Duties
This vacancy announcement will be open from 07/30/2026 to 08/05/2026 or when 25 applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages.
The Bureau of Human Resources proposes a structured, project-based student volunteer initiative within the Records and Information Management branch of the Office of Talent Services (HR/TS/RIM) at the U.S. Department of State. This initiative directly supports the Presidential Management Agenda and Department priorities related to standardizing systems, eliminating data silos, and reducing wasteful processes. Student volunteers will contribute to clearly defined, outcome-driven projects, including the documentation of standard procedures, conducting process mapping and proposing innovative modernizations, and updating SharePoint and ServiceNow systems with relevant information. These efforts address a legitimate agency need to increase efficiencies as well as improve the usability, discoverability, and preservation of operational documents while supporting broader federal data and records management objectives.
The project is designed to align with student learning objectives by providing hands-on experience in process mapping and improvement, writing in Plain Language, lean management practices, and digital records management, while strengthening technical, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Work will be scoped for completion within a single academic term and will include structured milestones such as onboarding and training, midpoint progress reviews, and final deliverables. Deliverables may include process documentation, digitized Standard Operating Procedures cataloged in web-based systems, and research summaries that can be operationalized by HR/TS/RIM staff.
Goal: Improve the clarity, consistency, and efficiency of HR/TS/RIM’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) by reviewing, revising, and standardizing up to 10 priority SOP documents using Lean management principles, Plain Language best practices, and staff input.
Objectives: 1) By the end of the Spring 2027 semester, review up to 10 existing SOPs; consult with relevant staff and partners to identify process inefficiencies, lessons learned, and opportunities for improvement; research and apply appropriate Lean management principles to develop revised SOP draft. 2) By the end of the Spring 2027 semester, create a culminating presentation to HR/TS/RIM staff and leadership about insights and lessons learned from SOP review, including any recommendations for additional improvements and practice adoptions for the office gleaned from interactions with staff and reviewing source materials.
Deliverables: By the conclusion of the internship, finalize and upload all approved SOPs to the designated digital platform using the organization's standard template, ensuring each document is written in Plain Language, reflects current practices, and is organized for ease of use and future maintenance.
Requirements
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. International students on valid visas may participate if they meet applicable immigration, visa, and agency authorities.
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 for the Spring 2027 semester.
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 Federal agency 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.
Must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0 scale.
Qualifications
Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs. Specifically, applicants should possess:
- Strong attention to detail
- Research capabilities
- Interest in management, process development, and digital records management
Preferred qualifications:
- Students pursuing degrees in business, public administration, communications, or related fields
- Familiarity with process documentation and management practices
- Familiarity with Microsoft 365 tools (e.g., Excel, SharePoint)
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 for the Spring 2027 semester. 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.
Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0 scale.
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.
Professional experience: Meaningful project work with clear deliverables, regular supervision and federal mentorship.
Skill Development: Hands-on application of academic knowledge in real-world Federal operations.
Career Exploration: Exposure to Federal missions, workplace culture, and potential career pathways.
Required Documents
- Include any supporting documents that don't fit within another category or are listed in the job announcement.
- Proof of enrollment shows that you are enrolled in a school or training.
- Your resume should include relevant work experience, applicable education and your contact information. For current or previous federal employees, include the pay plan, series and grade.
- See the job announcement for what you should include in the supplemental application.
- Transcripts may support your qualifications for a federal job and can include high school, college or other schools.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume (two or fewer pages) showing:
• Your work experience to include 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 trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution.
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.