Students cross the bridge at the National Conservation Training center.  Photo credit: USFWS

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) employs many students in various career and educational fields. The Student employment program is a way to attract talented students to work with the Service and it's an opportunity for students to continue their education and apply their academic studies to on-the-job experience.

The Service has two Major Student Programs; student temporary employment and student career experience program, which are available to all levels of students.

1. Student Temporary Employment

The Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) is designed to introduce talented students to the advantages and challenges of working for the Federal Government; to provide opportunities for students to combine academic study with on-the-job work experience; and to provide opportunities for students to earn money while continuing their education. This program includes positions in all occupational groups within the Service. Job opportunities under this component offer you temporary employment. Employment can range from summer jobs to positions that can last for as long as you are a student. These employment opportunities need not necessarily be related to your academic field of study.

2. Student Career Experience

The Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) was established to recruit high quality employees into the Federal Service, to support equal employment opportunity objectives, to provide exposure to public service, and to promote education. This program includes positions in all occupational groups within the Service. This component offers you valuable work experience directly related to your academic field of study. It provides formal periods of work and study while you are attending Service. You may be eligible for permanent employment under this component after successfully completing your education and meeting work requirements.

Students interested in employment should contact a Fish and Wildlife Office, in your local area (http://www.fws.gov/jobs/howtoapply.html). Students interested in research or grant opportunities should visit the Federal grants website. (http://www.grants.gov/)

The following Student Programs were established to recruit employees, to support equal employment opportunity objectives, to provide exposure to public service, and promote education. Most programs include positions in all occupational groups (Professional, Administrative, Technical, Clerical and Wage Grade) within the Service.

Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)
Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)
Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP)

The Division of Human Resources (DHR) is primarily responsible for Student Programs. The Division of Diversity and Civil Rights (DDCR) assists in outreach and recruitment for these programs and provides employees and students scholarship information to assist with education expenses.