Pathways Student Trainee – Biology at USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service

Are you looking for a dynamic student internship where you can jumpstart a biological science career while continuing to work toward your degree? Want to help ensure a climate-resilient, sustainable future for our nation’s agriculture, forests, and natural resources? Become a Pathways Student Trainee – Biology with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)! Duty Location: We have several vacancies available within the Vermont and West Virginia State NRCS Offices. Duty location is negotiable after selection at one of the following field offices: Berlin, VT Brattleboro, VT Middlebury, VT Morrisville, VT Newport, VT Rutland, VT Saint Albans, VT Saint Johnsbury, VT White River Junction, VT Williston, VT Morgantown, WV Applicants are encouraged to communicate location preferences and availability during the interview stage. Recruitment and relocation incentives may be offered according to Agency policy. Duties and Responsibilities: As a Pathways Student Intern, you’ll receive hands-on, specialized training and professional development across a wide variety of biological sciences, natural resource management, and soil conservation activities. Work assignments are designed to provide practical application of the knowledge and skills acquired by interns during formal training. These assignments and duties may include: Assisting in gathering and assembling preliminary data for use in developing and applying conservation and natural resource plans. Assisting in program and conservation planning for a variety of soil and water practices, such as terraces, diversions, waterways, farm drainage systems, and more. Performing surveys and setting construction stakes for a variety of practices. May operate rod or chain or other specialized instruments to lay out simple practices. Receiving intensive training in the principles, concepts, work processes, and regulations of one or more functional areas of Natural Resources Management, Soil Conservation, and Biological Sciences. Carrying out program activities according to Agency, USDA, and OPM policies, rules, regulations, and procedures. Tracking, maintaining, and reporting on status of assigned projects. Managing files and data following federal policies regarding secure data. Following successful completion of Pathways program requirements, interns may be eligible for conversion to a permanent professional position within the Agency. Application Instructions: Applications close at 11:59 PM EST on November 17, 2026. To apply, you will need to create a USAJOBS account, complete the online application and assessment questionnaires, and submit any required documents. Please see the full job announcement on USAJOBS for eligibility and qualification information, as well as further instructions to apply.