Opportunities for Youth, Students, and Recent Grads
Whether you're looking for a long-term opportunity, a summer internship, work indoors, or if you're wanting to rough it in the wilderness, there's likely a program for you. These programs are typically specific to certain age groups or education. Veterans may have additional flexibilities. For most other federal jobs, you must be 16 or older.
Job Corps is the largest nationwide residential career training program in the country.
Programs
Ages 16 to 24
Job Corps
Job Corps is a residential education and career training program for qualifying young people ages 16 through 24. Job Corps members learn marketable skills, may earn a high school diploma or GED, make lifelong connections, and learn citizen stewardship values to help them succeed in today’s demanding workforce. Maximum age limits may be waived if an applicant has a documented disability. Visit the Job Corps webpage for details.
Ages 15 to 18
Youth Conservation Corps
The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is an exciting summer youth employment program that engages teenagers, ages 15 to 18, in meaningful work experiences on forest lands and prairies, national parks, wildlife refuges, and fish hatcheries. Visit the YCC webpage for more details.
Students and Recent Grads
The length, benefits, and types of work can vary by internship program. The following programs are our most popular.
Pathways Student Interns (Typically 16 and up)
We use the Pathways program to hire two group of eligible students and recent grads.
- Eligible high school or college students enrolled in a qualifying educational program or institution on a temporary basis for up to 1 year or for an indefinite period. You may work full-time or part-time while completing your education and may be eligible to convert into a permanent position. Visit the Pathways webpage for more information.
- Recent graduates of qualifying educational programs and institutions. If you are a student who graduates in the next 9 months or who has completed a qualifying degree or certificate program within the last 2 years, you are eligible to apply. You receive training and mentoring and may be eligible to convert to a permanent position.
Visit the Pathways webpage for more information.
Resource Assistant Interns (17 and up)
The Resource Assistants Program is a rigorous, immersive work and learning experience for emerging professionals interested in conservation and, or natural and cultural resources, environmental management, research and development, and other career opportunities with federal land and water management agencies. The program emphasizes the engagement of students, recent graduates, and underrepresented populations. Visit the Resource Assistants webpage for more details.
Virtual Student Federal Service Interns (College Only)
The largest virtual internship program in the world offers unique mentoring and exposure to job opportunities within the Federal government. The program has about a 10-hour per week commitment during the school year. These are unpaid opportunities but may be eligible for course credit. Visit the Virtual Student Federal Service webpage for details.
Presidential Management Fellows (PMF)
The PMF Program is the Federal government's flagship leadership development program focusing on advanced degree holders across all academic disciplines. If you have completed a qualifying advanced degree within the past two years or meet advanced degree requirements by August 31 of the year following the application announcement, you may apply to be a Finalists. Finalists then have 12 months to secure an appointment as a Fellow, which is a two-year, full-time, paid fellowship. Visit the Pathways webpage for more information.
Questions?
We're available to help you. Please call 1-877-372-7248 (select option 2 and follow prompts). We're open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time and closed on all Federal holidays.
The USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer