Student Trainee (Human Resources Specialist), GS-0299-5/7
: Job Details :

SummaryThis position is located in the Staffing and Classification Branch (SCB) within the Division of Human Resources Management (HRM). This is a paid internship opportunity under the Pathways Internship Program which provides students opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers.This job is open to

• StudentsCurrent students enrolled in accredited educational institutions from high school to graduate level. Includes internships, pathways and other student programs.
• Internal to an agencyCurrent federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agencyThis announcement is open to current NSF Pathways Interns only.DutiesThis is an opportunity under the Pathways Internship Program. The Internship Program provides students enrolled in high schools, colleges, trade schools and other qualifying educational institutions with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while completing their education. Veteran's Preference is applied.As a Student Trainee (Human Resources Specialist), you will perform the following duties:

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Human Resources staff members, managers, and employees.
• Work with Human Resources staff to accomplish a wide range of Human Resources transactions related to recruitment, placement, and classification.
• Assist in processing personnel actions, drafting vacancy announcements, performing qualification/eligibility determinations, drafting commitment letters, etc. under the guidance of senior HR Specialists.
• Review and process forms and documents that contain employees' personal identifiable information (PII) and entering PII into Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS).
• Participate in organizational meetings and other activities as a member of a team.
• Assist the organization in resolving routine issues by offering solutions and alternatives.
• Collaborate internally with Human Resources staff to ensure consistency in approach and to general resolution of problems that are less complex in nature.
• Support a variety of Human Resources projects or programs and provide general office support.
• Coordinate logistics for and represent NSF at various outreach events.
• Provide management consultative service involving the more routine aspects of HR functions.

Requirements Conditions of Employment

Selectee will be required to have a background investigation prior to onboarding.

Selectee must be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited academic institution and maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher for the duration of the Internship.

Selectee will be required to sign an agreement that outlines the parameters of the Internship Program.

Selectee may be required to submit updated transcripts and proof of enrollment upon selection and during the duration of the Internship.

Selectee may be required to serve a 1 year trial period.

Selectee may be required to complete a background investigation prior to onboarding.

Additional Requirements:All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full /blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position. QualificationsApplicants must be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited academic institution and have a 2.5 GPA or higher to be eligible for a Pathways Internship Appointment.In addition to the above appointment requirements, see below qualification requirements:To qualify at the GS-05 level, you must have successfully completed four full years of education above the high school level;OR One year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-4 level in Federal service assisting Human Resources (HR) Specialists in staffing, recruitment, Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), and/or position classification/management components in support of HR operations. Examples of specialized experience include: applying basic staffing and pay administration policies, principles; participating in outreach events for a federal agency; entering data into HRIS, or supporting an organization's special hiring programs processes.To qualify at the GS-07 level, you must have completion of one full academic year of graduate level (18 semester hours) education;OR have a Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (as evidenced by class standing in the upper third of the graduating class; 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for all academic work; grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in the major field of study; or election to membership in a national honor scholastic society).OR One year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-5 level in Federal service supporting a variety of HR operations including staffing, recruitment, Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), and position classification/management components. Examples of specialized experience include: applying basic staffing and pay administration policies, principles, and practices prefer under Title 5; assisting an organization in resolving routine issues by offering solutions and alternatives; entering and reviewing data in HRIS, organizing outreach events; or supporting an organization's special hiring programs processes.Experience refers to paid/unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training/experience that translates directly to paid work. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.The Internship Program allows students an opportunity to be converted non-competitively to a career-conditional or term position once the student completes all requirements of the Internship Program. Non-competitive conversion to a permanent or term position is NOT guaranteed. The Intern's eligibility for conversion does not guarantee that the agency will opt for conversion.EducationEducation may be substituted for experience as described in Qualifications. If qualifying based on education, you must submit TRANSCRIPTS (unofficial copies are acceptable) or a DIPLOMA that verifies that the requirement is met.All education must be accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement.) Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants may verify accreditation at the following website: Accreditation.PLEASE NOTE: Certificate program is defined as post-secondary education in a qualifying educational institution equal to at least one academic year of full-time study that's part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum.Additional informationRelocation Expenses will NOT be paid.Students may be hired for Internship positions at any time during the year and may work full-time or part-time based on office needs.The Internship Program allows students an opportunity to be converted non-competitively to a career-conditional or term position once the student completes all requirements of the Internship Program. Non-competitive conversion to a permanent or term position is NOT guaranteed. The Intern's eligibility for conversion does not guarantee that the agency will opt for conversion.This is a non-bargaining unit position.It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to & including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment & referral to the Office of Inspector General. Foreign Talent DefinitionsVeteran's Preference:If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. For 5-point veterans' preference, please provide your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the VA letter or other required documentation as specified on the SF-15.NSF has determined that all of its positions are eligible for telework. Work suitable for telework depends on job duties; therefore, employees must receive approval from their supervisor for telework and have a telework agreement in place. Entering into a telework agreement is voluntary.This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the National Science Foundation.

• BenefitsA 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.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 EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.Category rating procedures will be used to rank and select eligibles. Based on your responses to the occupational questionnaire, you will be assigned a score. Your score will determine in which of three categories you will be placed: Excellent, Very Good, or Good. Ratings will be assigned based on your responses to the occupational questionnaire which will rate the following competencies:

• Accountability
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Decision Making
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Reading Comprehension
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

In some cases, additional assessment processes may be used.Under this process, veterans will be assigned to the appropriate category (without additional preference points) and then placed at the top of their category. Veterans with service-connected disability of 10% or more will be placed at the top of the highest quality category.The information contained in your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire to determine the degree to which you meet the competencies required of this position. Please ensure you answer all questions accurately. Your responses are subject to verification. In support of your responses provided in the Occupational Questionnaire, your resume should include verbiage that describes your experience relative to the position for which you are applying and provide examples that show the depth of knowledge, level of skill, or degree of ability you possess. If your application does not support your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire or your application is not complete, this may result in adjustments to your score or result in your name being removed from further consideration.

• BenefitsA 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.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 DocumentsAs 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.All applicants should submit a resume/CV of their choice and may also submit a cover letter.Other documents required:
  • Official or unofficial college transcripts, including your cumulative GPA, with your application. This office will be unable to determine qualification eligibility without transcripts. Applications without transcripts are incomplete applications and will be rated INELIGIBLE . Transcripts will NOT be accepted after the closing date of this announcement.
  • Proof of enrollment for the current Fall 2024/Spring 2025 academic term (i.e., course schedule, acceptance letter, letter from the registrar). Applications without proof of enrollment are incomplete applications and will be rated INELIGIBLE . Proof of Enrollment will NOT be accepted after the closing date of this announcement.
  Additional Documents, if applicable, may include:
  • Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214, VA Letter, and SF-15): If you are eligible and claiming 5-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your member copy 4 version DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your DD-214, SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference and the VA letter or other documentation required by the SF-15. (Please note: An SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing veterans' preference will not be accepted as proof of entitlement.)
  • Non-Citizens may apply but must certify eligibility by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. However, non-citizens may NOT be converted to competitive service appointments.
  All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, DATE OF BIRTH OR ANY OTHER PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.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 fromschools 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 ApplyApplicants must complete and submit an application online at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USAJOBS website at An account must be established at the OPM website following the instructions provided in order to apply for the position. Once you have completed the USAJOBS process, you will be re-directed to the USA Staffing system to complete your application process, answer the online questions, and submit all required documents. Applications submitted other than the USAJOBS online application WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED under this announcement.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 above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) 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 11:59 PM (EST) 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 via email notification. The email may be routed to your Spam or Junk folder.
• 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 Computer System Requirements (
• 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 in your USAJOBS account under the Track my application link for the corresponding application.
• If you encounter technical difficulties during the process, please submit a USA Staffing Help Ticket for assistance. If you have technical difficulties applying to the vacancy on the USAJOBS website, click on Contact USAJOBS. It is suggested that you do not wait until the last day to apply for a vacancy announcement.
• As the applicant, it is your responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, and submitted is received and is accurate. Ensure that your application includes the required documents listed under Required Documents and that they are uploaded in the appropriate fields.
• Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA 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 RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here:
Agency contact informationStaffing and Classification BranchEmail...@nsf.govAddressNATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT2415 Eisenhower AveAlexandria, VA 22314USNext stepsYou may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS websiteApplicants should click 'Track this Application' in the Applicant Dashboard to receive application updates.
• Fair and TransparentThe 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

Required DocumentsAll applicants should submit a resume/CV of their choice and may also submit a cover letter.Other documents required:

• Official or unofficial college transcripts, including your cumulative GPA, with your application. This office will be unable to determine qualification eligibility without transcripts. Applications without transcripts are incomplete applications and will be rated INELIGIBLE . Transcripts will NOT be accepted after the closing date of this announcement.
• Proof of enrollment for the current Fall 2024/Spring 2025 academic term (i.e., course schedule, acceptance letter, letter from the registrar). Applications without proof of enrollment are incomplete applications and will be rated INELIGIBLE . Proof of Enrollment will NOT be accepted after the closing date of this announcement.

Additional Documents, if applicable, may include:

• Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214, VA Letter, and SF-15): If you are eligible and claiming 5-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your member copy 4 version DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your DD-214, SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference and the VA letter or other documentation required by the SF-15. (Please note: An SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing veterans' preference will not be accepted as proof of entitlement.)
• Non-Citizens may apply but must certify eligibility by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. However, non-citizens may NOT be converted to competitive service appointments.

All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, DATE OF BIRTH OR ANY OTHER PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.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 fromschools 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 ApplyApplicants must complete and submit an application online at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USAJOBS website at An account must be established at the OPM website following the instructions provided in order to apply for the position. Once you have completed the USAJOBS process, you will be re-directed to the USA Staffing system to complete your application process, answer the online questions, and submit all required documents. Applications submitted other than the USAJOBS online application WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED under this announcement.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 above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) 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 11:59 PM (EST) 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 via email notification. The email may be routed to your Spam or Junk folder.

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 Computer System Requirements (

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 in your USAJOBS account under the Track my application link for the corresponding application.

• If you encounter technical difficulties during the process, please submit a USA Staffing Help Ticket for assistance. If you have technical difficulties applying to the vacancy on the USAJOBS website, click on Contact USAJOBS. It is suggested that you do not wait until the last day to apply for a vacancy announcement.
• As the applicant, it is your responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, and submitted is received and is accurate. Ensure that your application includes the required documents listed under Required Documents and that they are uploaded in the appropriate fields.
• Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA 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 RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here:

Agency contact informationStaffing and Classification BranchEmail...@nsf.govAddressNATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT2415 Eisenhower AveAlexandria, VA 22314USNext stepsYou may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS websiteApplicants should click 'Track this Application' in the Applicant Dashboard to receive application updates.Fair & TransparentThe 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