Student Trainees

Biological Science Student Trainee

GS-0499

Position Overview

Current students can begin their science career at DOI and gain valuable applied experience to pair with their studies. Biological science student trainees work in a variety of fields, including biology, ecology, forestry, and many more!

This position is represented at the following bureaus

Bureau of Indian Affairs
Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Reclamation
National Park Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Geological Survey

Candidate Description

The ideal candidate works well with others in a team setting, has a keen attention to detail, and a willingness to learn through experience.

Work Environment

The work is performed primarily in an office or laboratory setting, with the potential for occasional field work.

Minimum Education Requirements

Please see the Pathways Internship Group Qualification Standard on the OPM website.

Career Level Requirements

Responsibilities by Level

  • Entry:

    • Prepares and maintains laboratory equipment and assists with laboratory tests
    • Input, retrieve, edit, update, and manipulate information in databases
    • Prepares charts and graphs and reviews reports
    • Reports observations from field work

  • Mid:

    • Conducts data analysis and literature research
    • Plans approach and collects data for studies
    • Drafts technical correspondence
    • Provides input on recommendations for changes, elimination, or improvement of operations and program plans

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Strengths by Level

Entry 2-7
Mid 9
  • Accountability
    Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.
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    Entry 2-7
    Mid 9
  • Attention to Detail
    Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
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    Entry 2-7
    Mid 9
  • Compliance
    Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
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    Entry 2-7
    Mid 9
  • Creative Thinking
    Uses imagination to develop new insights into situations and applies innovative solutions to problems; designs new methods where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or are unavailable.
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    Entry 2-7
    Mid 9
  • Customer Service
    Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
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    Entry 2-7
    Mid 9
  • Flexibility
    Is open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.
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    Entry 2-7
    Mid 9
  • Interpersonal Skills
    Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.
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    Entry 2-7
    Mid 9
  • Oral Communication
    Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
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    Entry 2-7
    Mid 9
  • Problem Solving
    Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
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    Entry 2-7
    Mid 9
  • Reasoning
    Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.
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    Entry 2-7
    Mid 9
  • Teamwork
    Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
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    Entry 2-7
    Mid 9
  • Technical Competence
    Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
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    Entry 2-7
    Mid 9
  • Writing
    Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
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    Entry 2-7
    Mid 9

Common Pathways

Candidates who made this career change most commonly held these occupations...

33.3%

Admin And Office Support Student Trainee

Career Information Coming Soon
33.3%

Business And Industry Student Trainee

Career Information Coming Soon
33.3%

Personnel Management Student Trainee

Career Information Coming Soon

Where We Are

DOI employs people at more than 2,400 locations across the United States and territories. Use the Position Locator tool to see where current DOI employees work. To check for job opportunities, scroll down and click "See jobs on USAjobs.gov."