Clarification from the agency

Current Students

Work Schedule and Flexibilities:

One academic term (approx. 12-14 weeks; option to extend), aligned with student availability and the 90-day service expectation outlined in internal guidance.

- In-person work: Attend outreach preparation meetings or observe logistics preparation

- Remote work: Drafting materials, data analysis, report writing

- Hybrid work: Combination based on agency needs and student location


Project Plan: Outreach Support Project

1. Project Purpose

This project engages students in meaningful, non-governmental support activities that enhance the Department of the Interior's (DOI) outreach capacity by evaluating existing outreach materials. Students will review and assess current materials to identify gaps between what is available and what the program requires. Through analysis of beneficiary needs, participants will help recommend improvements and develop new materials that better align with outreach objectives. In doing so, students will build professional skills in critical analysis, communication, and project planning.

2. Scope Statement

Students will assist the BTFA Office of Communication, Policy and Training by conducting a comprehensive review of outreach materials. Activities include:

• Evaluating current outreach materials to determine their effectiveness and accessibility for beneficiaries (templates, handouts, quick-guides)

• Identifying gaps between existing resources and program needs, based on analysis of beneficiary requirements

• Conducting basic analysis of outreach or engagement data (non-PII) to inform recommendations

• Preparing summary reports that highlight findings and suggest new materials or improvements to address identified gaps

• Supporting the coordination and implementation of updated materials and recommendations ahead of scheduled outreach events

Outside project scope:

• Any inherently governmental functions or decision-making

• Collection or handling of sensitive beneficiary information

• Work that substitutes for the duties of Federal employees (students only support, staff retain oversight)

3. Alignment With Agency Needs & Student Learning

Agency Needs:

• Increase capacity for high-demand outreach events

• Improve quality and consistency of outreach materials

• Streamline operational tracking for events, calendars, and logistics

• Produce light analytical summaries to support planning decisions

4. Student Learning Objectives:

• Strengthen skills in communication and technical writing

• Build experience in data organization, analysis, project coordination

• Apply real-world problem-solving to public-service environments

• Gain insight into federal outreach operations in Indian fiduciary services

5. Deliverables

• Recommendations for outreach materials (handouts, FAQs, process guides, event-prep templates)

• Weekly or biweekly light-analysis summaries (e.g., outreach attendance patterns, material usage, logistics trends)

• A final project summary report compiling materials, insights, and recommendations for future Surge cycles

6. Project Phases & Milestones: 12-Week Plan

Phase 1: Orientation & Planning (Weeks 1-2)

• Onboarding and supervisor briefing

• Review project goals, logistics, and existing outreach materials

• Establish project calendar aligned with outreach/DOI events

• Identify initial outreach material needs and beneficiary requirements

Phase 2: Outreach Material Evaluation (Weeks 3-4)

• Evaluate current outreach materials for effectiveness and accessibility

• Analyze beneficiary needs and identify gaps between existing resources and program objectives

• Begin basic analysis of outreach or engagement data (non-PII)

Phase 3: Recommendations & Development (Weeks 5-7)

• Draft recommendations for improvements and new materials (handouts, FAQs, guides, templates)

• Coordinate drafts with OCPT Director and incorporate staff/community input

• Prepare summary reports highlighting findings and suggested improvements

Phase 4: Material Implementation & Coordination (Weeks 8-10)

• Support the rollout of updated outreach materials for upcoming events

• Assist with operational tracking for events, calendars, and logistics

• Continue light analytical summaries (attendance patterns, material usage, logistics trends)

Phase 5: Project Review & Final Reporting (Weeks 11-12)

• Compile final project summary report: materials, insights, and recommendations for future cycles

• Present findings and deliverables to supervisor and relevant stakeholders

• Reflect on student learning objectives and skill development

Conditions of employment

To participate in this Program, you must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National studying in the U.S. or abroad. International students on valid visas may participate if they meet applicable immigration, visa, and agency authorities.

• Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution.

• 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.

Qualifications

Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application will be evaluated by DOI personnel to determine your eligibility for the position and your application will be forwarded to the opportunity manager for review.

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your resume (two or fewer pages) showing:

   - Your work experience including start and end dates.

   - Education information, such as the name of your school and dates of attendance.

   - Any knowledge, skills or abilities you've gained through education that relate to the project.

2. Proof of current enrollment not less than half-time in a trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution.

3. [OPTIONAL] Applicants who are enrolled members of a Federally recognized tribe have the option to either submit Verification Form BIA 4432 or specify the name of the Tribe with which they are affiliated. This information can be provided voluntarily and is not required.

Next steps