Student Trainee (Program/Admin Support Asst) GS-0399-5/6/7

Alexandria, Virginia


Employer: National Science Foundation
Industry: Administration And Office Support Student Trainee
Salary: Competitive
Job type: Full-Time, Part-Time

Summary

This is a paid internship opportunity under the Pathways Internship Program which provides students opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers.

At the National Science Foundation, you not only get a great place to work but also have the chance to become part of cutting-edge innovation and discovery that is changing the world. You will gain real-life experiences while expanding the frontiers of Science.

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 individuals who are at least 16 years old, who are students currently enrolled for the Summer/Fall 24' academic terms in a degree or certificate seeking program, taking at least a half-time course load. You also must have a GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must have at least one year remaining in their required coursework for completion of their degree or certificate. Non-citizens may apply but must complete a citizenship affidavit.

Duties

This is an opportunity under the Internship Program under Pathways. The Internship Program provides students enrolled in high schools, colleges, trade schools & other qualifying educational institutions with paid opportunities to work in agencies & explore Federal careers while completing their education. Veteran's Preference is applied.

As a Student Trainee (Program/Admin Support Asst) GS-0399-5/6/7, you will perform the following duties:
  • Play a key role in the processes involved in grants and cooperative agreements including soliciting and evaluating proposals, awarding funds, monitoring the status of grants and cooperative agreements, tracking budgets, and preparing a variety of reports.
  • Work with a variety of automated systems to enter information about grant proposals, to forward information to reviewers electronically, and to facilitate panel review meetings.
  • Coordinate the logistics for meetings and conferences of scientific panelists or senior leaders.
  • Provide administrative support to staff including handling travel arrangements; and assisting in the management of the DD and/or DDD's calendar and scheduling of appointments; answering phones; greeting visitors; and participating in the planning/coordination of meetings, including making space reservations, etc.

**This announcement may be used to hire Student Trainee (Administrative Support Assistant) or Student Trainee (Program Assistant) employees**

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  1. Selectee will be required to have a background investigation prior to onboarding.
  2. Selectee must be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited academic institution & maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher for the duration of the Internship.
  3. Selectee will be required to sign an agreement that outlines the parameters of the Internship Program.
  4. Selectee may be required to submit updated transcripts and proof of enrollment upon selection and during the duration of the Internship.
  5. Selectee may be required to serve a 1 year trial period.
  6. Selectee may be required to complete a background investigation prior to onboarding.


Additional Requirements:

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

From the closing date of this vacancy announcement, applicants MUST have at least one year remaining in their required coursework for completion of their degree.

All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full /blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

Students may be hired for Internship positions at any time during the year and may work full-time or part-time based on office needs.

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 3403.

Qualifications

Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited academic institution and have a 2.5 GPA or higher to be eligible for a Pathways Internship Appointment.

In addition to the above appointment requirements, students MUST meet the qualification requirements below:

To qualify at the GS-05 level
, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level in federal service using word processing software to prepare correspondence; responding to routine non-technical inquiries; or other clerical or office support functions.

OR have successfully completed four full years of education above high school level;

OR have a combination of post-high school education and experience that together meet the qualification requirements for this position.

Examples of specialized experience for the GS-5 level include preparing correspondence, reports, and other documents; tracking pending actions to ensure timely completion of work assignments; and coordinating and making travel arrangements.

To qualify at the GS-6 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level in the Federal serviceusing word processing software to prepare correspondence, reports, and other documents, track pending actions to ensure timely completion of work assignments and responding to routine non-technical inquiries; and coordinating and handling logistical support for meetings.

OR have a combination of post-high school education and experience that together meet the qualification requirements for this position.

Examples of specialized experience at the GS-6 level include developing and maintaining spreadsheets and other financial records; tracking pending actions to ensure timely completion of work assignments; coordinating and making travel arrangements; responding to routine non-technical inquiries; and coordinating and handling logistical support for meetings.

To qualify at the GS-7 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level in federal service interpreting and applying regulations, policies, and procedures to perform a variety of administrative and technical functions in support of program operations.

OR possess one full year of graduate-level education.

OR have a Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (as evidenced by class standing in the upper third of the graduating class; 3.0-grade point average on a 4.0 scale for all academic work; grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in the major field of study; or election to membership in a national honor scholastic society).

OR have a combination of post-high school education and experience that together meet the qualification requirements for this position.

Examples of specialized experience at the GS-7 level include interpreting and applying regulations, policies, and procedures to perform a variety of administrative support duties; developing and maintaining spreadsheets and other financial records; developing work tracking systems to ensure timely completion of work assignments; coordinating and making travel arrangements; and composing reports in final format.

Experience refers to paid & unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) & other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills & can provide valuable training & experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Internship Program allows students an opportunity to be converted non-competitively to a career-conditional or term position once the student completes all requirements of the Internship Program. Noncompetitive conversion to a permanent or term position is NOT guaranteed. The Intern's eligibility for conversion does not guarantee that the agency will opt for conversion.

Education

Education may be substituted for experience as described in "Qualifications."

If qualifying based on education, you MUST submit TRANSCRIPTS (unofficial copies are acceptable) or a DIPLOMA that verifies that the requirement is met.

All education must be accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement.) Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants may verify accreditation at the following website: Accreditation.

PLEASE NOTE: A certificate program is defined as post-secondary education in a qualifying educational institution equal to at least one academic year of full-time study that's part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum.

Additional information

The Pathways Internship Program allows students an opportunity to be converted non-competitively to a career-conditional or term position once the student completes all requirements of the Internship Program. Noncompetitive conversion to a permanent or term position is NOT guaranteed. The Intern's eligibility for conversion does not guarantee that the agency will opt for conversion.

Relocation Expenses will NOT be paid.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)

ICTAP and CTAP provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP or CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP or CTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified you must meet the following: OPM qualification requirements for the position, all selective factors, where applicable; special OPM approved qualifying conditions for the position; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate, to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and receives a rating of at least "Very Good" on the questionnaire. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP or CTAP eligibility, or a copy of your separation personnel action form.

Additional information regarding ICTAP or CTAP eligibility is available from OPM's Career Transition Resources

Veteran's Preference:

If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. For 5-point veterans' preference, please provide your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the VA letter or other required documentation as specified on the SF-15.

It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to & including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment & referral to the Office of Inspector General. Foreign Talent Definitions

NSF has determined that all of its positions are eligible for telework. Work suitable for telework depends on job duties; therefore, employees must receive approval from their supervisor for telework and have a telework agreement in place. Entering into a telework agreement is voluntary.

This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the National Science Foundation.

  • 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.

    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.

Category rating procedures will be used to rank and select eligibles. Based on your responses to the occupational questionnaire, you will be assigned a score. Your score will determine in which of three categories you will be placed: Excellent, Very Good, or Good. Ratings will be assigned based on your responses to the occupational questionnaire which will rate the following competencies:

  • Accountability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork


In some cases, additional assessment processes may be used.

Under this process, veterans will be assigned to the appropriate category (without additional preference points) and then placed at the top of their category.

Veterans with a service-connected disability of 10% or more will be placed at the top of the highest-quality category.

To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps. The information contained in your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire to determine the degree to which you meet the competencies required of this position. Please ensure you answer all questions accurately. Your responses are subject to verification. In support of your responses provided in the Occupational Questionnaire, your resume should include verbiage that describes your experience relative to the position for which you are applying and provide examples that show the depth of knowledge, level of skill, or degree of ability you possess. If your application does not support your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire or your application is not complete, this may result in adjustments to your score, or result in your name being removed from further consideration.

This position requires an online assessment in addition to the application and application questionnaire. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

Applicants eligible for selection preference under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) must meet the agency definition of "well qualified." At NSF, this means a score of 90.0 or higher.

  • 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.

    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.

    All applicants should submit a resume/CV of their choice and may also submit a cover letter.

    Other documents required:
    • Official or unofficial college transcripts, including your cumulative GPA, with your application. This office will be unable to determine qualification eligibility without transcripts. Applications without transcripts are incomplete applications and will be rated "INELIGIBLE". Transcripts will NOT be accepted after the closing date of this announcement.
    • Proof of enrollment for the current Summer/Fall 24' academic term (i.e., course schedule, acceptance letter, letter from the registrar). Applications without proof of enrollment are incomplete applications and will be rated "INELIGIBLE". Proof of Enrollment will NOT be accepted after the closing date of this announcement.

    (Note: Applicants must have one year remaining in their degree/certificate program in order to be considered)

    Additional Documents, if applicable, may include:
    • Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214, VA Letter, and SF-15): If you are eligible and claiming 5-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your "member copy 4 version" DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your DD-214, SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" and the VA letter or other documentation required by the SF-15. (Please note: An SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing veterans' preference will not be accepted as proof of entitlement.)
    • Non-Citizens may apply but must certify eligibility by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. However, non-citizens may NOT be converted to competitive service appointments.

    All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, DATE OF BIRTH OR ANY OTHER PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.


    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

    Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

    1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
    2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
    3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
    4. After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
    5. If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments. Click here for Computer System Requirements (https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_System_Requirements)
    6. Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found in your USAJOBS account under the "Track my application" link for the corresponding application.

    To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

    To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account at https://www.usajobs.gov. On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application. Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page, where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

    Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests:

    If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments.

    You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

    Agency contact information



    Staffing and Classification Branch


    Email

    erecruit@nsf.gov

    Address

    NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

    2415 Eisenhower Ave

    Alexandria, VA 22314

    US

    Next steps

    Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.

    Your assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments. You may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS website.

    Applicants should click 'Track this Application' in the Applicant Dashboard to receive application updates.
  • Fair and Transparent

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

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


Required Documents

All applicants should submit a resume/CV of their choice and may also submit a cover letter.

Other documents required:
  • Official or unofficial college transcripts, including your cumulative GPA, with your application. This office will be unable to determine qualification eligibility without transcripts. Applications without transcripts are incomplete applications and will be rated "INELIGIBLE". Transcripts will NOT be accepted after the closing date of this announcement.
  • Proof of enrollment for the current Summer/Fall 24' academic term (i.e., course schedule, acceptance letter, letter from the registrar). Applications without proof of enrollment are incomplete applications and will be rated "INELIGIBLE". Proof of Enrollment will NOT be accepted after the closing date of this announcement.

(Note: Applicants must have one year remaining in their degree/certificate program in order to be considered)

Additional Documents, if applicable, may include:
  • Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214, VA Letter, and SF-15): If you are eligible and claiming 5-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your "member copy 4 version" DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your DD-214, SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" and the VA letter or other documentation required by the SF-15. (Please note: An SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing veterans' preference will not be accepted as proof of entitlement.)
  • Non-Citizens may apply but must certify eligibility by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. However, non-citizens may NOT be converted to competitive service appointments.

All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.

IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, DATE OF BIRTH OR ANY OTHER PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.


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

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

  1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
  2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
  3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
  4. After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
  5. If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments. Click here for Computer System Requirements (https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_System_Requirements)
  6. Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found in your USAJOBS account under the "Track my application" link for the corresponding application.

To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account at https://www.usajobs.gov. On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application. Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page, where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests:

If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments.

You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

Agency contact information



Staffing and Classification Branch


Email

erecruit@nsf.gov

Address

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

2415 Eisenhower Ave

Alexandria, VA 22314

US

Next steps

Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.

Your assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments. You may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS website.

Applicants should click 'Track this Application' in the Applicant Dashboard to receive application updates.

Fair & Transparent

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

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

Created: 2024-05-18
Reference: 791631300
Country: United States
State: Virginia
City: Alexandria
ZIP: 22302