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. With this project, you'll support an analysis-based project (s).
This job is open to
Students
Current students enrolled in an accredited high school, college or graduate institution.
Clarification from the agency
Current Students
Duties
Work Schedule and Flexibilities:
Flexible, In-person/hybrid preferred, remote may be an option
Project Description:
The student will support the work of the Assessment, Competency, and Employee Survey team by participating in key activities related to job analysis and hiring 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 summer, 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 (I/O) methods, and workforce assessment practices.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
To participate in this Program, you must:
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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.
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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.
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Be in good academic standing as defined by your institution.
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Commit to volunteering 8 - 20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days.
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Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Department of the Interior and your academic institution.
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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. Specifically, applicants should have: Completed an I/O Psychology course, preferably be an I/O Psychology student. Preference would be given to a graduate student but undergraduate would be accepted if they were intending to apply to a graduate I/O or related graduate program.
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.
Education
To qualify, you must 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. 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.
Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
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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.
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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.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. A complete application package must be sent by 11:59 PM (ET) on 05/10/2026 to pathways_pmf@ios.doi.gov to receive consideration. Your application email should indicate the project(s) to which you are seeking consideration.
We are not accepting online applications, please follow the instructions above to apply.
Next steps
Once your application is received you will receive a confirmation notification by email. 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.