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Posted: March 3, 2026 (0 days ago)

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STUDENT TRAINEE (PROGRAM SUPPORT)

Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Department of Defense

Fresh

Location

Salary

$17.78 - $53.96

per hour

Closes

March 31, 2026More DOD jobs →

GS-3 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $26,979 - $35,074

Typical requirements: 6 months general experience. Some college or vocational training.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This entry-level trainee position with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency involves supporting programs through basic administrative tasks like data entry, filing, and research assistance.

It's designed for current college students seeking hands-on experience in a government setting focused on defense and threat reduction.

A good fit would be a motivated student with some clerical background, strong organization skills, and a genuine interest in public service.

Key Requirements

  • Current enrollment in an accredited college, university, or qualifying educational institution with at least half-time course load (6 semester hours or 9 quarter hours)
  • Proof of enrollment beyond Spring 2026 and good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.0
  • Submission of official transcripts including school name, applicant name, and GPA
  • For GS-3: 6 months of general experience or 1 year above high school
  • For GS-4: 1 year of general experience or 2 years above high school
  • For GS-5 to GS-7: Increasing levels of specialized experience in clerical duties equivalent to the prior GS level, or equivalent education (up to 4 years above high school for GS-5)
  • U.S. citizenship and ability to meet Pathways Program participant agreement terms

Full Job Description

This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

You must submit a resume, transcripts to include: school name, applicant name, and GPA AND you must submit proof of enrollment beyond Spring 2026.

Transcripts missing identifying institute name/information ex: only a link at the bottom of the transcript will not be accepted.

Eligibility Requirements: Current students enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited 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 pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate.

Students must be taking at least half-time course load, as defined by your school and remain in good academic standing in accordance with the Pathways Participant Agreement.

Students must be enrolled with at least 6 semester hours or 9 credit hours, with a GPA of at least 2.0. Qualification requirements: GS-3: I have 6 months general experience or 1 year above high school.

GS-4: I have one year general experience or 2 years above high school. GS-5: I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 or 4 years above high school.

I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level/pay band in the federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) which has given me the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled (as described in the Qualification Requirements section.) Examples of specialized experience are: Performing a broad range of clerical duties including typing, filing, answering routine customer questions, performing routine mathematical calculations, conducting basic research, and entering data into automated systems.

GS-6: I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level/pay band in the federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) which has given me the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled (as described in the Qualification Requirements section.) Examples of specialized experience are: Performing a broad range of clerical duties including typing, filing, answering routine customer questions, compiling data, performing routine mathematical calculations, conducting basic research, checking documents for errors, verifying discrepancies with appropriate individual(s), entering data into automated systems.

GS-7: I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level/pay band in the federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) which has given me the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled (as described in the Qualification Requirements section.) Examples of specialized experience are: Performing a broad range of clerical duties including typing, filing, answering routine customer questions, compiling data, performing routine mathematical calculations, conducting basic research, checking documents for errors, verifying discrepancies with appropriate individual(s), entering data into automated systems; preparing or making changes to documents and/or forms; preparing/formatting charts/graphs/reports, monitoring/updating status and assisting higher level employees in support of various administrative programs.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

As a STUDENT TRAINEE (PROGRAM SUPPORT) at the GS-0399-3/4/5/6/7 some of your typical work assignments may include: Incumbent performs a broad range of clerical duties including typing, filing, answering routine customer questions, compiling data, preparing or making changes to documents and/or forms, performing routine mathematical calculations, conducting basic research, checking documents for errors, verifying discrepancies with appropriate individual(s), entering data into automated systems, preparing/formatting charts/graphs/reports, monitoring/updating status and assisting higher level employees in support of various administrative programs.

Performs many different tasks in processing different kinds of forms or transactions; work requires good understanding of structure and workflow in the organization served.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 3/3/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/4/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: DTRA-26-12889842-PW