USDA Internship Opportunity For Graduate Student (Hiring Now 2025)

Are you a student or recent graduate seeking meaningful opportunities to launch your career? The USDA Pathways Internship Program offers a unique chance to gain hands-on experience, build essential skills, and explore federal careers while earning a paycheck. This summer internship opportunity is perfect for those passionate about ensuring the safety and quality of food products while contributing to public well-being.

Program Overview:

The Student Trainee (Inspection) role focuses on building your skills in food safety and inspection services. Here’s what to expect if you’re hired for this role:

Key Responsibilities:

• On-the-Job Training: Work in a meat or poultry processing facility, observing and assisting qualified Food Inspectors.
• Inspection Activities: Learn the basics of ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection processes for various food animal species.
• Sanitation Protocols: Familiarize yourself with proper sanitation methods and physical plant layouts.
• Compliance and Labeling Checks: Assist in verifying labels, export documentation, and records for compliance.
• Sample Collection and Net Weight Verification: Collect product samples for pathogen testing and ensure product net weights meet regulations.
• Record Keeping and Reporting: Help the Inspector-in-Charge prepare daily and weekly inspection activity reports.
• Classroom Learning: Participate in guided reading assignments and audiovisual instruction to build foundational knowledge.

This role prepares interns for a variety of challenges while making them a vital part of the FSIS mission to ensure public health.

Eligibility and Requirements

To qualify for this Pathways Internship, applicants must meet specific requirements to ensure they are ready for the position:

General Qualifications:

1. Be a U.S. Citizen and at least 18 years old.
2. Be currently enrolled at least half-time in an accredited school (high school, college, or vocational institution).
3. Maintain good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.0 for undergraduates and 3.0 for postgraduate programs.
4. Submit proof of enrollment through transcripts or a certificate from your educational institution.
5. Be pursuing a degree or certificate relevant to the job responsibilities.

GS-04 Grade Level Requirements:

To qualify as a Student Trainee at this pay level, applicants must have completed two full academic years of post-high school study or hold an associate’s degree.

Learning Benefits

This program isn’t just about work—it’s about education and personal growth.

• Practical Skills: Gain hands-on experience in food safety, compliance, and inspection.
• Classroom Instruction: Engage in structured educational activities to complement your on-site training.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with USDA professionals and learn from their expertise.

The knowledge gained here can be applied to careers in government, food safety, public health, and more.

Program Details

• Duration: Summer 2024, not to exceed 1 year, with possible 1-year extensions based on academic eligibility and agency discretion.
• Location: Springdale District, with locations in Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri. Exact duty stations will be determined upon selection.
• Work Hours: Full-time or short-term schedules, depending on the agency’s needs.

Salary and Benefits

While completing this program, interns enjoy several tangible and intangible perks, including a competitive salary based on federal pay scales and:

• Skill Development: Learn critical knowledge for future career opportunities.
• Networking: Establish connections with USDA professionals.
• Potential for Future Employment: Students who excel may become eligible for noncompetitive federal employment in the future.

How to Apply

Application Process:

Applying for the USDA Pathways Internship is simple, but there are a few steps you’ll need to follow carefully:

1. Prepare Your Documents:

   • Resume: Highlight your academic achievements, skills, and any relevant work experience.
   • Transcripts: Submit official or unofficial copies showing academic standing and current enrollment.

2. Apply Online:

   • Visit USAJOBS.gov and search for the USDA Pathways Internship Program.
   • Follow the instructions to complete your application.

3. Submit Your Application:
   Ensure all required documents are uploaded, and submit your application before the deadline.

4. Follow Up:
   You can monitor your application status on USAJOBS. Keep an eye out for any communication requesting additional information or scheduling interviews.

Essential Notes for Applicants

• Applicants must successfully pass a background check and pre-employment physical.
• Relocation expenses and housing costs will not be covered; these will be the student’s responsibility.
• Selected candidates must sign and comply with a Pathways Program Participant Agreement and be ready to begin duties in the Summer of 2024.

Launch Your Career with USDA

The USDA Pathways Internship Program prepares students to excel in careers that make a real difference. The combination of hands-on learning, classroom education, and exposure to federal careers equips participants with the experience they need to succeed—wherever their career paths may lead.

If you’re ready to take a step toward an exciting career in food safety and public health, apply today and be part of an internship that’s as impactful as it is enriching.

Submit USDA Internship Application