About the role#
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is hiring a Student Trainee (Engineering) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This position is part of the Pathways Student Internship Program, which provides students with paid work experience while they complete their studies. This is a full-time role that involves a 2-year trial period and requires a signed participant agreement.
What you'll do#
- Perform survey work to develop topographic, cross section, and profile data.
- Operate engineering instruments, including levels, laser levels, total stations, data collectors, and GPS.
- Use a personal computer to process data, organize information, and perform simple hydrology and hydraulic calculations.
- Prepare design reports, estimate costs, and calculate material quantities.
- Assist with construction inspection and layout for conservation structures.
- Help technicians evaluate the needs and feasibility of proposed conservation projects.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment or acceptance at an accredited high school, college, or graduate institution with at least a half-time course load.
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Pursuit of a degree or certificate related to engineering, such as Civil Engineering.
- Fluency in speaking, writing, and reading both English and Spanish.
- A valid state motor vehicle operator's license.
- US Citizenship or status as a US National.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Ability to pass an E-Verify employment verification check.
Location & details#
- Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Compensation: $35,749 - $47,334 per year.
- Term: Rolling.
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.



