Student Trainee (Administration and Office Support)

Duties

** Location is Negotiable after selection

This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted and reviewed every two weeks until the posted closing date.

Pathways Interns, also called "Student Trainees", fulfill a wide variety of roles and functions for the offices or programs to which they are assigned. In general, though, Student Trainees can expect to:

• Receive formal and on-the-job training to develop the knowledge and skills required for entry-level positions within the BIA.
• Be mentored by higher-graded employees and specialists in a specific specialty area.
• Learn about the nation-to-nation relationship between the federal government and federally recognized Tribal Nations.
• Develop an understanding of how the BIA and Tribal Nations work together to oversee, protect, manage, and utilize Indian Trust Lands and restricted lands.
• Receive developmental assignments to broaden their knowledge of BIA activities and expand or deepen their understanding of their chosen specialty areas within BIA.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated
• A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
• If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.
• The Incumbent may be required to operate a government motor vehicle, must possess a valid driver's license, and have a safe driving record within the 4 year period immediately preceding submittal of GSA Form 3607.

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: (OPM Operating Manual, Qualification Standards for Pathways Internship Positions, GS-0399)
.https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0300/administration-and-office-support-student-trainee-series-0399/

Requirements for Internship Appointments:

GS-2 grade level: Completion of high school or GED diploma.
GS-3 grade level: Completion of 1 academic year of post-high school study.
GS-4 grade level: Completion of 2 academic years of post-high school study or associate's degree.

NOTE: One full academic year of undergraduate, graduate, vocational, trades, technical, or high school education is the number of credit hours determined by the college, university or school to represent 1 year of full-time study. The high school curriculum must be approved by a State or local governing body. All education beyond high school must be accredited by an accrediting body or organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

NOTE: Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Schedule D, Pathways Internship Positions - One full academic year of undergraduate, graduate, vocational, trades, technical, or high school education is the number of credit hours determined by the college, university or school to represent 1 year of full-time study. The high school curriculum must be approved by a State or local governing body.

To meet the Intern Eligibility requirements, you must be a student 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 you are enrolled).

Certificate programs must be at least one-year duration of full-time academic study in post-secondary education.

NOTE DOCUMENTATION OF STUDENT ENROLLMENT STATUS: If you do not have a transcript because you are a first year or a returning student, you must upload and attach a copy of your degree plan/curriculum and any other acceptable proof to verify currently accepted or enrolled. Examples of acceptable proof are enrollment course schedule or plan, registration of current course work, advisor approved degree checklist, or letter of acceptance that is on college or university official letter head.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Additional information

All new hires earn the beginning salary of their pay grade (Step 1). See 2026 Salary Tables and select the pay chart for Location Negotiable After Selection, United States. If no specific chart is listed for this geographic location, see the "rest of U.S." chart.

BIA Pathways Internship Program appointments may provide the opportunity to be converted to a term or permanent position in the competitive service. If the agency chooses to convert them, successful graduates of the Pathways Internship Program will be placed in a career ladder position, with promotion potential up to GS-11.

NOTE: Internship work periods and schedules vary. Students will be placed on "Leave Without Pay" or LWOP status during periods in which they are not actively interning, such as during the school year. LWOP is a temporary non-pay and non-duty status which is granted based upon a student's educational needs (5 CFR 630.101).Students will be required to provide a copy of up-to-date transcripts and upcoming class schedule (unofficial may be acceptable) at the end/beginning of each academic semester for verification of enrollment and academic standing as proof of continuing eligibility for participation in the Pathways Program.Visit https://www.bia.gov/service/pathways for more information about the Pathways experience.

TRAVEL AND RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE AUTHORIZED. ANY RELOCATION EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH REPORTING FOR DUTY WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SELECTED EMPLOYEE.

This position has been designated as an Incidental Operator under the Indian Affairs Motor Vehicle Safety Program and requires the incumbent to operate a motor vehicle in order to properly carry out his/her assigned duties but whose principal duties are not operating a motor vehicle and his/her position is not classified as a motor vehicle operator. The incumbent will be required initially and annually to acknowledge and certify possession of a valid state driver's license.