Student Trainee (Program Technician)

Company: Department of Agriculture
Location: Fayetteville
Posted on: March 18, 2023

Job Description:

Summary

Pathways Student Internship Authority is designed to provide students enrolled in a variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with paid work opportunities in agencies to explore federal careers while in school.

Assignments are designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for successful performance of loan specialist work in developing, reviewing, administering, and coordinating programs for direct farmer producer participation.

Learn more about this agency

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Overview

* Accepting applications
* Open & closing dates

02/17/2023 to 03/06/2023


* Salary

$33,241 - $43,801 per year


* Pay scale & grade

GS 2 - 4


* Help

Locations

8 vacancies in the following locations:

* Fayetteville, AR 1 vacancy


* Harrisburg, AR 1 vacancy


* Harrison, AR 1 vacancy


* Little Rock, AR 1 vacancy


* Show more locations (4)
* Monticello, AR 1 vacancy


* Morrilton, AR 1 vacancy


* Texarkana, AR 1 vacancy


* Walnut Ridge, AR 1 vacancy




* Remote job

No


* Telework eligible

Yes-as determined by the agency policy.


* Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.


* Relocation expenses reimbursed

No


* Appointment type

Internships -


* Work schedule

Full-time -


* Service

Excepted


* Promotion potential

4


* Job family (Series)

1199 Business And Industry Student Trainee


* Supervisory status

No


* Security clearance

Not Required


* Drug test

No


* Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk


* Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness


* Announcement number

FSA-23-11845134-PW-AR-MC


* Control number

707528100



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This job is open to

* Students

Current students enrolled in accredited educational institutions from high school to graduate level. Includes internships, pathways and other student programs.



Clarification from the agency

WHO MAY APPLY: Students who are currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment on at least a half-time basis at a qualifying educational institution in a certificate, degree, or diploma program with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

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Duties

* Performs a variety of duties related to the accomplishment of farm loan program work within FSA.
* Receiving on-the-job training in each of the programs or activities preformed at the State or County FSA Offices.
* Work assignments are designed to provide practical application of the knowledge and skills acquired by the student during the formal education phase of the program.
* Track, maintain, and report on status of assigned projects.
* Logs proposals in the electronic tracking system.
* Ensures financial and technical reports have been received and approved.
* Greets and receives visitors.
* Sends, receives, and distributes correspondence.
* May assemble award documents and ensures award packages are complete and accurate.

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

* You must be a US Citizen or US National.
* Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
* Must be in good academic standing as defined by your academic institution.
* Complete at least 640 hrs. of work experience prior to completion of degree.
* Enrolled at least half-time at a qualifying educational institution.
* A signed participant agreement is required for employment under Pathways.
* Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. If selected you will be sent instruction on obtaining fingerprints. Please note we are not able to reimburse any fees incurred for fingerprints.
* Successful completion of two-year trial period.
* Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
* Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
* Duty Location may change during internship based upon training needs or upon conversion.
* This position requires the incumbent to possess a valid state driver's license.

Qualifications

Position Qualifications: Applicants must meet position qualifications requirements as shown below at the time of appointment. The agency must be able to verify that the education was completed successfully before the applicant can be appointed.

* Applicants must be currently enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) as a certificate or degree-seeking student at a qualifying accredited educational institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
* Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time as defined by your educational institution.
* Be planning for or pursuing a certificate or degree in, or related to, the internship opportunity being advertised. Examples of relevant educational fields for this position include but are not limited to: finance, business administration, economics, accounting, insurance, engineering, mathematics, banking and credit, law, real estate operations, statistics, or other fields related to the position, such as agriculture, agricultural economics, farm, livestock or ranch management, or rural sociology which will allow applicants to qualify for the conversion requirements listed within the vacancy announcement upon graduation.
* The duties of the position must be related to the student's academic field of study or career interests.

Below is the education requirement to be qualified for this position:

* GS-2 Completion of high school or possession of a GED diploma.
* GS-3 Completion of 1 full academic year of post-high school study.
* GS-4 Completion of 2 full academic years of post-high school study or an associate degree.

One full academic year of undergraduate education is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours or the equivalent as defined by the accredited college or university.

One full academic year of graduate education is defined as 18 semester hours, or the equivalent as defined by the accredited college or university.

Conversion Information: Candidates selected from this announcement may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a permanent position in the competitive service, provided that all terms of the Internship Program are met and there is an available position. Conversion is not mandatory or guaranteed and is at agency discretion.

To be eligible for conversion, you must satisfactorily complete all Pathways Program requirements:

* Complete at least 640 hours of work experience prior to graduation.
* Complete all mandatory training requirements.
* Meet performance expectations and be recommended for conversion.
* Meet suitability requirements, and
* Meet the position's Qualification Requirements of the associated occupational series as outlined in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, General Schedule Qualifications Standards. See the link below:

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-PIP

Education

College Transcripts: You must submit a copy of your college transcript or high school diploma/GED certificate as proof that you meet the educational requirements for the grade to which you are applying. You may submit unofficial copies of transcripts at the initial phase of the application process; however, if selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entrance-on-duty. See "Required Documents" section for more details.

MUST PROVIDE all transcripts/proof of enrollment/acceptance, and/or current class schedule.

All academic degrees or course work must be completed in an educational institution that has obtained accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see http://www.ed.gov/

Additional information

Student Interns must continue to meet the Pathways Program requirements throughout the duration of the appointment. Incumbents will be required to provide proof of continued enrollment and good standing (cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale) each semester or grading period throughout the internship program. Failure to do so will result in termination of the appointment.

Upon completion of all program requirements, Pathways Interns may be converted to a term, career-conditional or career appointment within 120 days following successful completion of all their education; however, conversion is not guaranteed.

* Physical Demands: The work is primarily sedentary, although there may be some nominal walking or standing for short periods of time or carrying of light loads of papers, books or reports that do not require special physical demands.
* Work Schedules: Selected Interns will be expected to work full-time (40 hours per week) during school summer breaks and may be allowed to work part-time during the school year, depending on location/state selected.
* Promotion to the next higher grade may occur without further competition once all legal and regulatory requirements are met to include management's certification of the continuing need for performance of duties at the higher grade level.
* Recruitment and Relocation Incentives may be offered.
* Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) may be authorized upon meeting Pathways conversion eligibility requirements, if SLRP policy requirements are met and as Agency funding allows.
* This position is eligible for telework within the local commuting area of the position and other flexible work arrangements. Current USDA policy includes telework for an 8-hour work day, 4 days per week; other flexibilities are possible dependent upon availability and/or the position and its associated duties. Employee participation is at the discretion of the supervisor.

The salary for each location may vary depending on locality. Salary reflects the Rest of U.S. scale and will be adjusted to meet the locality pay of the duty location upon selection. Locality tables may be found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/

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* Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.



How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the Position Qualifications and Pathways Intern Program Eligibility Requirements listed in the "Qualifications" section above. Applicants who meet these requirements will be placed on the certificate of eligibles per the grade qualified and forwarded to the selecting official for further review and consideration. Selections will be made from the certificate of eligibles. Interviews may be conducted but are not guaranteed.

Veteran's preference applies in the arrangement of qualified applicants for all USDA Pathways Programs positions (5 CFR 302.101(a). Qualified applicants eligible for veteran's preference will be referred and considered ahead of non-veterans.

NOTE: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you provided false documentation, you will be removed from consideration.

If you are graduating in the same semester or term in which you are appointed, you must be able to complete 640 work hours prior to graduation. Spring 2023 graduates will be required to provide proof of continued enrollment for Fall 2023. If no proof of continued enrollment is provided, you will be deemed ineligible for an internship.

Before you submit an application for any of our vacancies, you should completely review the announcement and requirements. You should only apply for positions you meet the required minimum qualifications AND program requirements described in the announcement. Do not apply to a duty

location if you are not willing to accept or travel to that location.

To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11845134

* Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.


* Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.

* Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other qualifications.
* Transcripts: A copy of your most recent transcripts is required, preferably showing field of study, school name, student's name, current GPA or academic standing, past and current course work, degree program, and major/concentration. Please be sure to submit all available transcripts to help ensure that you are properly evaluated for the qualification requirements of this position. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, your transcripts must document that you have completed the required coursework hours for the grade level as listed in the Qualifications section of this job announcement. Note: An unofficial copy of your transcripts is sufficient with this application; however, if selected, official college transcripts will be required prior to entering on duty.
* Enrollment Verification: If your transcripts reflect current/in-progress enrollment, separate enrollment verification is not required. If your transcripts do not reflect current/in-progress enrollment, you must provide proof of current enrollment or acceptance in the form of letters, records, or statements issued from an authorized source (i.e., University Registrar's Office).
* Academic Verification: If your transcripts do not reflect current Academic Standing/GPA, please provide proof of your academic standing in the form of letters, records, or statements issued from an authorized source (i.e., University Registrar's Office).
* If claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a Member 4 copy of 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 Member 4 copy of 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. For more information on veterans' preference visit FEDSVISITVETS.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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.


* How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.

Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.

To begin, click "Apply Online" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.

NOTE: If a document is resubmitted, it replaces the previous submission, which means the previous document is no longer available to the Human Resources Office. If you are adding to, rather than replacing a previous submission, you must upload both the old document and the new document. You must verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBS transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Applicants may combine all like required documents (e.g. SF-50s or veteran docs) into one or more files and scan for uploading into the application. Each file must not exceed 3MB. Grouping like documents into files will simplify the application process. Documents must be in one of the following formats: GIF, JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG, RTF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). Uploaded documents may not require a password, digital signature, or other encryption to open.

Agency contact information

Melissa Conaway

Phone

000-000-0000

Email

melissa.conaway@usda.gov

Address

Farm Service Agency

1400 Independence Ave SW

Washington, DC 20250

US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status.

Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.


* Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

* Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
* Reasonable accommodation policy
* Financial suitability
* Selective Service
* New employee probationary period
* Signature and false statements
* Privacy Act
* Social security number request



Help

Required Documents

The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.

* Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other qualifications.
* Transcripts: A copy of your most recent transcripts is required, preferably showing field of study, school name, student's name, current GPA or academic standing, past and current course work, degree program, and major/concentration. Please be sure to submit all available transcripts to help ensure that you are properly evaluated for the qualification requirements of this position. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, your transcripts must document that you have completed the required coursework hours for the grade level as listed in the Qualifications section of this job announcement. Note: An unofficial copy of your transcripts is sufficient with this application; however, if selected, official college transcripts will be required prior to entering on duty.
* Enrollment Verification: If your transcripts reflect current/in-progress enrollment, separate enrollment verification is not required. If your transcripts do not reflect current/in-progress enrollment, you must provide proof of current enrollment or acceptance in the form of letters, records, or statements issued from an authorized source (i.e., University Registrar's Office).
* Academic Verification: If your transcripts do not reflect current Academic Standing/GPA, please provide proof of your academic standing in the form of letters, records, or statements issued from an authorized source (i.e., University Registrar's Office).
* If claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a Member 4 copy of 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 Member 4 copy of 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. For more information on veterans' preference visit FEDSVISITVETS.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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.

Help

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.

Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.

To begin, click "Apply Online" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.

NOTE: If a document is resubmitted, it replaces the previous submission, which means the previous document is no longer available to the Human Resources Office. If you are adding to, rather than replacing a previous submission, you must upload both the old document and the new document. You must verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBS transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Applicants may combine all like required documents (e.g. SF-50s or veteran docs) into one or more files and scan for uploading into the application. Each file must not exceed 3MB. Grouping like documents into files will simplify the application process. Documents must be in one of the following formats: GIF, JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG, RTF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). Uploaded documents may not require a password, digital signature, or other encryption to open.

Read more

Agency contact information

Melissa Conaway

Phone

000-000-0000

Email

melissa.conaway@usda.gov

Address

Farm Service Agency

1400 Independence Ave SW

Washington, DC 20250

US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status.

Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.

Read more

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

* Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
* Reasonable accommodation policy
* Financial suitability
* Selective Service
* New employee probationary period
* Signature and false statements
* Privacy Act
* Social security number request

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Help

Overview

* Accepting applications
* Open & closing dates

02/17/2023 to 03/06/2023


* Salary

$33,241 - $43,801 per year


* Pay scale & grade

GS 2 - 4


* Locations

8 vacancies in the following locations:

* Fayetteville, AR 1 vacancy


* Harrisburg, AR 1 vacancy


* Harrison, AR 1 vacancy


* Little Rock, AR 1 vacancy


* Show more locations (4)
* Monticello, AR 1 vacancy


* Morrilton, AR 1 vacancy


* Texarkana, AR 1 vacancy


* Walnut Ridge, AR 1 vacancy




* Remote job

No


* Telework eligible

Yes-as determined by the agency policy.


* Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.


* Relocation expenses reimbursed

No


* Appointment type

Internships -


* Work schedule

Full-time -


* Service

Excepted


* Promotion potential

4


* Job family (Series)

1199 Business And Industry Student Trainee


* Supervisory status

No


* Security clearance

Not Required


* Drug test

No


* Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk


* Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness


* Announcement number

FSA-23-11845134-PW-AR-MC


* Control number

707528100



This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/707528100. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

Keywords: Department of Agriculture, Fayetteville , Student Trainee (Program Technician), Professions , Fayetteville, Arkansas