About the role#
The USDA is hiring Student Trainees for engineering roles under the Pathways Student Internship Authority. This is a paid, full-time internship designed to provide students with practical experience in a federal agency. Participants may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a permanent position upon successful completion of the program, though conversion is at the discretion of the agency.
What you'll do#
- Perform survey work to develop topographic, cross section, and profile data.
- Operate engineering instruments, including levels, laser levels, total stations, and GPS equipment.
- Use personal computers to process data, organize files, and estimate material costs.
- Type design reports and perform hydrology and hydraulic calculations.
- Assist with construction inspection and site layout for conservation structures.
- Help technicians evaluate the needs and feasibility of proposed conservation projects.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment or acceptance at an accredited high school, college, or graduate institution with at least a half-time academic course load.
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- US Citizenship.
- A valid state motor vehicle operator's license.
- Registration with the Selective Service, if applicable.
- Ability to pass an E-Verify check and background investigation.
- Commitment to completing at least 480 hours of work experience before graduation.
Location & details#
- Work is on-site at various locations including Wareham, MA; Augusta, Bangor, ME; Grand Rapids, MI; Conway, NH; Frenchtown, Hamilton Square, NJ; Walton, NY; Brookville, Chillicothe, Lebanon, OH; Berlin, Brattleboro, Middlebury, Morrisville, Newport, Rutland, Saint Albans, Saint Johnsbury, White River Junction, Williston, VT; and Morgantown, WV.
- Interns are expected to work full-time (40 hours per week) during summer breaks, with potential for part-time work during the school year.
- A signed participant agreement and a 2-year trial period are required for employment.
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.
