U.S. Department of AgricultureStudent Employment Programs

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.Recruitment and Diversity - OHRM

Table of Content

• USDA Agencies Mission Areas and Offices, page 3

• Careers by Educational Field, page 4

• Application Guide-, page 7

• Mission Areas, page 41

• Success Stories, page 73

• Point of contacts, page 76

• Most Frequently Asked Questions, page 79

2

USDA Mission Areas and Administrative Offices

Mission Areas

Natural Resources and Environment

• Forest Service (FS)• Natural Resources Conservation

Service (NRCS)

Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services

• Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP)

• Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Research, Education and Economics

• Agricultural Research Service (ARS)• Economic Research Service (ERS)• National Agricultural Statistics Service

(NASS)• National Institute of Food and

Agriculture (NIFA)• National Agriculture Library (NAL)

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services

• Farm Service Agency (FSA) • Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) • Risk Management Agency (RMA)

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

• Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) • Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

(APHIS) • Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards

Administration (GIPSA)

Rural Development

• Rural Development (RD)

Food Safety

• Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

Administrative Offices

• Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)

• Office of the Chief Economics (OCE)• Office of Tribal Relations (OTR)• Office of the Executive Secretariat (OES)• National Appeals Division (NAD)

• Office of the Inspector General (OIG)• Office of the General Counsel (OGC)• Office of Communications (OC) • Office of Environmental Markets (OEM)• Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil

Rights (OASCR)

• Office of Budget and Program Analysis (OBPA)• Departmental Management• Office of Congressional Relations (OCR)• Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO)• Office of Advocacy and Outreach (OAO)• Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnership

(FBNP)

3

Careers by Educational Field

Management

Agribusiness and Industry

Science and Technology

4

Careers FSA FAS RMA FNS FSIS AMS APHIS GIPSA FS NRCS ARS ERS NASS NIFA RBS RHS RUS OHRM OIG NFC

Accounting/Auditing * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Budget * * * * * * * * * * *

Contracting/Procurement * * * * * * * * *Criminal Justice * * * * * *

Equal Opportunity * * * * * * * * * * * *Management/Program Analysis * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Personnel Management * * * * * * * * * * *Public Affairs * * * * * * * * * *

Computer Scinces * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Agricultural Business * * * * * *Agricultural Commoditites * * * *

Crop Insurance Administration *Crop Insurance Underwriting *

Economics * * * * * * * * *Agricultural Extension * *

Agricultural Management * * * * *Agricultural Marketing * * * * * *

Food Program Management *International Trade Economics * * *

Loan Management/Finance * * * *

Agronomy * * * *Animal Science * * * * * *

Archaeology *Biological Science * * * * * * *

Chemistry * * * * *Engineering * * * * *

Food Inspection *Food Technolgoy * * * * *

Forestry * *Geology/Hydrology * * * *

Landscape Architecture * *Mathematics/Statistics * *

Nutrition *Plant Pathology/Physiology * * * * *Soil Sciences/Conservation * * * *

Veterinary Medicine * * *Wildlife Biology * * *

Revised on 3/19/2011

Careers FSA FAS RMA FNS FSIS AMS APHIS GIPSA FS NRCS ARS ERS NASS NIFA RBS RHS RUS OHRM OIG NFC

Accounting/Auditing * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Budget * * * * * * * * * * *

Contracting/Procurement * * * * * * * * *Criminal Justice * * * * * *

Equal Opportunity * * * * * * * * * * * *Management/Program Analysis * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Personnel Management * * * * * * * * * * *Public Affairs * * * * * * * * * *

Computer Scinces * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Agricultural Business * * * * * *Agricultural Commoditites * * * *

Crop Insurance Administration *Crop Insurance Underwriting *

Economics * * * * * * * * *Agricultural Extension * *

Agricultural Management * * * * *Agricultural Marketing * * * * * *

Food Program Management *International Trade Economics * * *

Loan Management/Finance * * * *

Agronomy * * * *Animal Science * * * * * *

Archaeology *Biological Science * * * * * * *

Chemistry * * * * *Engineering * * * * *

Food Inspection *Food Technolgoy * * * * *

Forestry * *Geology/Hydrology * * * *

Landscape Architecture * *Mathematics/Statistics * *

Nutrition *Plant Pathology/Physiology * * * * *Soil Sciences/Conservation * * * *

Veterinary Medicine * * *Wildlife Biology * * *

Revised on 3/19/2011

Accounting/AuditingBudget

Contracting/ProcurementCriminal Justice

Equal OpportunityManagement/Program Analysis

Personnel ManagementPublic Affairs

Computer Sciences

Management Careers

5

Careers FSA FAS RMA FNS FSIS AMS APHIS GIPSA FS NRCS ARS ERS NASS NIFA RBS RHS RUS OHRM OIG NFC

Accounting/Auditing * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Budget * * * * * * * * * * *

Contracting/Procurement * * * * * * * * *Criminal Justice * * * * * *

Equal Opportunity * * * * * * * * * * * *Management/Program Analysis * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Personnel Management * * * * * * * * * * *Public Affairs * * * * * * * * * *

Computer Scinces * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Agricultural Business * * * * * *Agricultural Commoditites * * * *

Crop Insurance Administration *Crop Insurance Underwriting *

Economics * * * * * * * * *Agricultural Extension * *

Agricultural Management * * * * *Agricultural Marketing * * * * * *

Food Program Management *International Trade Economics * * *

Loan Management/Finance * * * *

Agronomy * * * *Animal Science * * * * * *

Archaeology *Biological Science * * * * * * *

Chemistry * * * * *Engineering * * * * *

Food Inspection *Food Technolgoy * * * * *

Forestry * *Geology/Hydrology * * * *

Landscape Architecture * *Mathematics/Statistics * *

Nutrition *Plant Pathology/Physiology * * * * *Soil Sciences/Conservation * * * *

Veterinary Medicine * * *Wildlife Biology * * *

Revised on 3/19/2011

Careers FSA FAS RMA FNS FSIS AMS APHIS GIPSA FS NRCS ARS ERS NASS NIFA RBS RHS RUS OHRM OIG NFC

Accounting/Auditing * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Budget * * * * * * * * * * *

Contracting/Procurement * * * * * * * * *Criminal Justice * * * * * *

Equal Opportunity * * * * * * * * * * * *Management/Program Analysis * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Personnel Management * * * * * * * * * * *Public Affairs * * * * * * * * * *

Computer Scinces * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Agricultural Business * * * * * *Agricultural Commoditites * * * *

Crop Insurance Administration *Crop Insurance Underwriting *

Economics * * * * * * * * *Agricultural Extension * *

Agricultural Management * * * * *Agricultural Marketing * * * * * *

Food Program Management *International Trade Economics * * *

Loan Management/Finance * * * *

Agronomy * * * *Animal Science * * * * * *

Archaeology *Biological Science * * * * * * *

Chemistry * * * * *Engineering * * * * *

Food Inspection *Food Technolgoy * * * * *

Forestry * *Geology/Hydrology * * * *

Landscape Architecture * *Mathematics/Statistics * *

Nutrition *Plant Pathology/Physiology * * * * *Soil Sciences/Conservation * * * *

Veterinary Medicine * * *Wildlife Biology * * *

Revised on 3/19/2011

Agribusiness and Industry Careers

6

Careers FSA FAS RMA FNS FSIS AMS APHIS GIPSA FS NRCS ARS ERS NASS NIFA RBS RHS RUS OHRM OIG NFC

Accounting/Auditing * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Budget * * * * * * * * * * *

Contracting/Procurement * * * * * * * * *Criminal Justice * * * * * *

Equal Opportunity * * * * * * * * * * * *Management/Program Analysis * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Personnel Management * * * * * * * * * * *Public Affairs * * * * * * * * * *

Computer Scinces * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Agricultural Business * * * * * *Agricultural Commoditites * * * *

Crop Insurance Administration *Crop Insurance Underwriting *

Economics * * * * * * * * *Agricultural Extension * *

Agricultural Management * * * * *Agricultural Marketing * * * * * *

Food Program Management *International Trade Economics * * *

Loan Management/Finance * * * *

Agronomy * * * *Animal Science * * * * * *

Archaeology *Biological Science * * * * * * *

Chemistry * * * * *Engineering * * * * *

Food Inspection *Food Technolgoy * * * * *

Forestry * *Geology/Hydrology * * * *

Landscape Architecture * *Mathematics/Statistics * *

Nutrition *Plant Pathology/Physiology * * * * *Soil Sciences/Conservation * * * *

Veterinary Medicine * * *Wildlife Biology * * *

Revised on 3/19/2011

Careers FSA FAS RMA FNS FSIS AMS APHIS GIPSA FS NRCS ARS ERS NASS NIFA RBS RHS RUS OHRM OIG NFC

Accounting/Auditing * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Budget * * * * * * * * * * *

Contracting/Procurement * * * * * * * * *Criminal Justice * * * * * *

Equal Opportunity * * * * * * * * * * * *Management/Program Analysis * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Personnel Management * * * * * * * * * * *Public Affairs * * * * * * * * * *

Computer Scinces * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Agricultural Business * * * * * *Agricultural Commoditites * * * *

Crop Insurance Administration *Crop Insurance Underwriting *

Economics * * * * * * * * *Agricultural Extension * *

Agricultural Management * * * * *Agricultural Marketing * * * * * *

Food Program Management *International Trade Economics * * *

Loan Management/Finance * * * *

Agronomy * * * *Animal Science * * * * * *

Archaeology *Biological Science * * * * * * *

Chemistry * * * * *Engineering * * * * *

Food Inspection *Food Technolgoy * * * * *

Forestry * *Geology/Hydrology * * * *

Landscape Architecture * *Mathematics/Statistics * *

Nutrition *Plant Pathology/Physiology * * * * *Soil Sciences/Conservation * * * *

Veterinary Medicine * * *Wildlife Biology * * *

Revised on 3/19/2011

Science and Technology Careers

7

Applicant Guide

U.S. Department of AgricultureStudent Employment Program

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. USDA – DM - Revised on 4/5/2012

Application Process

The application process consists of three steps:

1. Visit the USDA OHRM webpage to learn more about agencies and their student employment opportunities

2. Create a profile account

3. Fill out the application in the USDA Student Portal

9

Visit the USDA-Department Management webpage to learn more about agencies and their student employment opportunitiesSTEP ONE:

10

Step OneApplication Process

• Go to www.dm.usda.gov

• Click on “Information for Interns”

11

Step OneApplication Process

• Click on “Student Employment Programs” under Departmental Management Intern Information

12

Step OneApplication Process

• To apply for our Student Intern Program (SIP), click “Apply Now”.

• To review the steps to apply to the SIP program, click the “Applicant Guide”.

13

Create a profile accountSTEP TWO:

• You will be prompted to the “Sign In/Login.”

• Click “click here” to create

your account.

• All information provide through this site is secured and protected.

14

Step TwoApplication Process

Creating Your Profile Account

• Provide: First Name Last Name Zip-code Country Name Email address

• Confirm your email address: Provide a personal email

address if you are not able to gain access to your school email account.

• User ID: Your user name will be letters

or numbers or characters used in your email account.

15

Step TwoApplication Process

Choosing a password

• When choosing a password read the following instructions. Sample password

7Ca#Bt2q

• Confirm your password by re-typing it.

• Choose two secret questions and answers in case you forget your “User ID” or “Password,” we can retread it for you.

• Click “Update” and proceed to confirm your information.

16

Step TwoApplication Process

Fabiola

Smith

Fsmith@yahoo.com

Fsmith@yahoo.com

Fsmith

Disneyland

Elmo

Fabiola

• After you have created your profile account, a verification confirmation message will appear as follows.

• To begin your application, click “Home Page” and provide your ID and Password.

• Please double check that your information is correct before clicking the “submit” option.

17

Begin your application through the USDA Student PortalSTEP THREE:Type: User ID & Password

18

Step ThreeApplication Process

Click “Vacancies” to view what opportunities are available.

Click “Instructions on “How to upload your documents.”

Click “View Application” to begin your application.

• Before you start your application read the following:

19

Step ThreeApplication Process

Internship Vacancy Announcements

• Read the announcements and remember the job announcement.

• You will be allowed to proceed and choose the vacancy announcement you wish to apply, after you completed your application.

• If there is no vacancy announcement or the vacancy announcement does not apply to you, submit your application to be considered for a general internship opportunity.

20

Step ThreeApplication Process

Choose Internship Session Section

• Choose an Internship session.

• Choose the following: Start date - when do

you want to begin your internship,

End date – when do you want end it

Hours – how many hours you are available to work

Type of internship you are looking for

• After that, click “save” and move to the “next page.” We strongly encourage you to always save your answer before moving to the next section.

21

Step ThreeApplication Process

Contact Information Section

• Provide your contact information. Any information with a red asterisk (*) is required.

• You will not be able to move to the next page until this information is provided.

22

Step ThreeApplication Process

Eligibility Section

• If you are not sure what is your eligibility, please click FAQ.

• After that, click “save” and move to the “next page.”

23

Step ThreeApplication Process

Background Information Section

• As part of the “Background Information,” please tell us how did you find out about USDA internship opportunities by selecting from the following options:

Recruitment/OutreachSocial NetworksUSDA Affinity Group.

24

Step ThreeApplication Process

Background Information Section Continue

• We also want to know if you hold a security clearance.

• After that, click “save” and move to the “next page.”

25

Step ThreeApplication Process

Applicant DataSection

(Supporting Documentation)

USDA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER.

• Select the following: Gender Race/Ethnicity Living environment Veterans Status Disability Status

• After that, click “save” and move to the “next page.”

26

Step ThreeApplication ProcessUSDA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND

EMPLOYER.

• Select your “Veterans Preference.”

• Read which documents

we accept as proof of eligibility.

• To upload documents, click “Instructions on How to Upload Your Documents” located in the heading.

• After that, click “save” and move to the “next page.”

Applicant DataSection

(Supporting Documentation)

27

Step ThreeApplication ProcessUSDA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND

EMPLOYER.

• Select your “Disability Status.”

• Read which documents

we accept as proof of eligibility.

• Upload documents.

• If you need accommodations, explain what type.

• After that, click “save” and move to the “next page.”

Applicant DataSection

(Supporting Documentation)

28

Step ThreeApplication Process

• Select your area of interest.

• Scroll down to continue viewing areas of interest.

• Choose your location State Agency Field

Office or Headquarters (DC,

MD or VA).

• After that, click “save” and move to the “next page.”

Interest Area Section

29

Step ThreeApplication Process

• Provide the following information:

Academic Status Academic Level Cumulative GPA Full-time or Part-

time status Degree anticipated Anticipated

graduation Academic major

Education - Academic Status

Information Section

30

Step ThreeApplication Process

• Select your “Academic Major.”

Continue - Academic Status

Information Section

31

Step ThreeApplication Process

• If you don’t find your “major/field” type it here.

• Upload your Resume by clicking “Select Files.”

• After that, click “save” and move to the “next page.”

Continue - Academic Status

Information Section

32

4/26/2012 33Step ThreeApplication Process

1. Click on the button first By clicking on the selected file button a window similar to the one shown below will open.

2. Select the PDF document you want to upload.

3. All the selected files will appear in the File name: text then Click on the Open button. You will see a progress bar for each file that you have selected as shown below.

5. Once the document is uploaded the uploaded document will be displayed in a table at the bottom of the page where you will be able to view them.

6. Same instructions need to be followed for uploading (Resumes, Transcripts and DD-214, and Schedule B certifications.

7. To upload Transcripts, just you must click the “Add School and Continue.

Please Click "Save  & Continue.." button to save all the school information that you have provided and continue with uploading transcripts(s) and/or other related Document(s).

4. Click on the Upload All link to upload the documents to the web site. Once the Files are uploaded the following confirmation message will appear which included the number of files successfully uploaded.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR UPLOADING DOCUMENTS

33

Step ThreeApplication Process

• In this section, list the school(s) in which you are currently registered and upload your transcript and/or letter of acceptance.

• To upload more than one school, scroll down and click: (follow the instructions)

Education - School Information

Section

34

Step ThreeApplication Process

• Click here to add more than one school and upload transcripts.

• The document will be uploaded into the application as it appears here.

• As part of your application, please list work experience dates (Month, Day, Year) and number of hours worked per week. If this information is not submitted, your work experience will not be credited.

• Click submit.

Education - School

Information Section

35

Step ThreeApplication Process

• How do I know each section is completed? When you see a check mark on each box!

• If the check mark is not on the box, click “Previous Page” to go back to each section of your application and review it.

• All the boxes should be checked before processing for submission.

• Submit your application by clicking continue.

36

Step ThreeApplication Process

• After submitting your application, you will be prompted to review one more time your completed application.

• Print a copy of your application for your records. The copy will be in PDF. Just save it in your documents.

• Click proceed to submit your application

37

Step ThreeApplication Process

• Please certify and submit your application.

• If you make any changes to any section of your application, you must return to this page and recertify those changes for them to be considered.

38

Certification and Submission Section

39Step ThreeApplication Process

Agencies Internship Vacancy Announcements

• After submitting your application, you will be allowed to proceed and choose the vacancy announcement you wish to apply.

• If you don’t qualify for any of the vacancy announcement based of skills needed, your application will qualify you for a general internship opportunity. Remember that our Agencies and Administrative Offices are always looking to hire students throughout the year.

40Step ThreeApplication Process

Confirmation MessageSection

• This message served as your confirmation to acknowledge that your application was successfully submitted.

41Step ThreeApplication Process

From: StudentPortal@ocio.usda.gov Date: 10 Apr 2012 11:29:49 -0400To: <wc2187@yahoo.com>Subject: Student Internship ProgramYour application is successfully submitted for the following vacancy.

Job Number : RMA-HQ-SUM-12-04-WDCAgency : RMAYou can always view your application details @ http://www.studentapplication.usda.gov/

***Please do not respond directly to this e-mail. The originating e-mail account is not monitored.***

Confirmation MessageSection

• This message served as a second confirmation to acknowledge that your application was successfully submitted.

Mission Areas

Research, Education and Economics (REE)

Mission Areas:

The Research, Education and Economics (REE) Mission Area is dedicated to the creation of a safe, sustainable, competitive U.S. food and fiber system and strong, healthy communities, families, and youth through integrated research, analysis and education.

• The five agencies are:

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) The Economic Research Service (ERS), The National Agricultural Library (NAL), The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS),

and The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

Research, Education and Economics (REE)

Jobs ARS ERS NASS NIFA

Research Scientists √ - - -

Postdoctoral Research Associates √ * - *

Professional, Administrative, and Technical Staff √ √ √ √

Secretarial and Clerical Staff √ √ √ √

Trades and Crafts Workers √ - - -

Student and Summer Employees √ √ √ √

- = Not available * = Some times √ = Available

• Internships √ -√ -√ -√

• Scholarships √ √ √ √

• Other Fellowships - - - √

• Presidential Management Fellowship Program (PMF)

√ √ √ √

• Volunteer Opportunities √ * √ *

Agricultural Research Service

Type of Job Opportunities at ARS

National Agricultural Statistics Service

The statistics agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Provides timely, accurate, useful statistics

Conducts the Census of Agriculture every five years and hundreds of surveys each year

Policymakers, farmers, businesses, and community planners use our data

NASS primary career paths Survey Statistician Mathematical Statistician IT Specialist

NASS hires from many majorsAgricultural economics and science * Computer science * Demography * Engineering * GIS * Information science * Mathematics * Statistics

NASS Intern Opportunities

Agricultural Research Service Mary Weber Mary.Weber@ars.usda.gov 301-504-1397

National Agricultural Statistics Service Mary DeNardo Mary.DeNardo@nass.usda.gov 202-720-4971

National Institute of Food and Agriculture Eboni Wiggins Eboni.Wiggins@ars.usda.gov 301-504-1757

Economic Research Service Loretta Miller (Serves ERS) erssummerinterns@ers.usda.gov 202-694-5379

Point of Contact for REE Internships

Food Safety (FS)

Our mission:

• Ensure the nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry and egg products is safe, wholesome, correctly labeled and packaged

• Career opportunities:

Public Health Inspection Scientific and Technical Administrative and Professional

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

• For FSIS internships:

Non-veterinary Students: submit your application via www.studentapplication.usda.gov or send your resume and transcript to fsisstudentjobs@fsis.usda.gov

Veterinary students: apply for the Veterinary Student Employment Program announcement via www.USAJobs.gov available November-December

• For FSIS externships (student volunteers): Email laura.sepulveda@fsis.usda.gov

• Point of Contact:Laura Sepulveda202-720-9401laura.sepulveda@fsis.usda.gov

Application Process and Point of Contact

Natural Resources and Environment

(NRE)

5 Research Stations Forest Products Laboratory

1 International Institute of Tropical Forestry

77 Research Units67 Locations81 Experimental Forests370 Research Natural Areas550 Research Scientists

“Science Serving Society”

Forest Service (FS)

FS Educational Qualifications

•Degrees:

High SchoolAssociate DegreeB.S. DegreeM.S. DegreePh.D. Degree

• Forest Service hires for professional, technical, clerical and administrative positions.

• The Forest Service hires up to 3, 000 Students depending on work needs and budget.

• Hiring for Student Temporary positions take place as early as March and may last through September.

• SCEP students are hired year round.

• Recruitment for these positions start as early as November of each year.

Application Packages sent to Recruiter@fs.fed.us should include the following:

• A cover letter to include information about the student and why they want to work for the forest Service

• A current resume, to include references

• Up-to-date college transcripts OR High School report Card. Unofficial transcripts/report cards or copies will be accepted if legible but must be include current GPA and degree program

• Letter of Acceptance or Letter of Enrollment from educational institutions

• DD-214 (Member Copy 4) or other relevant documentation, if claiming Veteran’s Preference

• Geographic Location Preference

NOTE: DO NOT put Social Security Numbers on any documents

FS Application Process

Point of Contact for FS Internships

• Apply at: http://www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs/• Send a one page resume to: http://www.studentapplication.usda.gov• Contacts:

National Employment Manager: Pedro M. Nieto: pmnieto@fs.fed.us National Student Recruiter: Julie Ortiz: julieortiz@fs.fed.us National Veteran Recruiter: Sonia Montoya: ssonia@fs.fed.us MWSI Manager: Berlinda Baca: bbacasanchez@fs.fed.us National Student Veteran & Disabilities: jmcgaughran@fs.fed.us

Natural Resources Conservation Service

(NRCS)Mission“Helping People Help the Land”

NRCS Careers:

• Soil Conservationist• Rangeland Specialist• Soil Scientist• Civil/Agricultural Engineer• Biologist

How Can You Be Involved?

To apply, submit to: NRCS.recruitment@wdc.usda.gov Resume Copy of Transcripts Letter of Interest with desired location

Nationwide Opportunities

Stipends to assist with transportation or housing may be available

Tanya Robles, Student Program Coordinator, NRCS Tanya.Robles@wdc.usda.gov or 202-690-3477

Point of Contact for NRCS Internships

Farm and Foreign Agriculture Service

(FFAS)

Farm Service Agency (FSA)

FSA ensures the well-being of American agriculture, the environment, and the American public through the administration of farm commodity program; farm ownership.

operating and emergency loans conservation and environment program emergency and disaster assistance domestic and international food assistance

FSA programs are delivered through an extensive network of offices located throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

Foreign Agricultural Services (FAS)

FAS works to improve foreign market access for U.S. products. FAS operates market development and assistance programs designed to build new markets and improve the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace.

FAS programs help U.S, exporters develop and maintain markets overseas for hundreds of food and agricultural products, from bulk commodities to brand-name items.

Risk Management Agency (RMA)

RMA administers the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) programs and promotes national welfare by improving the economic stability of agriculture through a secure system of crop insurance and risk management tools.

RMA meets the crop insurance and risk management needs of the Nation’s small and limited-resource farmers and ranchers through a network of public and private-sector partners.

Together, RMA and these partners create new crop insurance and risk management products, provide risk management education and outreach, and ensure program accessibility and integrity.

FFAS Student Employment Programs

FFAS actively participates in a variety of student programs offered during the summer and year-round.

We offer challenging careers, career development opportunities, excellent benefits, and competitive salaries.

FFAS participates in the following student employment programs:

USDA/1890 National Scholars Program (1890) 1994 Tribal Scholar Program (1994) Public Service Leaders Scholars Program Washington Internship for Native Students (WINS) Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Summer Internship Program (SIP) Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) International Agricultural Internship Program (FAS ONLY) Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) Presidential Management Fellowship Program (PMF) Student Volunteer Program

For more information on RMA and FSA, please contact:Keisha Jones, Program Manager at keisha.jones@wdc.usda.gov

For more information on FAS, please contact:Nikia Sizer, Program Manager at Nikia.Sizer@wdc.usda.gov

Point of Contact for FFAS Internships

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

(MRP)

• MRP facilitates domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and ensures the health and care of animals and plants.

• Agencies:

Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS) Animal Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards

Administration (GIPSA)

Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP)

Agency Positions Locations

AMS

Agricultural Marketing Trainee

Throughout the US

Market Reporting Trainee

Administrative Assistant/Clerk

Agricultural Commodity Grader

Economist Trainee

APHIS

Veterinary Student Trainee

Biological Science Lab Technician

Biological Science Student Trainee

Animal Health Technician

Administrative Assistant/Clerk

GIPSAAgricultural Marketing Trainee

Agricultural Commodity Grader

Administrative Assistant/Clerk

MRP Student Internship Opportunities

• Applying to MRP internships:

For summer student positions and for other internship or scholarship opportunities, please visit www.USAJobs.gov

• MRP Point of Contact: Heidi BockMRP Student Employment Coordinator612-336-3343Heidi.L.Bock@aphis.usda.gov

Application Process & MRP Point of Contact

Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services

(FNCS)

Our mission:• To provide children and needy families better access to food and a more healthful

diet through its food assistance programs and comprehensive nutrition education efforts.

• FNS works in partnership with the States in all its programs. Headquarter is located in Alexandria VA with offices in 7 Regions to include:

√ Robbinsville, NJ√ Chicago, IL√ Denver, CO√ San Francisco, CA√ Boston, MA√ Atlanta, GA√ Dallas, TX

Food and Nutrition Service

• FNS Programs:√ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)√ Women's, Infants, and Children (WIC)√ School Breakfast Program√ School Lunch Program√ Summer Food Service Program√ Child and Adult Care Food Program

Food and Nutrition Service

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

• Career opportunities:√ Program Analyst√ Nutritionist√ Dietitian √ Management Analyst√ Budget/Financial Specialist√ Accountant

FNS Student Internship Opportunities

• Point of Contact: When available, internships will be advertised using the USDA Student Portal. Submit your application via www.studentapplication.usda.gov For FNS (non-paid volunteer program) email Joanie.Dilone@fns.usda.gov

Interns Success Stories

Lazaro Sandoval works at USDA-FAS – Office of Global Analysis (OGA) as an International Trade Specialist. He graduated from Fresno State, a HACU member institution, with a Bachelors degree in Agricultural Business.  As an undergraduate he completed two internships with the USDA through the HACU National Internship Program. Lazaro also worked with many agencies within the USDA at the national, regional, and local level; such as FSA, RD, APHIS, FAS, and AMS. In summer 2010, Lazaro became the first Fresno State student to intern through the prestigious USDA-FAS International Agricultural Internship Program (IAIP). 

Former Interns Success Stories

Idelisse Rodríguez currently works as a program analyst for the USDA Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). She is living testimony of the great opportunities that the USDA offers Hispanic students like herself who are interested in public service. Idelisse started working with GIPSA eight years ago as a summer intern under the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Internship Program also known as HACU. She worked as a HACU intern for two consecutive summers. In 2004, after completing a Bachelors Degree in Economics at Haverford College, she returned to work with GIPSA permanently as a compliance officer. GIPSA gave her the opportunity to complete her graduate studies at Georgetown University in Business Communications through the Student Career Enhancement Program. Idelisse also works as the Hispanic Special Emphasis Program Manager for her agency and recently completed GIPSA’s Leadership Development Program.

Join Our Team!

Student Employment Program Contact Information

Applicant

Program Manager

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General Questions:

Wenndy Carrasco, M.P.A.

Student Employment Program ManagerOffice of Human Resources Management Wenndy.Carrasco@dm.usda.gov or USDA.internships@dm.usda.gov202-260-8335

For technical questions, send inquiries via email at DMAPPSERVICES_DL@ocio.usda.gov

Department Student Employment Program Manager

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Agency Contact Email PhoneFarm and Foreign Agricultural Services (FFAS)Farm Services AgencyRisk Management Agency

Keisha Valentine-Jones keisha.jones@wdc.usda.gov 202-401-0228

Foreign Agriculture Service Nikia Sizer nikia.sizer@wdc.usda.gov202-401-0176

Food, Nutrition and Consumer ServicesFood and Nutrition ServiceCenter for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

Joanie DiloneServes FNS and CNPP

FNSOpportunities@fns.usda.gov 703-305-2463

Food SafetyFood Safety and Inspection Service

Laura Sepulveda fsisstudentjobs@fsis.usda.gov 202-720-9401

Natural Resources and Environment (NRE)Forest ServiceNatural Resources Conservation ServiceOffice of Environmental Markets

Laura Medina lauramedina@fs.fed.us 505-563-9262

Tanya Robles tanya.robles@wdc.usda.gov 202-720-0768

Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP)Agricultural Marketing Service; Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration

Heidi Bock heidi.bock@aphis.usda.gov

612-336-3343

Office of the Inspector General Candace Samuels candace.samuels@oig.usda.gov 202-720-7538

Research, Education and Economics (REE)Agricultural Research ServiceNational Agricultural Statistics Service National Institute of Food and AgricultureEconomic Research Service

Mary Weber mary.weber@ars.usda.gov 301-504-1397

Mary DeNardo mary_denardo@nass.usda.gov 202-720-4971

Eboni Wiggins eboni.wiggins@ars.usda.gov 301-504-1757

Loretta Miller lmiller@ers.usda.gov 202-694-5379

Rural Development (RD) Leslie McBroom leslie.mcbroom@wdc.usda.gov 202-692-0199

Mission Areas Student Employment Program Managers

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WHAT DOES A COMPLETE APPLICATION INCLUDE?

• Online Application Form• Resume (upload)• Transcript (unofficial is acceptable) (upload)

All items are to be electronically submitted as part of the application. Please upload the documents in Word or PDF format and follow the instructions when uploading the documents.

WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DUE?

Applications are accepted beginning the last week of January through the last week of April of each year and notification of placements are made between mid - April and mid - May of each year. Orientation day starts in mid-June for headquarter interns and orientation for field interns starts on their first day of work.

WHEN ARE PLACEMENTS MADE?

Agency student employment coordinators search the repository application database and can select your application. The student employment coordinator then verifies whether an available position exists within the agency, and at the requested field office, for a student with your characteristics and qualifications (college major, work experience background, skill-set). The student employment coordinator will forward the application to a hiring manager based on your characteristics.

The hiring manager interviews and selects the student. Once the hiring manager selects the student and makes the offer, the Agency student employment coordinator makes the arrangements for placement at the agency, providing selectee with informational materials for placement and orientation schedule .

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR USDA STUDENT PROGRAMS

If you have any questions or concerns, please send your inquiry via email at USDA.Internships@dm.usda.gov. In the subject area write: “Student Employment Program.”

For technical questions ONLY regarding the “Student Portal” site, please direct your questions or concerns to the following email address: Dmappservices_DL@ocio.usda.gov.

Most Frequently Asked Questions