Announcement details
- USAJOBS control number
- 888768700
- Occupational series
- 0199
Summary
Make an impact while you learn. The Semester of Service Program offers students a volunteer project-based opportunity to support real Federal missions, gaining hands-on experience and valuable career-ready skills. The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration aligning with each agency's strategic priorities.
Responsibilities
Location: Remote (100% work off site) Work Schedule and Flexibilities: Not required, if available for some calls during the workday it is preferred. Number of Positions: 2 Term: Spring 2027 (90 day term between mid-January and mid-June) This vacancy will be open until Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at 11:59pm ET or until 25 applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages. The student will support the work of the Assessment, Competency, and Employee Survey team by participating in key activities related to job analysis and assessment development. The student will assist with conducting and documenting job analyses, including gathering job information, organizing data, and supporting subject matter expert sessions. They will also help design and build surveys using an online survey platform, ensuring high-quality data collection and contributing to the overall survey development process. Throughout the semester, the student will gain exposure to the application of hiring assessments in organizational settings, learning how assessment tools are selected, developed, validated, and used to support evidence based hiring decisions. This position offers hands-on experience in applied psychology, industrial-organizational methods, and workforce assessment practices. The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program, as authorized under 5 U.S.C §31114 and 5 CFR Part 3085, enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration. These assignments are designed to align with each agency's strategic priorities, offering participants practical experience within Federal operations while supporting the advancement of targeted initiatives.
Qualifications
Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs. Specifically, applicants: Must have completed a bachelors degree and be working on a graduate degree, preference will be given to students in PhD programs. Preference for applicants studying Industrial/Organizational Psychology or closely related field.
Requirements
Conditions of employment To participate in this Program, you must: Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S National studying in the U.S. or abroad Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited college, university, or other accredited educational institution (beyond undergraduate) throughout the 90 day Semester of Service opportunity. Students graduating before May 1, 2027 are not eligible. Selectees will be responsible for contacting a school official to sign a Semester of Service approval form indicating you are currently enrolled at least half-time and in good academic standing. Qualifying educational institutions must be located within the United States. Be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Commit to volunteering 8 - 20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days. Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Department of the Interior and your academic institution. Agree to volunteer. This position is unpaid. No compensation, stipends, or hiring preference will be granted from this work. You may use this volunteer experience to qualify for future jobs you choose to apply for. Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees. Not be a current federal employee. Current federal employees can reach out to the contact below to inquire about job detail opportunities.
Education
To qualify, you must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited college, university, or other accredited educational institution. You also must be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Attach a copy of your transcripts to your application package for verification.
Benefits
This is an unpaid volunteer experience. Student volunteers are not considered Federal employees for any purpose other than injury compensation and laws related to the Federal Tort Claims Act, and service is not creditable for leave accrual or other employee benefits. Professional experience: Meaningful project work with clear deliverables, regular supervision and federal mentorship. Skill Development: Hands-on application of academic knowledge in real-world Federal operations. Career Exploration: Exposure to Federal missions, workplace culture, and potential career pathways. Protection and support: Coverage under Federal Tort Claims Act Workers' compensation for service-related injuries Structured onboarding and ongoing supervision