Student Trainee (May 2024)

About the US Department of the Air Force

The United States Department of the Air Force is the aerial and space warfare branch of the U.S. Department of Defense. Established in 1947, it plays a critical role in national security by organizing, training, and equipping air and space forces to protect and defend the United States. Committed to innovation and technological advancement, the Department of the Air Force ensures air dominance and global reach to safeguard the nation's interests.

Your role

Summary:

The Internship Program is designed to provide students enrolled in educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and while getting paid for the work performed.

This internship is in the Excepted Service and it is intended to last one year. It may be extended one or more times in one-year increments at the agency's discretion and as long as the student remains eligible for the program.

Duties:

• These positions are Excepted Service appointments in the FSIS Alameda District Office, located in Albany, CA.
• As a Student Trainee, you can expect to work closely with experienced specialists on a variety of assignments.
• Work assignments are intended to provide the intern with practical work experience that augments training in the academic course of study.
• Assignments and projects will be designed to provide a basic overview of the various program processes.
• Under the direction of an experienced mentor, the student will assist with clerical tasks such as:
• Maintain records and complete data entry.
• Copy, file, and retrieve documents.
• Assist with dissemination of information via special courier, postal mail and e-mail.
• Proofread documents.
• Assist with special work assignments or projects.
• Gather and analyze facts, and write reports of findings.

Training & development

During their internship, the Student Trainee at the FSIS Alameda District Office in Albany, CA will gain hands-on experience in clerical tasks, record maintenance, data analysis, and report writing under the guidance of experienced specialists. You will develop valuable skills in organization, communication, attention to detail, and analytical thinking throughout your tenure.

Salary & benefits

The annual salary for the role at this company can range from $44,030 - $79,331 per year.

If you join as a full-time employee, you will get the following benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Student loan repayment and forgiveness
• Long-term care insurance
• Flexible spending accounts

Career progression

Starting as an intern at the US Department of the Air Force opens doors to rapid career advancement. Interns gain hands-on experience in aerospace and defence, honing skills in a dynamic environment. With mentorship and opportunities for professional development, interns seamlessly transition into impactful roles, contributing to the nation's security and technological innovation.

Work-life balance

The work-life balance at the US Department of the Air Force is finely tuned, fostering a culture prioritising professional excellence and personal well-being. Employees who are committed to flexible schedules and a supportive environment find harmony between their duties and personal lives. This balance ensures that individuals can excel in their roles while maintaining a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

Work schedule:

Multiple Schedules - The student is expected to work full-time during the summer and 20 hours minimum during the school year.

Culture & vibe

The US Department of the Air Force culture is a dynamic blend of precision and innovation, where dedication to national security resonates in every task. A collaborative and forward-thinking vibe permeates the atmosphere, fostering a sense of camaraderie among airmen and civilians alike. It's an environment where tradition meets cutting-edge technology, creating a synergy that propels the force into the future.

About you

Conditions of Employment:

• Enrolled in or accepted by a qualified educational institution.
• U.S. citizenship is required; selective service registration may apply for male applicants born after December 31, 1959.
• Obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Minimum age requirement: 18 years at the time of appointment.
• Completion of a signed participant agreement.
• Meeting all requirements by the announcement's closing date, including transcript submission.
• Good academic standing as defined by the educational institution.
• Responsible for travel to/from duty station and housing expenses.

Qualifications:

Student applicants must be accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in a qualifying educational institution, on a full or half-time basis as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled. Student Trainees must be in good academic standing, as defined by the institution they are attending. Generally at least a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) for undergraduate programs (cumulative; no rounding) and a 3.0 GPA for advanced degree programs. Individuals must meet the definition of a student throughout their Internship appointment.

(*NOTE: Certificate Program: This term is defined, in 5 CFR 362.102, and means postsecondary education in a qualifying educational institution equivalent to at least 1 academic year of full-time study that is part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum.)

To Qualify At The GS-04 Grade Level: 

Successful completion of full academic years of post-high school study or an associate's degree.

To Qualify At The GS-05 Grade Level: 

Successful completion of academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree OR Bachelor's degree.

To Qualify At The GS-07 Grade Level: 

Successful completion of 1 full academic year of graduate level education OR Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) after completing a bachelor's degree. S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honour society membership.

Class standing. Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.

Grade-point average (G.P.A.). Applicants must have a grade-point average of:

• 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better)as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR
• 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required course completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.

Education

Using Education To Qualify: 

To use your education as a basis for meeting the Minimum Qualification Requirements (MQR) for this position, you must submit academic transcripts demonstrating that you meet the qualifying educational requirements. If specific coursework is required to fulfil the MQR, you must supply transcripts from each academic institution in which the required courses were taken to receive credit for that coursework. 

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• af.mil/About-Us/Careers/
• youtube.com/user/AFBlueTube
• help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/benefits