The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Hispanic Access Foundation (HAF) have partnered to connect Latino/a college students with careers in natural resources. The Direct Hiring Authority-Resource Assistant Internship program (DHA-RAI) was designed to develop and train undergrad and graduate students at BLM sites nationwide to become the next generation of environmental stewards. DHA positions are unique internship opportunities designed to build a pathway to employment with a federal land management agency.
These paid opportunities offer hands-on training and unique work experiences; interns will receive specialized training opportunities, mentoring and ongoing support from BLM and HAF staff to effectively carry out their assignments. The purpose of the program is for interns to bring new and diverse viewpoints to the Bureau while working on specific projects and gaining professional experience in their fields.
DHA (Direct Hiring Authority) - Noncompetitive Hiring Status:
A candidate can apply for any position(s) for which they are eligible in a land management agency without competing in a competitive examination or competing with career and career-conditional employees. Candidates applying under this authority will be considered with other non-competitive candidates. The DHA becomes active after the end of the two-year period beginning on the date the candidate completed his or her undergraduate and graduate degree. Successful completion of the internship does not guarantee that the participant will be hired into a federal position.
Project Goal & Objectives
The partners’ long-term goal for this project is to build a strong number of inspired, skilled, culturally, ethnically, and economically diverse young professionals who have experienced natural resource careers. This will result in a diverse workforce of conservationists that reflects the composition of the population.
Through this program, HAF will select and oversee a cohort of highly motivated interns, ages 18-35, who will be introduced to natural resource careers through 11-week paid internships involving hands-on work and training by BLM professionals. Each intern will receive a weekly stipend of $440 based on a 40-hour workweek, graduate students are eligible for an additional stipend. A housing stipend will be provided if on-site or local housing is needed. Local interns are eligible for a transportation/commuting stipend. Travel expenses to/from BLM sites will be covered. Interns will participate in an orientation conference and webinar trainings provided by HAF.
2019 Hosting Sites
- All positions will be posted by Feb 13, 2019
Application Deadline & Timeframe
Applications are due on March 8, 2019. Candidates will be asked to submit a resume and transcript/s with their application. Final decisions will be made by the end of March 2019. Start and end dates vary among positions, all 11-week internships will commence in early June. Travel expenses to internship sites will be covered.
Basic Eligibility
- Currently enrolled OR a recent graduate of an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university.
- Undergraduate is defined as an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree program.
- To qualify as a recent graduate, the student’s official graduation date cannot exceed six (6) months prior to the start date of the internship period.
- Students enrolled in a graduate certificate program are not eligible to participate in the DHA-RAI internship program.
- Ages 18 to 35
- Possess US citizenship, residency or authorization to work in the US.
- Interns must undergo a government background check if selected
- Culturally identify as Hispanic/Latino
- Some positions require a Driver's License
Selection criteria
Intern selection 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/professional experience, volunteer experience and activities, awards, certifications or licenses, application content and responses.
Application Requirements:
Each applicant must submit an application, formal resume and a copy of their unofficial transcript/s for consideration. Resumes must include professional and educational experience, along with any certifications, awards or volunteer activities. Applications will include the following components:
- Contact Information (include in application)
Applicant’s full name and contact information such as a cell phone number, a home phone number, primary residence address, and both personal and school email addresses. - Professional Experience (include in resume)
Details about the organizations where the applicant worked; including the name of the organization, the location, the dates of employment, their position title, and a brief description of job duties. Avoid the use of acronyms. - Education (include in resume)
The name(s) of the accredited college, university, or community college where the applicant was either previously enrolled or is currently enrolled. Include the location of the school(s) (city, state), date of actual graduation or anticipated graduation (month, year), degree(s), and grade point average. - Volunteer Experience (include in resume)
Details about the organizations where applicants volunteered including the name of the organization, the location, the dates of volunteer work, position title if applicable, and a brief description of volunteer duties. Avoid the use of acronyms. - Certifications or Licenses (include in resume)
Include any relevant certifications or licenses. - Awards, Honors, Activities (include in resume)
Include grants and scholarships, academic honors, and educational and professional affiliations. - References (include in application)
Contact information for three references, one of each type; professional, educational, and personal.
