Student Cooperative for Research and Insights Solution Center (PAID)

Summary

The USPS OIG is seeking students enrolled in college/university programs to fill our Student Cooperative (PAID) position in the Research and Insights Solution Center located in Arlington, Virginia. Bring your skills and voice to our team!

*AMENDED TO EXTEND CLOSING DATE TO SEPTEMBER 20, 2024. *

This job is open to

• Students
  
  Current students enrolled in accredited educational institutions from high school to graduate level. Includes internships, pathways and other student programs.

Clarification from the agency

Open to U.S. Citizens who are students currently enrolled full or part-time in an accredited college or university program, classified or academically ranked by semester hours as a Sophomore, Junior, Senior or Graduate student.

Videos

Duties

In-Office Requirement:

The U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General values collaboration, teamwork, and effective communication to foster our dynamic working and learning environment. The position adheres to our agency's telework policy to facilitate this and requires an in-office presence of at least two days per pay period. Remote work is not available for this role.

Are you interested in government oversight, public policy, and public service? Do you enjoy researching, learning, and writing about a variety of topics? Can you summarize, analyze, and synthesize a lot of information? If so, then you may be the perfect candidate to apply for the student cooperative opening at the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General's Research and Insights Solution Center (RISC). In our Research division, we write white papers assessing economic, business, operational, and policy issues affecting the U.S. Postal Service, such as the role of the Postal Service in rural areas, innovative digital and retail offerings, and other critical issues affecting USPS operations. We are seeking a student who can help us produce high-quality reports and other content and communicate our work to Postal Service stakeholders and the public.

We are looking for a high-energy student who is intellectually curious and a critical thinker. A qualified candidate will possess stellar written communication skills and have experience editing and producing different kinds of written content. Experience developing dynamic content to communicate information - including through compelling webpages, visual or audio media, or data visualization is a plus. As a co-op, you will be exposed to a variety of projects and tasks in the Research division. Although the duties and responsibilities associated with this position could vary based upon the agency's needs, you may be expected to perform the following tasks:

• Contribute to the research and writing of white papers and workpapers;
• Perform desk research and/or data analysis;
• Communicate with peers and management, verbally and in writing, the status of projects, support requests, and other tasks, as assigned;
• Proofread draft white papers for grammatical correctness and clarity and suggest edits to improve quality, readability, and story-telling;
• Review materials for compliance with the agency's style guide;
• Help develop and produce other forms of content, potentially including web story maps, podcasts, and videos;
• Assist in the planning and day-of execution for both internal and public events, such as workshops and roundtables.

Through working at RISC, student co-ops can enhance their skills in writing, editing, quantitative and qualitative research, and data analysis while preparing for a career in public service. This opportunity is ideal for those looking to gain experience at the federal level.

Student co-ops enjoy a healthy work-school balance and continuous employment with the possibility of 20 weekly hours. Additionally, co-ops are assigned a mentor to guide them throughout their work with RISC.

The Student Cooperative Program is available for continuous employment throughout the year, while enrolled in school.

Candidates will be evaluated on the skills that they possess that are directly related to the duties of the position and the experience, education and training that indicate the applicant's ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position. Only those candidates who meet all qualification and eligibility requirements and who submit the required information by 11:59 PM EST on 09/20/2024 will be considered.

The USPS OIG uses a Pay Banding system, which is equivalent to the Federal GS scale. Grade and salary determinations will be made based upon a candidate's education and professional experience.

This position is being advertised at the Administrative Band level. The base salary range for this position is $16.29 - $19.62/hour. Locality Pay is authorized.

Sophomore $21.71 per hour includes locality pay

Junior/Senior $23.07 per hour includes locality pay

Graduate or Law Student $26.15 per hour includes locality pay

Student Cooperatives are not eligible for USPS OIG Employee Benefits.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must be able to pass a drug screening and medical assessment questionnaire.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Moderate Background Investigation (MBI) clearance.
• Must be able to work a minimum of 10 hours per week.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

You must meet ALL of the minimum requirements.

• Students must be currently enrolled full or half-time in an accredited college or university program, classified or academically ranked by semester hours as a Sophomore, Junior, Senior or Graduate student, not graduating prior to May 2025. (MUST SUBMIT TRANSCRIPT STATING CURRENT ENROLLMENT STATUS, GPA AND IN GOOD STANDING)

AND

• Must be in academic good standing as defined by the college or university, earning at least a 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 GPA scale.

AND

• Must be able to report to work in the USPS OIG Arlington, VA, office twice per two-week pay period and work a minimum of 10 hours per week (Monday-Friday) during core business hours.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Enrollment in a program seeking an advanced degree in public policy, business, economics, communications, journalism, marketing, business administration, or any other related discipline.
• Strong writing skills and experience in drafting and editing a variety of written products, such as research papers, short reports, workpapers, and summaries.
• Demonstrated ability to present complicated information in a style highly readable by the general public.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work both individually and collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.
• Experience editing and proofreading, including ensuring adherence to a style guide.
• Proven ability to communicate research findings through visual, audio, and/or video web content.
• Experience creating and delivering presentations and/or planning public events.
• Basic knowledge of and experience with analyzing data and/or quantitative research methods.

EVALUATION FACTORS

Failure to demonstrate that you meet all of the evaluation factor requirements as listed below will result in a score of zero (0); an ineligible status, and you will not be referred for further consideration. Include your major accomplishments relevant to the evaluation factors in your resume.

• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, especially the use of persuasive and concise writing.
• Experience producing a variety of content to communicate findings, including written, visual, and/or audiovisual products.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough desk research, data analysis, and/or qualitative/quantitative research.
• Experience documenting, summarizing, and communicating conclusions in high-quality analytical reports, research papers, workpapers, and other written materials.

Education

Education must be accredited by an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation here: www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred. Special Instructions for Candidates with Foreign Education: Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in U.S. education programs. You must submit all necessary documents to a private U.S. credential evaluation service to interpret equivalency of your education against courses given in U.S. accredited colleges and universities. For further information visit:

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

Student Cooperatives are not eligible for USPS OIG Employee Benefits.

This agency provides Reasonable Accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodations for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please send an email to jobs@uspsoig.gov. The decision on granting an accommodation request will be made on a case by case basis.

• 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.

The Human Resources Office will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications required for this position. You will no longer be considered for this position if you: receive a zero (0) rating on any evaluation factor; fail to attach all required documentation; if your application materials indicate that you are not minimally-qualified for this position; or if you fail to qualify on the interview. Only the top-rated candidates will be referred to a review official or the selecting official for further consideration. Top-rated applicants may be required to participate in an interview. Your rating may be further adjusted or rated as ineligible by the review official or the selecting official based on your interview performance. Once all applicant scores are finalized, the selecting official will make a final decision. NOTE: If you receive a zero (0) rating on any evaluation factor or on the interview, you will be considered NOT MINIMALLY QUALIFIED for the position and rated ineligible.

• 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.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  You must submit all required documents by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date of this announcement, Vacancy Announcement 2024-47-12504616-PC, by closing date 09/20/2024.
  
  1. RESUME. When completing your online application or uploading your resume, you must categorize it as a "Resume" document).
  
  2. WRITING SAMPLE. Upload at least one writing sample that demonstrates the ability to conduct research and analysis, and communicate that information through high-quality, persuasive written deliverables. (Required: Upload and save as "Writing Sample" document.)
  
  3. COVER LETTER. (Required: Upload and save as "Cover Letter" document.)
  
  4. TRANSCRIPTS from an accredited college or university. The information presented in the transcript must be verifiable and should contain the name of the institution, applicant's name, list of completed courses, semester hours, GPA, date and type of Bachelor's Degree issued. Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. Attach document verifying that it has been deemed equivalent. For further information visit: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. (Required: Upload and save as "Transcript" document.)
  
  5. UPLOAD SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS which may include:
  
  • Certificates or Licenses, if applicable. Upload and save as "Other" document.
  • Veterans Preference Documentation. If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit the Member 4 copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and/or other proof of veterans' preference eligibility including your VA letter, form SF-15 (www.opm.gov/forms) and all required documents related to your SF-15 claim. Veterans can request the Member 4 copy of their DD-214 at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records, and can download a copy of their VA letter from https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal. (If applicable to you, you are required to upload each veterans' preference document and categorize as "DD-214" or "SF-15" or "Other Veterans Document")
  • Reasonable Accommodation Documentation. 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 at http://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire .
  • SF-50 if you are or have been a Federal employee to demonstrate tenure and competitive/excepted service for eligibility purposes. (If applicable to you, you are Required to upload each applicable SF-50 and categorize as a "SF-50" document.)
  
  
  
  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 application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date, 09/20/2024, to receive consideration .To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents.
  
  • You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
  • You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
  • You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
  • To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login , select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • You are strongly urged to read and print the entire vacancy announcement.
  
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Vacancy Inquiries
  
  Email
  
  jobs@uspsoig.gov
  
  Address
  
  AIG Research Insight Solution Center
  
  1735 North Lynn Street
  
  Arlington, VA 22209
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Once the Occupational Questionnaire has been received you will receive an acknowledgement e-mail that your submission was successful. After a review of your application package has been completed, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the Selecting Official.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

You must submit all required documents by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date of this announcement, Vacancy Announcement 2024-47-12504616-PC, by closing date 09/20/2024.

1. RESUME. When completing your online application or uploading your resume, you must categorize it as a "Resume" document).

2. WRITING SAMPLE. Upload at least one writing sample that demonstrates the ability to conduct research and analysis, and communicate that information through high-quality, persuasive written deliverables. (Required: Upload and save as "Writing Sample" document.)

3. COVER LETTER. (Required: Upload and save as "Cover Letter" document.)

4. TRANSCRIPTS from an accredited college or university. The information presented in the transcript must be verifiable and should contain the name of the institution, applicant's name, list of completed courses, semester hours, GPA, date and type of Bachelor's Degree issued. Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. Attach document verifying that it has been deemed equivalent. For further information visit: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. (Required: Upload and save as "Transcript" document.)

5. UPLOAD SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS which may include:

• Certificates or Licenses, if applicable. Upload and save as "Other" document.
• Veterans Preference Documentation. If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit the Member 4 copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and/or other proof of veterans' preference eligibility including your VA letter, form SF-15 (www.opm.gov/forms) and all required documents related to your SF-15 claim. Veterans can request the Member 4 copy of their DD-214 at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records, and can download a copy of their VA letter from https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal. (If applicable to you, you are required to upload each veterans' preference document and categorize as "DD-214" or "SF-15" or "Other Veterans Document")
• Reasonable Accommodation Documentation. 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 at http://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire .
• SF-50 if you are or have been a Federal employee to demonstrate tenure and competitive/excepted service for eligibility purposes. (If applicable to you, you are Required to upload each applicable SF-50 and categorize as a "SF-50" document.)

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 application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date, 09/20/2024, to receive consideration .To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents.

• You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
• You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
• You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
• To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login , select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
• You are strongly urged to read and print the entire vacancy announcement.

Agency contact information

Vacancy Inquiries

Email

jobs@uspsoig.gov

Address

AIG Research Insight Solution Center

1735 North Lynn Street

Arlington, VA 22209

US

Next steps

Once the Occupational Questionnaire has been received you will receive an acknowledgement e-mail that your submission was successful. After a review of your application package has been completed, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the Selecting Official.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request