Student Trainee (Administrative and Office Support) (Start ASAP)

About U.S. Department of the Army

The United States Department of the Army, one of the three military departments within the Department of Defense, operates under the leadership of the Secretary of the Army. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, an integral component of the Department of the Army, specializes in a broad array of public engineering, construction, and environmental management projects across military and civilian projects nationwide.

Your role

About the position:

As a Pathways Intern, you will serve as a Student Trainee in the Engineering and Construction Division of the Rock Island District. While serving in this Internship, there will be no authorization for remote work, telework, and incentives. You must be able to work full-time when not attending classes during breaks and part-time when school is in session. You must be able to commute to the installation.

Duties:

Pathways Internship positions provide for development and training. Assignments become more responsible as the incumbent increases knowledge and skills through work experience and academic training. At the full-performance level, you will be expected to:

• Perform administrative support work associated with construction administration.
• Screen incoming inquiries and provide information and/or refer to appropriate contacts.
• Utilize office automation equipment to efficiently produce quality, accurate work.
• Type and transcribe a variety of tabular material (i.e. correspondence, reports, statistical tables) working from handwritten or marked-up drafts into proper format.
• Obtain, post, compile, and summarize statistical data in spreadsheets.
• This is an Excepted Service, Indefinite appointment. Current class schedule and transcripts are required.

Training & development

At the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, trainees undergo a robust training and development program designed to instill technical expertise and leadership skills crucial for managing engineering projects and operations. This comprehensive program combines classroom learning, hands-on projects, and mentorship, focusing on civil, mechanical, and environmental engineering disciplines to ensure trainees are well-equipped to contribute to the Corps’ mission of delivering vital public and military engineering services.

Salary & benefits

The salary for the role ranges from $32,589 - $47,511 per year.

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

• Competitive annual salaries with cost of living increases
• Promotional opportunities
• Vacation and sick leave
• Health and life insurance
• Retirement plan
• 401K equivalent, with up to a 5% matching government contribution
• 10 paid federal holidays
• Family Friendly Leave
• Flexible hours and alternate work schedules
• Telework arrangements may be available
• Possible student loan repayment
• Recruitment and Relocation Bonuses may be offered for difficult-to-fill positions

Career progression

This opportunity follows a standard promotional path:

• Internship selection will be made at the GS-01, GS-02, GS-03, or GS-04 level. These grade levels are what typical high school students in their junior or senior year or college students in their first or second year may qualify.
• Within 120 days after completion of the Internship requirements, you may be eligible for conversion to the entry-level for the target occupation. Entry levels for these positions are typically at the GS-05 level. The actual grade level at the time of conversion depends on academic achievement and other factors.
• The full performance level of this position is GS-05 or GS-06.
• Progression from the entry-level to the full performance level for this occupation will depend on the successful completion of all requirements for promotion. Promotions may be considered after a year at each grade level, but are not guaranteed to occur on a specific time schedule.

Work-life balance

At the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a harmonious work-life balance is cultivated through structured schedules that prioritize both professional duties and personal time. With a focus on mission accomplishment and employee well-being, flexible work arrangements and supportive leadership ensure individuals can fulfill their responsibilities while enjoying meaningful downtime, fostering a culture of productivity and fulfillment.

Culture & vibe

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is focused on building strong leaders and, most importantly, listening to their workforce while strengthening their diversity. Join the team whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, they can help you learn new skills, enhance your abilities, and develop the leader within you – People First!

About you

Conditions of employment:

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• One year trial/probationary period may be required.
• The incumbent of this position is required to be a current student in good standing and maintain a cumulative and term grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or equivalent for the duration of the Pathways Program.
• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Must sign a Participant Agreement that sets forth the expectations for the internship.
• Must type a minimum of 40 words per minute.
• Must reside in the local commuting area. The local commuting area includes any population center and the surrounding localities where people live and routinely travel back and forth daily to their jobs.
• Must be enrolled in classes a minimum of half time for the duration of the internship (include a class schedule for Fall 2023 with application).
• May be required to possess or obtain a valid State motor vehicle operator's license for the class of vehicle being operated based on site-specific, job-related requirements, and must maintain this license.
• May be required to sign a mobility agreement.
• Must provide all transcripts/proof of enrollment/acceptance, and/or current class schedule.

Who may apply:

• Positions are open to current students pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate in an accredited high school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution on at least a half-time basis (as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled). Short-term training programs (e.g., several two-week programs completed) are not considered an academic course of study.
• Internship for current students in good standing at an accredited education.
• For this internship, you must be able to work part-time when school is in session and full-time when not attending classes.
• This intern position is designed to prepare a student trainee for employment after graduation as an Administrative Support Assistant (Office Automation).
• Interns will be assigned tasks designed to increase familiarity with the target occupation in a real-world work environment.
• Education:
  • For this internship, you must be a current student enrolled in a high school or GED program or have completed high school or GED program and enrolling in a college/university majoring in Administrative Assistance, Administration, Office Support, and/or a Business degree program or equivalent.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• usace.army.mil/Careers/How-to-Apply/
• usace.army.mil/Careers/
• youtube.com/@CORPSCONNECTION