Requirements
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:
- 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 to participate in the internship. However, to be eligible for a conversion, candidate must meet the agency-developed or OPM qualification standards for the position to which the Intern
MAY be converted.
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 {GS-11} 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.
Education
Requirements:
- Enrolled or formally accepted for enrollment as a full-time or half-time (Half-time basis is defined by the academic institution that the student is enrolled or accepted into) student into an accredited college or university in a qualifying degree-seeking program, or enrolled or formally accepted for enrollment in a qualifying certificate program;
- Qualifying education must be conferred or awarded by the closing date of this announcement.
- Students must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) at time of application and must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA throughout the entire Pathways Student Trainee Internship appointment to remain in the Program;
- Applicants MUST submit a transcript or proof of enrollment with the online application (see Required Documents for additional details).
- Please note that if you are graduating from your current academic program prior to September 2026, you will not be eligible for this student appointment unless you are accepted for enrollment at a qualifying educational institution seeking an ADDITIONAL qualifying degree, diploma, certificate, etc., OR an advanced degree. You MUST submit proof of acceptance along with your current transcripts for consideration.
- If selected, must sign a Pathways Participant Agreement; be able to furnish course registration information at the start of each school term; and be able to provide verification of academic status (official transcript) at the end of each academic term.
Undergraduate Credit Information: 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours is equal to 1 academic year above high school.
For study at a business or technical school, 36 weeks of study (20+ classroom hours per week) is comparable to 1 academic year above high school.
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 completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence at the time of application. Late submissions of proof of accreditation will not be accepted. Click on the link for a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of
foreign education credentials.
Additional information
- Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment.
- Telework availability is limited and will only be provided on a rare case-by-case basis during situations where Agency Leadership has determined that telework serves a compelling DoD need.
- This internship opportunity will not start until May 2026 or later.
- The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA), for which some appointees are eligible, click here.
- Individuals selected from this vacancy announcement will work a full-time work schedule for at least eight weeks between the months of May through September. Upon completion of the summer internship period individuals will be placed on leave without pay (LWOP) until completion of their academic program or until they are returned to duty for another period of internship. Based upon organizational need, availability of funding, student availability, and the student's academic schedule, individuals may be returned to duty for short durations during breaks in school (i.e. Fall, Winter, or Spring Break) or part-time employment throughout the Fall and Spring semesters, so long as their work schedule does not interfere with their academic requirements and schedule.
- Individuals selected from this vacancy announcement may be offered the opportunity to work a part-time or full-time work schedule prior to May, if funding is available.
- We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
- A trial period may be required
- This position is Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
- This position is covered by a bargaining unit.
- Applications will be accepted for the open period as stated above. Multiple cut-off dates may be used. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications early. Management reserves the right to close this job announcement early based upon volume of applications received or changes in organizational needs.
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 GS-11 full performance level. However, future budgetary events, hiring restrictions, or other events may preclude the conversion. Individuals converted may be subject to participation in an additional year of training as part of an agency formal development program.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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.
- Qualified Category - Meets the minimum qualifications as described in the Qualifications section of this announcement.
- 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.
- 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.
Required Documents
You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Résumé: 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.
- 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.
- Complete initial Eligibility Questionnaire and Additional Online Assessments.
- 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.
- Military Spouses: Spousal Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders and marriage certificate/license are required to claim Military Spouse Preference.
- Other Supporting Documents.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.