The USGS offers internship programs, fellowships, and volunteer opportunities for students, recent graduates, transitioning military, students with disabilities, and the general public. Volunteer and Citizen Science positions are open to anyone, but you must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national to qualify for all internships and fellowships.
Pathways Program–the Federal Government’s Internship & Recent Graduate Program
www.usajobs.gov/help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/
Who qualifies? Current students (high school to graduate degree program) or anyone who has graduated from a qualifying education institution or certificate program within the past two years.
Where to apply: USAJOBS
Timing: Positions can be advertised at any time and are typically open for 5 to 15 business days.
Contact: pathways@usgs.gov
Cooperative Summer Fellowship Programs (Geology, Ecology, GIS)
www.usajobs.gov/help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/
Who qualifies? Instructor-nominated undergraduate students.
Where to apply: Ask your instructor to submit a nomination.
Contact: usgs_yes@usgs.gov
STEM Educational Fellows Partnership Program
www.usgs.gov/youth-and-education-in-science/stem-educational-partnerships-minority-serving-institutions
Who qualifies? Instructor-nominated students at minority-serving institutions that partner with the USGS.
Where to apply: Instructor submits nomination.
Contact: usgs_yes@usgs.gov
National Science Foundation/USGS Internships
www.usgs.gov/special-topics/national-science-foundation/usgs-internship-opportunities
Who qualifies? NSF-supported graduate students.
Where to apply: www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21013/nsf21013.jsp
Contact: usgs_yes@usgs.gov
STEP-UP: Secondary Transition to Employment Program
www.usgs.gov/office-of-science-quality-and-integrity/step-secondary-transition-employment-program-usgs
Who qualifies? Students (mostly ages 18–22) with cognitive and other disabilities.
Where to apply: School districts partner with the USGS to identify opportunities.
Contact: Christopher Hammond, chammond@usgs.gov
Virtual Student Federal Service Internships
careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/virtual-student-federal-service
Who qualifies? College and graduate school students.
Where to apply: openopps.usajobs.gov/communities/17
Timing: Students apply between July 1 to 31.
Contact: VSFS@state.gov
Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program
www.usgs.gov/centers/mendenhall-research-fellowship-program
Who qualifies? Ph.D must be completed by the time employment starts.
Where to apply: www.usgs.gov/centers/mendenhall-research-fellowship-program/research-opportunities
Timing: Typically August 1–November 1; individual opportunities throughout the year.
Contact: mendenhall@usgs.gov
Presidential Management Fellows
www.pmf.gov
Who qualifies? Current or recent graduate students.
How to apply: Applications are accessible via an announcement on www.usajobs.gov.
Timing: Announcements are usually made in late summer or early fall.
Contact: pmf@opm.gov
Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellows
https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/elips/documents/pb-21-10-direct-hire-authority-for-national-sea-grant-college-program-amendments-act-dean-john-a.-knauss-marine-policy-fellowship-11.5.2021.pdf
Who qualifies? Former Knauss Marine Policy Fellows can apply for open opportunities on USAJOBS based on completion of their fellowship.
Where to apply: USAJOBS
| Internships and Fellowships | Who qualifies? | Where to apply | Timing | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathways Program–the Federal Government’s Internship & Recent Graduate Program | Current students (high school to graduate degree program) or anyone who has graduated from a qualifying education institution or certificate program within the past two years. | USAJOBS | Positions can be advertised at any time and are typically open for 5 to 15 business days. | pathways@usgs.gov |
| Cooperative Summer Fellowship Programs (Geology, Ecology, GIS) | Instructor-nominated undergraduate students. | Ask your instructor to submit a nomination. | usgs_yes@usgs.gov | |
| STEM Educational Fellows Partnership Program | Instructor-nominated students at minority-serving institutions that partner with the USGS. | Instructor submits nomination. | usgs_yes@usgs.gov | |
| National Science Foundation/USGS Internships | NSF-supported graduate students. | www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21013/nsf21013.jsp | usgs_yes@usgs.gov | |
| STEP-UP: Secondary Transition to Employment Program | Students (mostly ages 18–22) with cognitive and other disabilities. | School districts partner with the USGS to identify opportunities. | Christopher Hammond, chammond@usgs.gov | |
| Virtual Student Federal Service Internships | College and graduate school students. | openopps.usajobs.gov/communities/17 | Students apply between July 1 to 31. | VSFS@state.gov |
| Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program | Ph.D must be completed by the time employment starts. | www.usgs.gov/centers/mendenhall-research-fellowship-program/research-opportunities | Typically August 1–November 1; individual opportunities throughout the year. | mendenhall@usgs.gov |
| Presidential Management Fellows | Current or recent graduate students. | Applications are accessible via an announcement on www.usajobs.gov. | Announcements are usually made in late summer or early fall. | pmf@opm.gov |
| Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellows | Former Knauss Marine Policy Fellows can apply for open opportunities on USAJOBS based on completion of their fellowship. | USAJOBS |
Many schools have partnerships with the USGS. Talk to your instructor and your school’s career office.