources office or the OPM web site at www.opm.gov. On the OPM web site, you will need to know the Federal job title of the job in which you are interested. At www.opm.gov, select the subtitle "site index." On the next screen, select the letter "Q" for qualifications standards. Under Qualification Standards, you will be able to look for information for either General Schedule jobs or for Trades and Labor jobs.

Click on the following link to download an example of a resume presented in the Federally Accepted Format

(This is an Adobe file so you will need Acrobat Reader to view it) 

View Federal Resume

 Applying for a job using the web-based application of Avue Digital Services.  This new service provides the capability for people interested in employment opportunities with the Forest Service to apply for jobs through the internet.  You can create and update "Applicant Profiles", search for current vacancy announcements, create a job search profile, apply for jobs, and check the status on jobs for which you have applied.  Visit the internet by clicking on the address below and follow the instructions to setup your profile.

http://www.avuedigitalservices.com/

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.htm  -  Federal Employment Forms OF-612 etc.

http://www.opm.gov/oca/06tables/pdf/gs_h.pdf -  GS Pay Scale for Federal Jobs

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/a.htm  -  Job Search for Office of Personnel Management

Try these other Links also...

http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/jobs/careeroe.html

http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/e-resources/ebooks/records/7181-1.html

http://www.cyber-sierra.com/nrjobs/natres.html

http://www.cnr.colostate.edu/careers/all.htm