Clarification from the agency

Students Enrolled or Accepted for Enrollment During the Current or Next Upcoming Semester in a Degree-seeking Program (diploma, certificate, etc.) in an Accredited/Qualifying Educational Institution, on a Full or Half-time Basis.

• As a Computer Science Student Trainee, you will do some or all of the following:
• Conducts artificial intelligence (AI) problem framing, solutions design and conceptualization, product prototyping in support of AI product development, deployment and integration.
• Correlates data, recognizes discrepancies in results and participates in an experiment, study or research project.
• Assists senior staff members in the collection and analysis of data.
• Perform a variety of assignments involving the practical application of information technology (IT) (APPSW) basic concepts, principles, procedures, processes and regulations.
• All other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S Citizen or National
• This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
• Registered for Selective Service (males born after 12-31-1959)
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time or half-time student.
• Must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Must maintain student eligibility for the duration of internship.
• New employees to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov.

Qualifications

This announcement will be used to fill positions at multiple locations.

The following are preferred degree categories:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Software Engineering
• Software Development
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Cyber Security
• Informatics
• Information Assurance
• Information Science
• Information Security Management
• Information Systems Management
• Information Technology

NOTE: The degree does not have to be related to the position/series; however to be eligible, candidate must meet the agency-developed or OPM qualification standards for the position to which the Intern may be converted.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: You MUST submit a copy of your transcript if you want to substitute your education for experience. If you claim qualifications based on education, and do not submit a transcript, your education will not be used in making a qualification determination and you may be found "not qualified".

You may need to send proof of education or of certification to be considered for this position. Click here for more information on who must submit documentation at the time of application and what documentation is acceptable: Transcripts and Certifications.Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition to meeting the above requirement, applicants must meet one of the following minimum qualifications:

A. Two years of successfully completed education above the high school level in any field for which high school graduation, or the equivalent, is a prerequisite may be substituted to meet the general experience required. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements.

• NOTE: If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: You MUST submit a copy of your transcript if you want to substitute your education for experience. If you claim qualifications based on education, and do not submit a transcript, your education will not be used in making a qualification determination and you may be found "not qualified".

OR

B. One year of generalized experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. General experience is defined as: progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position to be filled.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

PROGRAM COMPLETION AND CONVERSION ELIGIBILITY: Upon successful completion of their academic program and the internship program, interns may be converted to a term or permanent position in the competitive service consistent with agency needs, academic achievement, and demonstrated potential. Conversion potential for this opportunity is up to the GS11 full performance level. However, future budgetary events, hiring restrictions, conversion caps, or other events may preclude the conversion or conversion to a position with the full potential performance level. Individuals converted to a position in the competitive service may be subjected to participation in an agency formal development program.

How you will be evaluated

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

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

• Attention to Detail
• Flexibility
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Problem Solving
• Self-Management
• Technology Application

Online Assessments and Questionnaire Information:

• Applicants who indicate they meet the minimum qualifications will receive an email invitation from usastaffingoffice@opm.gov to complete online assessments. The email may appear in a "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
• Please plan to set aside three (3) hours for the assessments; however, most people are expected to complete the assessments in about 90 minutes.
• You must complete all of the required assessments within 48 hours after the close of this Job Announcement to be eligible for this position.
• Your results will be kept on record for use when applying for future jobs that require these assessments. You will not be allowed to re-take an assessment for one year.
• If you have completed all of the required assessments previously and these results may be re-used, you will receive an email stating you have already completed the required assessments.
• Please Note: Before attempting to take the assessments, applicants should view sample items to determine if the computer they are using is likely to experience any issues during testing. The sample items can be found at https://cdn.apps.pdricloud.com/cdn/v1/files/pub/inline/7e5/6/15/f/5f7a7b45-d373-4126-8738-aa5c07cadd92.html.
• If you have questions about the computer requirements or require technical assistance, please email: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/HelpTicket.

Your results on these assessments will be used to place you into one of the three quality categories listed below according to Category Rating and Selection Procedures. In addition, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to verify you meet the qualifications for this job. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and may be interviewed prior to selection. You will be notified of the outcome.

1. Qualified Category - Meets the minimum qualifications as described in the Qualifications section of this announcement.
2. Highly Qualified Category - Exceeds the minimum qualification requirements and demonstrates proficiency in some of the job-related competencies based on the answers to the USA Hire Assessment.
3. Best Qualified Category - Exceeds the minimum qualification requirements and demonstrates a high level of proficiency in the job related competencies based on the answers to the USA Hire Assessment.

Application of Veterans Preference: The Category Rating Method does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three," but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligible's who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Qualified) provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied.

You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Resume: You are required to submit a 2-page maximum resume. Applicant guidance on the two page resume requirement may be found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/ or at https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit.
2. Transcripts or proof of enrollment: You must submit documentation to verify your enrollment or acceptance in a degree program; confirm your cumulative GPA and/or verify your education if substituting for experience.
   • Current Transcripts: An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however if selected, an official transcript will be required. Transcripts MUST include the student's name, name of the school, current GPA, and past and current coursework. If your transcripts do not provide the information listed above, include additional documentation that meets the requirements.
   • Proof of Enrollment or Class Registration: If you are enrolled but have not yet registered for Spring 2026 classes, please provide proof of acceptance or a letter from your academic institution indicating your intent for continued enrollment for Spring 2026. The proof of acceptance must be from within the past year and specify the term of acceptance and academic program.
3. Complete initial Eligibility Questionnaire and Additional Online Assessments.
4. You may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. Your cover letter will NOT be used to verify your qualifications or eligibility.
5. Military Spouses: Spousal Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders and marriage certificate/license are required to claim Military Spouse Preference.
6. Other Supporting Documents.
7. If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.

The following supporting documents are ONLY required if applicable to your personal qualifications or status. They must be received by the closing date of the announcement.

1. Veterans Preference: If you are claiming veteran's preference, you MUST submit the appropriate documentation. Failure to do so WILL result in the loss of veteran's preference, and will possibly impact your placement on the certificate. For more veterans' information please click here.
2. You must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD Form-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank and dates of active duty service.

• If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD Form-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability.
• If you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference.
• Click to review veterans authorities and required documents that verify eligibility for VEOA, VRA and/or 30% or more disabled veterans hiring authorities http://www.dfas.mil/careers/howtoapply/vacancyannouncement/appointment-eligibility.html .

WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by 11:59 PM (EST)
01/07/2026, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

Next steps