About the role#
This internship provides students with paid work experience in federal government administration. You will work under the Pathways Student Internship Authority, which allows students to gain practical skills while pursuing their education. Selected interns are expected to work full-time during summer breaks, with potential for part-time work during the school year depending on the location.
What you'll do#
- Perform survey work to develop topographic, cross section, and profile data.
- Operate engineering instruments such as total stations, GPS, laser levels, and data collectors.
- Use personal computers to process and organize data, type design reports, and estimate project costs.
- Perform simple hydrology and hydraulic calculations.
- Assist with construction inspection and the layout of conservation structures.
- Help technicians evaluate the feasibility and needs of proposed conservation projects.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment at least half-time at an accredited educational institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Status as a US Citizen or US National.
- A valid state motor vehicle operator's license.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Completion of at least high school or a GED for GS-02, one full academic year of post-high school study for GS-03, or two full academic years for GS-04.
- Ability to pass a background investigation, fingerprint check, and E-Verify employment verification.
- Commitment to completing at least 480 hours of work experience prior to graduation.
Location & details#
- Locations include various sites in Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.
- This role is available on-site or in a hybrid capacity.
- You may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a permanent position upon successful completion of the program requirements.
About USDA
The United States Department of Agriculture is a federal executive department. It manages government policy regarding farming, food, and agriculture. The agency works to support ranchers and farmers while promoting agricultural trade. It also oversees food safety, rural community development, and natural resource protection. The department maintains offices in Washington, DC and other locations.
How to get in at USDA
Securing an internship at the USDA requires a proactive approach to navigating federal hiring cycles. Because early applicants are often reviewed before the applicant pool becomes unmanageable, Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you apply among the first. This timing can be the difference between your application being seen and getting lost in a large volume of submissions. You can also improve your response rates by reaching out to the recruiters behind these roles directly. Intern Insider surfaces the specific recruiters behind the USDA roles, allowing you to ask relevant questions about the position or inquire about a referral. Connecting with the right person often provides the clarity needed to stand out in a competitive government hiring process.
