Environmental Management System (EMS) Data Analysis

Summary
Make an impact while you learn. The Semester of Service Program offers students a volunteer project-based opportunity to support real Federal missions, gaining hands-on experience and valuable career-ready skills. The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration aligning with each agency's strategic priorities.

Location: Remote (100% work off site)
Work Schedule and Flexibilities: The project may be paced according to student’s schedule and available hours. At minimum 8 hours per week is preferred.
Number of Positions: 1 | Term: Spring 2027 (90 day term between mid-January and mid-June)
This vacancy will be open until Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at 11:59pm. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages. | The student will work with the BIA Central Office’s (national support) Branch of Environmental Services on data collection (environmental compliance audits), data analysis and research (audit findings), and policy development (EMS) support to update | Part 59 of the Indian Affairs Manual, Chapter 2 in collaboration with BIE and other relevant offices and programs. This project will address data gaps through occasional (optional/as available) onsite travel to BIA facilities for the audits, as well | as opportunities to engage with local Tribal government professionals during audits where a Tribal program is operating out of a BIA facility via a P.L. 93-638 agreement. Environmental compliance audits are a form of evaluation for the BIA to ensure | that implementation of our EMS policy is effective. This is an opportunity for students with environmental, sustainability, chemical/engineering interests to learn more about developing an organizational Environmental Management System program | evaluation through practicing onsite audits (with supervision).

Conditions of employment
Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S National studying in the U.S. or abroad | Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited college, university, or other accredited educational institution (at least undergraduate or above) throughout the 90 day Semester of Service opportunity. | Students graduating before May 1, 2027 are not eligible. Selectees will be responsible for contacting a school official to sign an approval form indicating you are currently enrolled at least half-time and in good academic standing. | Qualifying educational institutions must be located within the United States. | Be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. | Commit to volunteering 8 – 20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days. | Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Department of the Interior and your academic institution. | Agree to volunteer. This position is unpaid. No compensation, stipends, or hiring preference will be granted from this work. You may use this volunteer experience to qualify for future jobs you choose to apply for. | Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees. | Not be a current federal employee. Current federal employees can reach out to the contact below to inquire about job detail opportunities.

Qualifications
Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs.

Environmentally-focused graduate students are preferred, however undergraduate students including underclassmen are welcome to apply.

The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program, as authorized under 5 U.S.C §31114 and 5 CFR Part 3085, enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration. These assignments are designed to align with each agency's strategic priorities, offering participants practical experience within Federal operations while supporting the advancement of targeted initiatives.

Education
To qualify, you must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited college, university, or other accredited educational institution. You also must be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Attach a copy of your transcripts to your application package for verification.

How you will be evaluated
Your application will be evaluated by Department of Interior personnel to determine your eligibility for the position and your application will be forwarded to the project manager for review.

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC, Section 472). Verification Form BIA-4432 must be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference. Indian Preference eligibles not currently employed in Federal service may be appointed under the Excepted Service Appointment Authority Schedule A, 213.3112(a)(7). Consideration will be given to Non-Indian applicants in the absence of qualified Indian Preference eligibles.