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U.S. Department of Agriculture

The Peoples' Department

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) serves all of us every day. It works to improve farm income, expand overseas markets for farm products, and assure consumers of an adequate food supply at reasonable prices. USDA works to safeguard the wholesomeness of our food supply through inspection of food processing plants, and assure food quality through voluntary grading services.

Through nutrition education, USDA helps consumers choose nourishing food and get the most for their food dollars. It also provides the less fortunate with better diets through food assistance programs. The Department's widespread agricultural research makes a significant contribution to our standard of living. The research covers animal production, plant and animal diseases and pest controls, crop production, marketing, and the use of agricultural products, nutrition, food safety, and forestry.

As a student friendly department, USDA has many interesting and exciting career choices. We invite you to review our career package on the Internet at www.usda.gov/da/employ/careers.html. Information on the kinds of assignments we make is listed below.

Student Nationwide and Year-round Employment USDA employs students throughout the year under the Federal Student Educational Employment Program. It provides either temporary employment for up to 1-year, or career-related employment under the Career Experience Component (formerly referred to as the Co-op Program). Career Experience Component positions may lead to permanent status after completion of a student's education. USDA at its option may pay for all or part of a student's education in accordance with Federal guidelines. Before an individual can be considered for student employment at USDA, they must be a student who attends an accredited educational institution on at least a half time basis as defined by the institution.

Student Nationwide Summer Employment USDA also employs students during the summer months who are currently enrolled or accepted to a college or university as part of the Summer Intern Program (SIP). The program provides a paid opportunity for students to work as assistants in the scientific, professional, and technical fields. Summer positions normally begin in May or the earliest date the student is available, and end when the student needs to return to school. The SIP Brochure is available on the Internet in late December, or early January. Candidates are encouraged to apply by March 1 since USDA's managers like to make their selections early.

Student Nationwide Volunteer Assignments USDA provides unpaid internships as part of the Federal Student Volunteer Program. Volunteer positions may be made at anytime with only a letter of understanding between USDA and a student's college or university. For additional information contact the office where you wish to work, or contact USDA's Student Educational Employment Program Managers who are mentioned above.

Paid student positions generally range from the General Schedule (GS)-2, 3,4, 5, and 7 levels. The Federal GS pay rates vary based on the employee's geographic location. Contact the office where you wish to work for specific pay information. For information about openings for paid and volunteer positions, please visit: www.usda.gov/da/employ/intern.htm.

AS OF: 02-07-2001