Location: Washington,DC, USA
Summary
Are you a current college or graduate student looking for an opportunity while enrolled?
The Office of Audit within the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General has an opportunity for you! We are seeking passionate and driven students enrolled in college/university programs to fill our Student Cooperative positions on teams within the following Office of Audit directorates:
* Finance & Pricing
* Human Capital Management
* Network Processing
* Delivery Operations
* Transportation
Learn more about this agency
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Overview
* Accepting applications
* Open & closing dates
12/16/2024 to 12/31/2024
This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
* Salary
$16.29 - $19.62 per hour
Additional Locality Pay Authorized for Listed Locations
* Pay scale & grade
GG 5
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Locations
2 vacancies in the following locations:
* Woburn, MA
* Bethesda, MD
* Arlington, VA
* Remote job
No
* Telework eligible
Yes-as determined by the agency policy.
* Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
* Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
* Appointment type
Internships
* Work schedule
Part-time - Minimum 10 Hours to Maximum 30 Hours Per Week
* Service
Excepted
* Promotion potential
None
* Job family (Series)
* 0599 Financial Management Student Trainee
* Supervisory status
No
* Security clearance
Other
* Drug test
Yes
* Financial disclosure
No
* Bargaining unit status
No
* Announcement number
25-13-12602765-JD
* Control number
824409500
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This job is open to
* Students
Current students enrolled in accredited educational institutions from high school to graduate level. Includes internships, pathways and other student programs.
Clarification from the agency
Open to U.S. Citizens who are students currently enrolled full or part-time in an accredited college or university program, classified or academically ranked by semester hours as a Sophomore, Junior, Senior or Graduate student with a graduation date no sooner than December 2025.
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Duties
The USPS OIG' s Office of Audit conducts and supervises objective, independent audits and reviews of USPS, US Postal Inspection Service, and Postal Regulatory Commission programs and operations to:
* Prevent and detect fraud, waste, and misconduct.
* Promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
* Promote program integrity.
* Report problems, deficiencies, and corresponding corrective actions to the Board of Governors, Congress, and Postal Service, Inspection Service, and Postal Regulatory Commission management.
* Learn more about our audit process here.
Finance & Pricing and Human Capital is made up of the following directorates:
The Finance & Pricing Directorate audits examines the efficiency and effectiveness of financial controls, financial reporting, cash management, liquidity, and other areas of financial risk. Additionally, the Finance & Pricing Directorate also audits and reviews data collection systems and processes used to develop costing, pricing, and service performance measurements.
The Human Capital Management Directorate conducts audits of Postal Service human resources, security, government relations, and environmental sustainability programs.
Mission Operations is made up of the following directorates:
The Network Processing Directorate provides oversight on the efficiency and effectiveness of the over 300 USPS mail sorting facilities nationwide. Audits focus on cost, service, and large-scale network changes.
The Delivery Operations Directorate conducts various types of audits to evaluate and assess whether the USPS meets and executes its critical core functions effectively and efficiently to achieve on-time performance of last-mile delivery. Through our audits and evaluations, with the use of data analytics and risk modeling, we assess the efficiency of the Postal Service's delivery activities and operations, including prompt, reliable, and efficient mail and package shipping services to all Americans.
The Transportation Directorate conducts audits and evaluations of the Postal Service's logistics activities and operations, including transporting mail and equipment over the nation's highways and airways. Transportation is a core part of Postal Service operations, and the Postal Service has one of the largest transportation and logistics networks in the world, reaching every community in the U.S. Its facilities are linked by a complex transportation system that depends on the nation's highway, air, rail, and maritime infrastructures.
The Student Cooperative Program is available for continuous employment throughout the year, while enrolled in school. This is not a summer or fall internship program.
These positions are being advertised at the Administrative Band level. The base hourly range for these positions is $16.29/hour to $19.62/hour. Review OPM's website for 2024 locality information here.
* Sophomore $16.29 per hour, with additional locality pay.
* Junior/Senior $17.31 per hour, with additional locality pay.
* Graduate or Law Student $19.62 per hour, with additional locality pay.
Please note that the duties and responsibilities associated with these positions may vary based upon the area of assignment. The description of major duties and responsibilities is only intended to give applicants a general overview of the expectations.
The student cooperative performs specialized duties with continuing responsibility for projects, questions, or issues that arise in the area of assignment/curriculum. Each assignment typically consists of a series of related actions or decisions prior to final completion.
* Performs specialized administrative duties with continuing responsibility for projects, questions, or problems related to a review/project. Each assignment typically consists of a series of related actions or decisions prior to final completion.
* Addresses a wide variety of problems or situations common to the segment of the program or function to which the employee is assigned. Decisions or recommendations are based on the development and evaluation of information that comes from various sources.
* Identifies and studies factors or conditions and determines their interrelationships as appropriate to the defined area of work.
* Takes or recommends actions that are consistent with the objectives and requirements of the program or functions.
* Recognizes the dimensions of the problems involved, collects the necessary information, establishes the facts, and takes or recommends action based upon application or interpretation of established guidelines.
* Provides applicable oral and written support for briefings and other related products.
* Adapts and interacts well in situations that involve diverse team and work dynamics.
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
* Must be a U.S. Citizen.
* Must be able to pass a drug screening.
* Must be able to pass and maintain a Moderate Background Investigation (MBI) clearance.
* Must be able to work a minimum of 10 hours per week.
* May require some travel.
Qualifications
In-Office Requirement:
The U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General values collaboration, teamwork, and effective communication to foster our dynamic working and learning environment. The position adheres to our agency's current telework policy and requires an in-office presence of at least two (2) days per pay period (management discretion). Remote work is NOT available for this role.
Candidates will be evaluated on the skills that they possess that are directly related to the duties of the position and/or the experience, education and training that indicate the applicant's ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position. Only those candidates who meet all qualification and eligibility requirements and who submit the required information by 11:59 PM EST on will be considered.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
You must meet ALL minimum requirements.
* Students must be currently enrolled in an auditing, accounting, or related field (see below list of related degrees) full or half-time in an accredited college or university program, classified or academically ranked by semester hours as a Sophomore, Junior, Senior or Graduate student graduating no sooner than DECEMBER 2025. (MUST SUBMIT TRANSCRIPT STATING CURRENT ENROLLMENT STATUS, GPA AND IN GOOD STANDING)
* Must be in academic good standing as defined by the college or university, earning at least a 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 GPA scale.
* Must be able to report to work in the USPS OIG office for which you are selected during core business hours. (Minimum once per week)
* Must have experience with computer software applications such as Microsoft Office, Office 365, Word, Excel, etc.
Additional Related and Accepted Degrees:
* Business Related, including but not limited to:
* Auditing, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, International Business, Management, Marketing, Organizational Behavior/Psychology, etc.
* Government Related, including but not limited to:
* Criminal Justice, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Law, Public Relations/Communications, etc.
* Technically Related, including but not limited to:
* Engineering, Cybersecurity, Human Resources, Information Technology, Journalism/Investigative Reporting, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, etc.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
* Interest in obtaining professional certifications, such as Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Information Systems Auditor.
* Experience with using techniques from a range of disciplines, including computer programming, mathematics, and statistics, to draw conclusions from data to describe, predict, and improve performance. Use of software such as ACL, R, SAS, SPSS, and Power BI is a plus.
EVALUATION FACTORS
* USA Hire Assessment - Click Here for Example Assessment Questions
* A structured Interview will be conducted for the top rated applicants to validate your experience meets the critical competencies at the minimum proficiency level:
* Collaboration and Teamwork - Experience working with others to build constructive and collaborative working relationships in order to solve problems and achieve common goals, working respectfully and effectively with others in a team or project-based setting.
* Communication - Experience communicating orally and in writing sufficient to convey information in a clear, concise manner appropriate for the targeted audience, using the appropriate methodology (e.g., speaking, email, documentation, reports, and presentations), and active listening skills.
* Technology/Software Fluency - Experience using word processing, spreadsheet/data analysis and presentation development software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint while preparing briefings, reports and presentations.
* Analysis/Critical Thinking - Knowledge or experience using routine data collection and diagnostic tools, techniques, and procedures sufficient to clarify a situation, identify needed information (e.g., resources, materials, knowledge from others), collect and document information in an organized manner, and to prepare standardized reports summarizing information.
* Accuracy/Attention to Detail - Experience reviewing information and materials sufficient to ensure completeness and accuracy of one's own work and to ensure standard operating procedures are followed correctly.
* Stress Tolerance/Resiliency - Experience performing effectively when faced with time pressure, adversity, disappointment or opposition
* Interest in the field of auditing.
Education
Education must be accredited by an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Applicants can verify accreditation here:
Special Instructions for Candidates with Foreign Education:
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in U.S. education programs. You must submit all necessary documents to a private U.S. credential evaluation service to interpret equivalency of your education against courses given in U.S. accredited colleges and universities.
For further information visit:
Additional information
Student Cooperatives are not eligible for USPS OIG Employee Benefits.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement.
To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: help.usastaffing.gov/ResourceCenter/images/8/88/USA_Hire_Reasonable_Accommodations_FAQs_-_Updated_September_2021.pdf
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* Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your responses to the online assessments completed during the application process as well as a structured interview. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics) during the USA Hire Assessment:
* Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.
* Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
* Customer Service: Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
* Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
* Flexibility: Is open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.
* Integrity/Honesty: Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy.
* Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
* Learning: Uses efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills; uses training, feedback, or other opportunities for self-learning and development.
* Reading: Understands and interprets written material, including technical material, rules, regulations, instructions, reports, charts, graphs, or tables; applies what is learned from written material to specific situations.
* Self-Management: Sets well-defined and realistic goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.
* Stress Tolerance: Deals calmly and effectively with high stress situations (for example, tight deadlines, hostile individuals, emergency situations, dangerous situations).
* Teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
* Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
* Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
You must submit all required documents by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date of this announcement, Vacancy Announcement 12602765, by closing date 12/31/2024.
* RESUME. When completing your online application or uploading your resume, you must categorize it as a Resume document). IMPORTANT: You will be asked questions in the self-assessment questionnaire. It is essential that your resume and supporting documentation provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses to the self-assessment questionnaire.
* COMPLETE OCCUPATIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE. Click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to complete the Occupational Questionnaire. (Required: You must click on Submit My Answers button at the end of the Questionnaire to complete this process)
* TRANSCRIPTS from an accredited college or university. The information presented in the transcript must be verifiable and should contain the name of the institution, applicant's name, list of completed courses, semester hours, GPA, date and type of Bachelor's Degree issued. Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. Attach document verifying that it has been deemed equivalent. For further information visit: (Required: Upload and save as Transcript document.)
* UPLOAD SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS which may include:
* Certificates or Licenses, if applicable. Upload and save as Other document.
* Veterans Preference Documentation. If you are claiming veterans preference you must submit the Member 4 copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and/or other proof of veterans preference eligibility including your VA letter, form SF-15 ( and all required documents related to your SF-15 claim. Veterans can request the Member 4 copy of their DD-214 at and can download a copy of their VA letter from (If applicable to you, you are required to upload each veterans' preference document and categorize as DD-214 or SF-15 or Other Veterans Document )
* Reasonable Accommodation Documentation. If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found at help.usastaffing.gov/ResourceCenter/images/8/88/USA_Hire_Reasonable_Accommodations_FAQs_-_Updated_September_2021.pdf .
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
* How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
* To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
* Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
* Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
* After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you both on screen and via email notification.
* If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments.
* Click here for Reasonable Accommodations Request Details: USA Hire Reasonable Accommodations FAQs
Please Note: Set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account. To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (secure.login.gov/). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account: All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit:
Agency contact information
Vacancy Inquiries
Email ...@uspsoig.gov
Address OA - Office of Audit
1735 N. Lynn Street
Arlington, VA 22209
US
Learn more about this agency
Next steps
Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Applicants for this position may be interviewed one or more times as part of the hiring process. During interviews, applicants may not use any AI tool or virtual assistant (such as ChatGPT) to help them answer questions, except for accessibility tools used as part of a reasonable accommodation. Applicants who fail to follow these rules will be disqualified from the hiring process.
Top rated applicants will be invited to participate in a structured interview. You will no longer be considered for this position if you: receive a zero (0) rating on any evaluation factor; fail to attach all required documentation; if your application materials indicate that you are not minimally-qualified for this position; or if you fail to qualify on any application step. Only the top-rated candidates will be referred to a review official or the selecting official for further consideration. Your rating may be further adjusted or rated as ineligible based on your interview performance. Once all applicant scores are finalized, the selecting official will make a final decision.
Your assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments. To be considered for the position, you must meet all qualifications, including meeting or exceeding the cut score on the required assessments and interview.
Your application may also be made available for other student cooperative positions in the USPS OIG.
* Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
* Criminal history inquiries
* Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
* Financial suitability
* New employee probationary period
* Privacy Act
* Reasonable accommodation policy
* Selective Service
* Signature and false statements
* Social security number request
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Required Documents
You must submit all required documents by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date of this announcement, Vacancy Announcement 12602765, by closing date 12/31/2024.
* RESUME. When completing your online application or uploading your resume, you must categorize it as a Resume document). IMPORTANT: You will be asked questions in the self-assessment questionnaire. It is essential that your resume and supporting documentation provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses to the self-assessment questionnaire.
* COMPLETE OCCUPATIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE. Click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to complete the Occupational Questionnaire. (Required: You must click on Submit My Answers button at the end of the Questionnaire to complete this process)
* TRANSCRIPTS from an accredited college or university. The information presented in the transcript must be verifiable and should contain the name of the institution, applicant's name, list of completed courses, semester hours, GPA, date and type of Bachelor's Degree issued. Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. Attach document verifying that it has been deemed equivalent. For further information visit: (Required: Upload and save as Transcript document.)
* UPLOAD SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS which may include:
* Certificates or Licenses, if applicable. Upload and save as Other document.
* Veterans Preference Documentation. If you are claiming veterans preference you must submit the Member 4 copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and/or other proof of veterans preference eligibility including your VA letter, form SF-15 ( and all required documents related to your SF-15 claim. Veterans can request the Member 4 copy of their DD-214 at and can download a copy of their VA letter from (If applicable to you, you are required to upload each veterans' preference document and categorize as DD-214 or SF-15 or Other Veterans Document )
* Reasonable Accommodation Documentation. If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found at help.usastaffing.gov/ResourceCenter/images/8/88/USA_Hire_Reasonable_Accommodations_FAQs_-_Updated_September_2021.pdf .
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
* To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
* Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
* Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
* After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you both on screen and via email notification.
* If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments.
* Click here for Reasonable Accommodations Request Details: USA Hire Reasonable Accommodations FAQs
Please Note: Set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, mos