Duties
Work Schedule and Flexibilities:
10-20 hours per week, in person work. Beginning date is flexible but either starting June 1 or September 1 would be preferred. End date is also flexible but 90-120 days. Most work would take place in our lab. Analysis and write-up of data release could be done remotely.
Project Description:
A student volunteer is needed to assist with core sampling and sample processing for micropaleontology and sedimentology. Cores and outcrops are the fundamental data source for the stratigraphic framework of the Atlantic Coastal Plain within which a wide array of geological and environmental problems can be analyzed. We are particularly interested in expanding our understanding of the Late Neogene portion of the mid Atlantic Coastal Plain and require help processing and analyzing cores from SE Virginia. Duties would include sediment sample processing and grain size analysis. An important deliverable would be a data release providing grain size analysis of an existing core from SE Virginia.
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.
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Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees.
Qualifications
Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs. No experience is necessary. Training would be provided by our Reston VA PRISM lab.
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.