Student Trainee (Public Affairs)

Full Job Description

The Internship Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from undergraduate 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.

Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service.

To qualify for this position, you must meet BOTH the Pathway Internship Eligibility requirements as well as the minimum Qualifications for the position: To Be Eligible For An Appointment Under The Internship Program You Must Meet The Following Requirement: 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 the duration of 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-05 grade level: Successful completion of 4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree OR completion of a 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) honor 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.

Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society. Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies listed below.

These honor societies are listed by the Association of College Honor Societies: https://www.achshonor.org/.

Agencies considering eligibility based on any society not included in the following list must ensure that the honor society meets the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies.

Membership in a freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this provision. PROGRAM COMPLETION: This is an indefinite appointment.

Upon successful completion of the program and at the agency's discretion, the appointee may be non-competitively converted to a term or career or career-conditional appointment, upon conversion this position has a full performance level of GS-07.

Service in the Pathways Program confers no right to further employment in either the competitive or excepted service.

An agency wishing to convert a student must therefore execute the required action to do so within 180 days of successful completion of the degree and program requirements.

Converting student must meet OPM qualification standards for series in order to be eligible for the permanent position.

CONVERSION FROM STUDENT TRAINEE: Prior to conversion to a term or career or career conditional appointment, Student Trainees must satisfactorily complete all training, program, and educational requirements.

Be a U.S. citizen. Successfully complete academic course of study. Complete a minimum of 480 hours of work experience under the Internship Program. Complete 40 hours of mandatory AgLearn Training.

Meet the OPM Qualification Standard for the position the Intern may be converted to.

Administrative and Management Positions (1035 Public Affairs) Maintain acceptable performance under the agency's approved performance management system.

Receive favorable recommendation for conversion from supervisor. Major Duties:

• This position is in the Office of the Public Affairs and Consumer Education (OPACE).
• As a Student Trainee (Public Affairs), your duties will include, but are not limited to the following:
• Develops and writes a variety of communications and public affairs materials (e.g., web content, reports, fact sheets, feature articles, internal messaging, and other informational materials) designed to reach general and specialized audiences.
• Helps develop materials that convey factual information about FSIS’ programs with the goal of increasing understanding and awareness.
• Reviews and analyzes the effects and impact of informational products, events, and communications efforts, recommending steps for improvement or revisions to better achieve goals.
• Participates in team activities such as brainstorming, stretch writing assignments, and website quality assessment.
• Supports the team by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders involved with FSIS programs and activities.