Summary Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Student Trainee (Physical Science). You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment. Duty Location: Boise, Idahohttps://www.usbr.gov/pn/about/hr/area-information.html Responsibilities Performs a wide variety of physical and chemical water quality tests; e.g., pH, electrical conductance, biological oxygen demand, chlorophyll-a, turbidity, bacteria, and total suspended solids. This includes using the following equipment: pH and conductivity meter, oxygen meter, UV-VIS spectrophotometer, turbidimeter, incubators, balances, and centrifuges. Filters and prepares samples for determination of dissolved constituents. Cleans and sterilizes glassware for chemical and biological determinations, and prepares reagents associated with assigned analyses. Assists in collection and measurement of reservoir waters including the operation of a multi-parameter sonde unit and the use of a deep sampler to collect water samples for laboratory analyses. Assists in sample collection, preparation, and analysis. This involves representative water sample collection from water bodies, filtering, and proper preservation of samples. Serves as a deckhand/observer on the boat. Requirements Conditions of Employment To be eligible, you must meet one of the following: A student who has been accepted for enrollment or is currently enrolled and seeking a degree or certificate in a qualifying educational institution, at least part-time in good academic standing. OR, An individual who has completed a qualifying career or technical education program which may include Registered Apprenticeship Programs, Job Corps, Climate Corps, AmeriCorps, and Peace Corps or specific Volunteer Service Programs. You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National. You must be suitable for federal employment, determined by a background investigation. You must submit a resume and supporting documentation (see Required Documents). You must be at least 16 years old at the time of appointment. Upon appointment, selected candidate(s) will be required to sign a Pathways Participant Agreement. You must submit eligibility documents for veterans consideration (see Required Documents). You must meet any minimum education and/or experience requirements (see Qualifications). You must submit transcript(s) to verify education requirements (see Qualifications/Education). You will be required to obtain a successful pre-employment physical examination by a licensed physician certifying your ability to perform the duties of this position. A physical exam may not be required if a comparable agency approved examination was performed within the last 12 months. The cost of the exam will be reimbursed by the agency. Who May Apply: Pathways - Internship NTE All Interns must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement, 03/13/2025. In addition, they must continue to meet these eligibility requirements throughout the duration of the appointment. Students that have graduated are not eligible for this position. Qualifications GS-04: Completion of 2 academic years post-high school study OR an Associate's degree OR completion of 1 academic year of post high school study and 2 periods of student trainee work experience; or completion of 1 1/2 academic years of post-high school study and 1 period of student trainee work experience OR 1 year of general work experience OR a combination of education and experience." General work experience shows his/her ability to perform progressively more complex, responsible, or difficult duties; and that shows his/her ability to learn the specific work of this job. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. The applicant will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. A period of student trainee work experience is equal to 320 hours of work experience. Academic Year: At the undergraduate level, 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. At the graduate level, 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours. Education Accreditation: Only education from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education is acceptable to meet education requirements or to substitute for experience, if applicable. For additional info, refer to the Office of Personnel Management and U.S. Department of Education. Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For additional info, refer to the U.S. Network for Education Information. You will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications, if selected. An official transcript must be sent directly from the University's Registrar's office and must be provided from the institution awarding the degree. Academic transcripts certified by notary publics are NOT official. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to reporting to work as a condition of employment. Failure to submit official transcripts may be grounds for dismissal or rescission of the job offer. Students must provide a copy of up-to-date transcripts (unofficial) at the end of each academic year, unless requested more frequently by the supervisor or Human Resources Office, for verification of enrollment and academic standing as proof of continuing eligibility for participation in the Intern Program. Additional Information This is a temporary student internship opportunity under the Pathways Program. The major objective of the Pathways Program is to employ students, giving them a chance to work in a Federal agency and resume or continue their education without interruption caused by financial pressure. Students appointed may work part-time while school is in session and full-time (depending upon the needs of the agency) when students are on a vacation period or whenever the school is officially closed. For more information about the Pathways Internship program please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/students-recent-graduates/#url=Program-Fact-Sheets This opportunity is intended for (but not limited to) students and apprentices who are pursuing a degree path, courses, or have the career goal of employment in the field of physical sciences. You may be required to serve an initial probationary period. Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and you may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval. DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including applicant rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/ This position is designated as a LOW RISK position. It requires a fully completed and favorably adjudicated SF85 Background Investigation (T1 or equivalent) that is current (within the last 5 years). This is a condition of employment. Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify registration with the Selective Service System or that the applicant is exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Go to: https://www.sss.gov Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement. Housing is not provided.