Student Trainee (Industrial Maintenance Worker) Job in Philadelphia, PA

Vacancy No. CEDA-25-12810151-PI-R Department U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Salary $22.68 to $26.46 Grade 5 to 5
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/3/2025 Close Date 10/17/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Philadelphia, PA


Summary

About the Position: This position is temporary. Students can go into a leave without pay status during the school year. This position cannot be made permanent. Position(s) will be filled under the Department of the Army Pathways Intern Program. Click here for more information on Pathways program participation. This position is a temporary position not to exceed 1 year with the possibility to extend up to an additional year.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

See "Who May Apply" in the "Qualifications" section for more information on who is eligible to apply for this position.

Duties

  • Pathways Internship positions provide for development and training. Assignments become more responsible as incumbent increases knowledge and skills through work experience and academic training. At the full-performance level, you will be expected to:
  • As a Student Trainee (Industrial Maintenance Worker), you will perform selected assignments aboard a Hopper Dredge designed to provide experience in either the Deck or Engine Department operations, maintenance, and repair.
  • In the Deck Department, performs duties of the unlicensed ratings of the deckhand.
  • Observes and assist Mate on watch who is engaged in navigation, dredging, and pump out operations. Performs chipping and painting duties throughout the vessel.
  • In the Engine Department, check that machinery is working and oiled properly and perform labor work under the deck on the engines.
  • Observes and assist the Engineer on watch who is engaged in the operations, maintenance, and repair of propulsion and dredging equipment.
  • As directed, makes minor routine repairs and performs chipping and painting duties throughout the vessel.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Required to sign a Pathways Participant Agreement and adhere to conditions of that agreement.
  • Incumbent required to abide by safety rules and wear protective equipment gear.
  • This position has a requirement to lift up to 40 lbs. in the regular performance of duties.
  • You must be a current student that has been accepted for enrollment or are enrolled at least half-time in an accredited high school, college, professional, technical, vocational, or trade school pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate.
  • Must remain in good academic standing (as defined by the institution) and provide proof upon request.
  • You will be required to reside aboard the Dredge McFarland for your tour of duty.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: Students who are eligible for participation in the Department of the Army Internship Program
Positions are open to current students pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate in an accredited high school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution on at least a half-time basis (as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled). Short-term training programs (e.g., several two-week programs completed) are not considered an academic course of study.

Internship for current students in good standing at an accredited education. For this internship, you must be able to work full-time when not attending classes (i.e. summers, fall and spring breaks, etc.)

Screen-Out: The ability to perform the work of a Student Trainee (Industrial Maintenance Worker) independently without more than normal supervision to include tasks such as: utilize simple hand tools; trace various malfunction indicators to locate source deficiencies; and/or perform routine maintenance on shipboard equipment. Failure to meet this Screen Out element will result in an ineligible rating.

To meet the basic eligibility, you must receive at least two points on the screen-out element indicated above and must have an average of two points on all the job elements listed below. Your application will be further evaluated to determine if you meet the best qualified cut-off for referral to the selecting official.

NOTE: If your college, vocational, trade, technical or high schools' definition of "academic year" differs from above, you must submit proof of this difference (e.g., copy of course catalog that defines an academic year). Absent this documentation, you will screened for academic qualifications based on the academic hours as defined in the bullets above.


For qualification purposes, an academic year is computed as follows:
  • At the undergraduate level, successfully completed education that has not led to possession of a degree is credited based on its relationship to 120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours. For example, 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours is comparable to 1 year of undergraduate education. Four years of progressive study or 120 semester hours meets the degree requirements. Additional credit cannot be given for duplicate course work.
  • 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.
  • An academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 academic year of full-time study. This determination is made based on normal course loads for a full year of study in the graduate program. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement. Part-time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study at the school attended.
  • When academic credit is expressed in contract months, units, or other terms that differ from conventional semester or quarter hours, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide an interpretation of such credits from the appropriate institution in order to equate them to the semester or quarter hours specified in the standard.

NOTE: If your college, vocational, trade, technical or high schools' definition of "academic year" differs from above, you must submit proof of this difference (e.g., copy of course catalog that defines an academic year). Absent this documentation, you will screened for academic qualifications based on the academic hours as defined in the bullets above.

You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas:
  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision Screen Out
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprint reading)
  • Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Knowledge of Materials
  • Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  • Trouble Shooting


Selective Placement Factors: This position requires the incumbent to possess the below licenses:
  • Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). (Note: You must attach a copy of this valid credential to your application or it will be marked as incomplete and it will not receive any further consideration).
  • Valid Transportation Worker's Identification Credential (TWIC).(Note: You must attach a copy of this valid credential to your application or it will be marked as incomplete and it will not receive any further consideration).
PHYSICAL EFFORT
Light to moderate physical effort is exerted in performing deck and engine department work. More strenuous effort is occasionally required.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Works inside and outside although outside work can be deferred during bad weather. Hazard of drowning exists in case of accident. Subject to cuts, bruises, dirt, and grease when making repairs. When working in engine room, subject to abnormal heat and load noise.

Education

This is a student internship opportunity. Your transcripts are a required part of your application; failure to provide transcript will result in your application being rated as incomplete. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. You must be able to work full-time when not attending classes (i.e. summers, fall and spring breaks, etc).

Education Requirements: Current enrollment or acceptance for enrollment in a qualifying educational institution seeking a degree or certificate on a full or half-time basis, as defined by the educational institution. NOTE: Attach a copy of your letter of acceptance or transcript/school documentation for verification.) Failure to do so will result in your application package being rated as incomplete.

Only degrees from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education are acceptable to meet positive education requirements or to substitute education for experience. For additional information, please go to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and U.S. Department of Education websites at - http://www.opm.gov/qualifications and http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

This is a student internship opportunity. Your transcripts are a required part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Additional information

  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is Required.
  • This is a Career Program CP-17 - Material Maintenance Management position.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • You may claim military spouse preference.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • You may be required to work the weekends.
  • You will be required to reside aboard the Dredge McFarland the entire time you are onboard the ship; while the dredge is operating, subsistence and quarters are provided free of charge.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
  • Working on the Hopper Dredge McFarland: The McFarland is in a ready reserve status and operates on the Delaware River 70 days per year. The remainder of the year is spent on performing maintenance or periods at the shipyard. The ship may also be called out to perform emergency dredging along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. Residence on board the dredge during the work period is a necessary condition of employment. While the dredge is operating, subsistence and quarters are provided free of charge. Transportation to and from the dredge is at the employee's expense. When the dredge is operating in the Delaware River, access to and from Philadelphia International Airport is minutes from the Ships Home Dock which is located at the Fort Mifflin Project Office. Access from major roads is also within minutes (I-95 & I-76). Parking is provided at the Fort Mifflin field office for all Crew Members.

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.

Benefits

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.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

Basis for Rating: Qualified candidates will be assigned to one of three quality categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified and Qualified. Veteran preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category.

  • Best Qualified. Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements for the announced position.
  • Highly Qualified. Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements for the announced position.
  • Qualified. Candidates in this category meet the minimum experience requirements for the announced position.
PLEASE NOTE: Veteran preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category.

Required Documents

The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.

1. Your resume:

  • Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
  • For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
  • Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what's in your resume.
  • If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
  • For additional information, to include formatting tips, see: What to include in your resume.
2. Transcripts and Enrollment Verification:
  • Enrollment verification (if transcripts do not reflect current enrollment), and unofficial transcripts for education claimed in your resume and occupational questionnaire is required. If you provide an unofficial transcript at the time of application and you are selected, you will be asked for official versions prior to appointment. See: Transcripts and Licenses
3. Other supporting documents:
  • This positions requires two job-related licenses: a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) and a valid Transportation Worker's Identification Credential (TWIC). You MUST submit a copy of both of your licenses or certifications with your application package or you will be rated ineligible.
  • Cover Letter, optional
  • Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable
  • Applicants claiming Veterans Preference or Military Spouse preference (MSP): to verify your preference claim you MUST submit supporting documents with your application package.
  • If you are currently serving on active duty: You MUST submit a certification from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date you apply to this opportunity. If you supply a certification at this stage, your preference/eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. More information about Veteran's Preference is located on the Feds Hire Vets website. Please upload veteran's documents under the appropriate category.

NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.

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.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/17/2025 to receive consideration

  • To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12810151).
  • Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section.
  • You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  • You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete.
  • It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
  • Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/profile/dashboard/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Address
RD-W2SF04 US ARMY ENGINEER DIST-PHILADELPHIA
DO NOT MAIL
Philadelphia, PA 19103
US

Next steps

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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