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:

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. Certifications or Licenses (include in resume)
   Include any relevant certifications or licenses.
   
   
6. Awards, Honors, Activities (include in resume)
   Include grants and scholarships, academic honors, and educational and professional affiliations.
   
   
7. References (include in application)
   Contact information for three references, one of each type; professional, educational, and personal.

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.

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The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and Hispanic Access (HAF) have partnered to connect Latino/a college students with diverse career opportunities at the NCUA Headquarters located in Alexandria, VA, Austin, TX and Tempe, AZ.

Program Goal & Objectives

NCUA and Hispanic Access believe in the importance of career development and mentorship; their long-term goal for this program is to build a greater pool of inspired, skilled, and culturally diverse young professionals with valuable work experience needed to compete in and diversify today’s workforce. This program was designed to combine academic endeavors with project-related work experience while providing undergrad and graduate students with a unique opportunity to work with a federal government agency. Interns will be part of an engaging environment, receive training and mentorship by NCUA staff, gain professional relationships, and enhance their ability to market themselves for future opportunities or employment with a federal agency.

Hispanic Access will recruit and assist in selecting highly motivated college students for open positions; NCUA will review the final candidates and conduct interviews. Students will be paired according to their field of study, interest, knowledge, work experience, skills and background requested by the NCUA host office. NCUA host offices will manage and directly supervise interns throughout the internship duration.

Internship Details

Duration: 10 - 15 weeks during the summer, depending on NCUA host office and intern schedule
Start dates as early as June 2018
Compensation: $560 weekly stipend based on a 40-hour work-week ($14/hour)

Eligibility

• Enrolled in an undergraduate or degree-seeking program at an accredited institution OR have graduated from one within the past year
• Ideal candidates are students pursuing degrees in:
  
  • Business Administration/Management
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology
  • Law
  • Political Science
• Available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for 10-15 weeks in the summer
• Working hours may be flexible if fall semesters begin during the internship period
• Local college students preferred for all positions since housing is NOT provided.
• Ages 18-30
• Possess US citizenship or be a Legal Permanent Resident
• Undergo a background check

Key Dates

• Applications and resumes must be submitted by February 19, 2018 at 11:59pm EST
  
  • Application includes 1 short essay response to the following questions: Why are you interested in this opportunity? What are your long-term educational and professional goals? How do you think this internship supports your career goals? (200 word minimum)
  • Resumes should be limited to 2 pages (max)
• Top candidates selected will conduct interviews in early March
• Final decisions and notifications will be sent in April
• 10 - 15 week internship timeframes – start dates in June 2018

Selection criteria

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
• Oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Professionalism
• Adaptability and ability to work effectively independently and with teams

NCUA is the independent federal agency created by the U.S. Congress to regulate, charter and supervise federal credit unions. With the backing of the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, NCUA operates and manages the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, insuring the deposits of more than 94 million account holders in all federal credit unions and the overwhelming majority of state-chartered credit unions.