USDA NRCS Pathways Intern: Conservation Planning and Biological Sciences

Join the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Redmond, Oregon, for a paid summer internship supporting conservation planning and natural resource projects. This Pathways position offers students practical experience working with conservation professionals in both field and office settings.

The intern will help evaluate natural resource concerns and assess the needs and feasibility of proposed conservation projects. Responsibilities may include collecting field data, conducting surveys, supporting conservation planning, assisting with project design and cost estimates, and inspecting conservation practices during construction.

Expected Responsibilities

• Assist conservationists and technicians with evaluating proposed conservation projects
• Collect topographic, cross-section, profile, GPS, and other field data
• Learn to operate equipment such as GPS units, engineer’s levels, laser levels, total stations, and data collectors
• Organize and process field data using a computer
• Help prepare reports, cost estimates, material quantity calculations, and project documentation
• Assist with basic hydrology and hydraulic calculations
• Support construction layout and inspection of conservation structures
• Verify that installed conservation practices follow applicable plans and specifications
• Travel to farms, ranches, and other project sites in government vehicles
• Work safely and professionally in outdoor conditions and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Skills We Are Looking For

• Interest in natural resource conservation and public service
• Ability and willingness to perform fieldwork outdoors
• Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills
• Attention to detail when collecting and recording data
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn technical software
• Ability to follow technical instructions, plans, and safety procedures
• Familiarity with biology, natural resources, agriculture, environmental science, engineering, surveying, GIS, or related subjects
• Willingness to learn how conservation practices are planned, designed, installed, and evaluated
• Ability to work independently and ask questions when guidance is needed

Previous professional experience is not necessarily required. Relevant coursework, volunteer service, student projects, laboratory work, field experience, and participation in student organizations may demonstrate applicable skills.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at least half-time in an accredited technical or vocational school, college, university, graduate school, or professional school
• Be pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate related to the internship
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5
• Meet the applicable education requirement:
  • GS-2: High school diploma or GED
  • GS-3: One full academic year of post-high-school study
  • GS-4: Two full academic years of post-high-school study
• Be able to complete at least 480 hours of qualifying work experience before completing the degree or certificate
• Possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license
• Sign a Pathways participant agreement
• Meet federal suitability, background investigation, fingerprinting, Selective Service, E-Verify, and direct deposit requirements, as applicable
• Submit required application materials, including transcripts when using education to qualify
• Submit a resume that does not exceed two pages

Students must continue to meet enrollment and academic-standing requirements throughout the internship. Pathways interns who successfully complete all program requirements may be eligible for noncompetitive conversion to a permanent federal position. Conversion depends on qualifications, performance, agency needs, and position availability and is not guaranteed.

See the job announcement on usajobs.gov for more details.