DOI NAGPRA Training Needs and Learning Resources Assessment

Clarification from the agency

Open to students currently accepted for enrollment, seeking a diploma/degree in junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution (beyond high school) on a full or half-time basis as defined by the educational institution.

Work Schedule and Flexibilities:
Flexible with the expectation that there will be occasional meetings during business hours.
Remote (100% work off site)
Number of Positions: 1
Term: Spring 2027 (90 day term between mid-January and mid-June)

This vacancy will be open until Thursday, October 29^th, 2026 at 11:59pm ET. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages.

The Department of the Interior's workforce has responsibilities that may intersect with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), including cultural resource professionals, museum and collections staff, managers, project managers, archaeologists, and other employees involved in compliance, collections, consultation, or related activities. The DOI Cultural Resources Training Program is assessing opportunities to strengthen and coordinate NAGPRA-related learning across the Department. The student volunteer will conduct a structured assessment of existing NAGPRA training, DOI workforce audiences and training needs, available learning resources, and potential training partners.

The project will help establish a clearer understanding of what NAGPRA training currently exists within DOI and externally, who needs different levels of training, where gaps or duplication may exist, and where OED and bureau partners could collaborate. The student will conduct research, organize information, assist with stakeholder outreach as appropriate, and develop a comprehensive set of findings and recommendations. The student will not make policy determinations or provide legal interpretations of NAGPRA. The project provides an opportunity to gain experience in federal workforce development, cultural resource management, training needs assessment, stakeholder engagement, research, program development, and organizational analysis.

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.

Conditions of employment

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 trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution (beyond high school) 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.

Qualifications

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

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 Department of Interior personnel to determine your eligibility for the position and your application will be forwarded to the project manager for review.

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package by 10/29/2026 which includes:

1. Your resume (two or fewer pages). Note: Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Your resume MUST include:
   • Your 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 college, university, or other accredited educational institution. Transcripts or a certificate of enrollment are preferred.

Next steps