The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and Hispanic Access Foundation’s MANO Project (MANO) have partnered to connect diverse college students with 11-week summer internships. This program was designed to provide paid work opportunities to culturally, ethnically, and economically diverse students at Reclamation sites in the US. Interns will receive mentoring, hands-on work experience, and gain a better understanding of Reclamation’s role in conserving water and power resources.

Project Goal & Objectives

Reclamation’s Resource Assistant Internship (RAI) Program provides a pathway for Reclamation hiring managers to non-competitively hire RAI participants (or “Interns”) to permanent positions who have successfully completed a rigorous 11-week Summer Internship. Eligible Interns must be enrolled in accredited post-secondary degree programs to apply and participate in the paid Internship opportunity. While participating in the 11-week paid Internship, Interns will prove their analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills at Reclamation sites or offices. After successful completion of an Internship and subsequently achieving their degree, hiring managers have two years from the Intern’s graduation date to non-competitively appoint them to a vacancy for which they qualify. After successful completion of all program requirements, Interns may be converted to a permanent position, but conversion is neither guaranteed nor promised.

Reclamation interns will gain on-the-job experience and engage in projects that address some of the most critical conservation issues on Reclamation land. Interns will receive specialized training, mentoring and ongoing support to effectively carry out their assignments. Interns will gain an understanding of the opportunities for careers at Reclamation and will build skills and experience required for success in these careers.

MANO is searching for highly motivated students who will work alongside Reclamation employees for the 11-week internship program. This is a paid internship; each intern will receive a weekly stipend, based on a 40-hour workweek, and a commuting stipend.

The Mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to distribute water and generate hydropower to U.S. regions west of the Mississippi River. At Reclamation, we value professional excellence, safety and respect. Reclamation’s Resource Assistant Internship (RAI) Program is effective due to collaborative partnerships with organizations such as Hispanic Access, to help Reclamation promote and build robust and diverse applicant pools for future hiring.

Each RAI Program internship requires a commitment of working for 11-weeks in a full-time status (40 hours per week). Internships run roughly between May and September.

Program Goals

• Create unique opportunities for students through established career development projects and assignments.
• Focus on the investment in internships for Reclamation to “grow our own” in order to establish long-term workforce plans.
• Expand outreach recruitment to enhance opportunities for underserved communities and underrepresented populations.

Summer 2022 RAI Project Opportunities

• Binational Program
• Human Resources 
• Public Civil Rights 
• Public Relations

Application Deadline & Timeframe

All applications should be submitted through Hispanic Access Foundation’s MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. A writing sample may be required for certain positions. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills or volunteer activities.

Applications for the 2022 program are listed here. 

Benefits

• Interns are paid a weekly stipend.
• Interns will participate in assignments and a final presentation that will expose them to key-decision makers and stakeholders with Reclamation.
• Interns will prove their analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills at Reclamation sites or offices.
• Interns are afforded an opportunity to participate in mission-driven projects.
• Interns having successfully completed an 11-week internship have the opportunity to eligible for non-competitive, direct hire appointment to a Federal position that which they are qualified, after subsequently completing their undergrad or grad degree requirements.

Basic Eligibility

• Individuals ages 18 and above.
• Must be U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Required to pass a federal background investigation.
• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Various eligibility/qualifications requirements may additionally be included, as described on each RAI opportunity.

Selection Criteria

Specific assignments will be based on best fit with the unique requirements of each site. Final candidates will undergo a background check before beginning their assignment. Applications will be reviewed and rated according to the following criteria:

• Relevant educational and work experience
• Accomplishments and leadership roles
• Oral and written communication skills, through application responses and phone interviews
• Professionalism and technical knowledge

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Mission

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public. At Reclamation, our core values are professional excellence, safety, and Respect.

Hispanic Access Foundation Mission

Hispanic Access Foundation is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos and People of Color to partners and opportunities improving lives and creating an equitable society. Hispanic Access’s vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process should contact Hispanic Access Foundation directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.