High School Student Summer Employment

A targeted 8-week program designed to provide practical experience in which students learn about careers in science.

The apprenticeship program strives to increase the awareness, purpose, and challenges of research in food and agricultural sciences for students. The Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP) provides an excellent opportunity for high school students to interact with research scientists and gain firsthand experience in a research environment.

Program Goals

• Provide opportunities to interact and learn
• Increase awareness of research in agriculture
• Enhance knowledge of research projects in a laboratory setting
• Provide direction toward choices for further education and career selection

Who is eligible to participate?

• Applicants must be 16 years of age

Applications will be considered regardless of race, sex, national origin, religion, marital status, physical disability or other non-merit factor. Females and minorities are encourged to apply.

Where will I work?

Participants in the Beltsville Area Research Apprenticeship Program will be assigned to a research laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland.

What will I be paid?

The grade levels and salaries are determined by Human Resources, however, in most cases, high school students start at GS-01 level.

Please visit the link below for additional details for the 2010 Pay Schedules.

http://www.opm.gov/oca/10tables/indexGS.asp

What duties will I perform?

• Student apprentices are employed as Engineering, Biological or Physical Science Aides.
• They perform simple routines in support of research projects involving various engineering disciplines, plant and physical science related projects.

What is the focus of research programs where I might be assigned to work?

• Develop high quality and safe food while protecting the environment
• Better understand how dietary components interact with genetic, physiological, sociological, and environmental factors and how they affect the health of the American population
• To discover and develop biological, chemical and physical processes and principles to improve pest management systems, crop production, natural resources conservation, environmental quality, and bio-control benefitting agriculture and society
• To conduct research, educate, conserve, and display trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants to enhance the environment.

• Cover Letter - Outlining the desire to work in the field of science and research
• Letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor or science teacher on school letterhead
• Resume - Outlining past work experience and education or Optional Application for Federal Employment OF-612 (Do Not Include Your Social Security Number)
• Work permit signed by parent and school offical (required for employees under age 18)
• Proof of current enrollment on school letterhead stating current status
• Declaration for Federal Employment OF-306
• Self-Identification of Handicap SF–256
• Proof of Citizenship if born outside of the United States

Form Downloads - Office of Personal Management

 

Optional Forms - OF-612 and OF-306

Standard Forms - SF–256

Application and supporting documents must be received by:

February 2, 2010

 

Send Applications to:

 

USDA, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center

10300 Baltimore Ave.

Bldg 003, Rm 215

Beltsville, MD 20705

Attention: Jenny Allen

 

Scientists Selection Process:

March, 2010

 

First Day of Entrance on Duty:

Start date is negotable

 

The program is coordinated by the Beltsville Area Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity.

For additional information please contact:

 

Jenny Allen

EEO Specialist/ Area ODEO Program Manager

Jenny.Allen@ars.usda.gov

301-504-6507 (9:00 to 3:30)

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.

USDA is an equal opportunity employer.