1DOT Internship Program (Pathways)
Job Location:
Little Rock, AR - USA
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
This internship is part of the Department of Transportations 1DOT Pathways Internship Program expectedto begin May 30 2027. This is a temporary internship with a possibility of extension throughout theacademic year provided the employee remains eligible for employment in the Pathways Intern Program. Toqualify applicants must be enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) on at least a half-time basis in a qualifyingeducational institution.
The 1DOT Internship Program empowers aspiring public servants to engage directly with the operational and policy challenges shaping modern government. Positioned across the Department of Transportation (DOT) interns collaborate with professional engineers analysts economists financial experts human resources and more professionals to advance national transportation initiatives. Participants actively coordinate in professional operations gaining firsthand exposure to how engineering business and policy Information Technology (IT) Mathematics finance safety or human capital intersect to sustain and modernize the nations transportation systems.
The 1DOT Pathways Student Trainee works in support of the office they are assigned to which may include:
- Performing a variety of engineering mathematics IT or analytical and administrative assignments selected to broaden skills and providing practical experience aimed at developing the employees ability to perform progressively complex tasks and assignments.
- Performing assignments designed to orient train and increase the students knowledge in either engineering IT mathematics business economics management analysis financial management safety oversight human resources administrative support and/or
transportation program operations. - Assisting professionals analysts specialists and program staff with the planning design maintenance operation review organization and interpretation of business engineering mathematics or IT projects in relation to transportation.
- Assisting in the development of materials for briefings reports presentations policy documents communications products conference materials and executive summaries for supervisors and leadership.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) seeks highly motivated driven and innovative undergraduate and graduate students who are passionate about contributing to the modernization of the Federal Government and the advancement of the national transportation sector. Ideal candidates are interested in applying their knowledge and skills in business & policy engineering information technology or mathematics/statistics operations to address challenges and improve government operations. They demonstrate strong analytical and/or technical aptitude leadership potential a proactive approach to problem-solving and a desire to translate academic knowledge into practical solutions that support DOTs mission.
Academic Background: Preferably currently enrolled in a relevant degree program for either Engineering Mathematics/Statistics IT Economics Business Administration Public Administration Finance Accounting Human Resources Communications Management Data Analytics Transportation or a related discipline.
Core Competencies: A demonstrated track record of analytical problem-solving meticulous attention to detail strong organizational capabilities and exceptional communication skills.
Mission Alignment: A proactive eagerness to learn and apply concepts in business engineering information technology or mathematics/statistics using data-driven decision-making to improve government operations support innovation and advance the national transportation sector.
The 1DOT Internship Program integrates on-the-job training with pertinent education by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- GS-0199-Economics Student Trainee Series
- GS-0599-Financial Management Student Trainee Series
- GS-1899-Safety Inspection Student Trainee Series
- GS-2199-Transportation Student Trainee
- GS-2299-lnformation Technology Trainee
- GS-0299-Human Resources Student Trainee Series
- GS-0399-Administrative Support Student Trainee Series (e.g. Communications Public Affairs Program Support Data Analytics Administrative Management)
- GS-1199-Business and Industry Student Trainee Series
- GS-0099-Community Planning Student Trainee
- GS-0099-Environmental Protection Specialist
- GS-0199-Engineering Psychologist
- GS-0899-Engineering Student Trainee Series
- GS-2299-lnformation Technology Management Student Trainee Series
- GS-1599-Mathematics & Statistics Student Trainee Series
of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen and meet the requirements of the program.
- You must be at least 16 years of age
- Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
- Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
As a condition of employment for accepting this position you may be required to serve a trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public determining if your employment advances the public interest we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.
To qualify applicants must be enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) on at least a half-time basis in a qualifying educational institution.
- UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP: Must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
- SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
- SECURITY CLEARANCE: If selected for an IT Student Trainee position with the Office of the Chief Digital and Information Officer (OCDIO) a security clearance may be required.
- Must meet the eligibility requirements for thePathways Internship Program.
- BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Must complete a background investigation.
- DECLARATION FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT: Selectee is required to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) to determine suitability for federal employment.
- TRIAL PERIOD: The intern is in a trial period throughout the entire Pathways Internship appointment.
- WORK SCHEDULE: Interns should be able to work at least 40 hours per week duringsummer.
- PHYSICAL LOCATION: The intern will be required to report to the designated onsitelocation as identified upon selection.
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position you must meet the education requirements for each grade in which you are requesting consideration by the closing date of this announcement.
- GS-03: Completion of one academic year of post-high school study.
- GS-04: Completion of two academic years of post-high school study or associates degree.
- GS-05: Completion of four academic years of post-high school study leading to a bachelors degree or equivalent degree.
- GS-07: Education:One full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge skills and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. OR
Superior Academic Achievement: In the upper one-third of graduating class; OR a GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript or based on courses completed during final 2 years of curriculum; OR a GPA of 3.5 or higher out of 4.0 based on average of required courses completed in major or required courses in major completed the final 2 years of curriculum.
Due to the education requirement of this position an official or unofficial transcript must be submitted at the time of application. If transcripts are not received you will be rated as ineligible.
Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required prior toa final offer of employment. You may use 2026 in-progress semester/quarter hours to qualify for a highergrade level. Qualifications will be determined based on completed and in-progress hours stated on yourunofficial transcript submitted at the time of application.
You must provide updated transcripts that show any/all degrees conferred current grades and registrationwith cumulative GPA to support your educational claims (acceptance letter is also required if applicable tocurrent academic status). Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the of Education: Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreigncountries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence includingtranscripts to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. Alisting of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Educations website.
You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by
course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result
in lost consideration.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience including volunteer work done through National Serviceprograms (e.g. Peace Corps AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. professional; philanthropic; religious;spiritual; community student social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies knowledge andskills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You willreceive credit for all qualifying experience including volunteer experience.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge skills abilities and/orcompetencies in the following areas:
- Knowledge of subject area typically provided by college-level courses sufficient to perform a variety of assignments to broaden skills and gain practical experience.
- Ability to assist higher graded teammates in developing material for briefings reports presentations and conference materials.
- Ability to participate in meetings events and briefings.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
PATHWAYS ELIGIBILITY:
You must be a current student enrolled orformally accepted for enrollment in an accreditedcollege trade school or other qualifyingeducational program for the Fall 2027semester/quarter on a half to full-time basis (asdefined by the educational institution) and mustmaintain qualifying student status throughout theentire internship period.
Please note: If you are graduating from your current academic program prior to May 31 2027 or during the duration of this internship you will not be eligible for this student appointment UNLESS you are accepted for enrollment in a qualifying educational program seeking an additional qualifying degree diploma certificate etc. You MUST submit proof of acceptance for future enrollment along with your current transcripts in your application for consideration.
- Interns may work full-time during the summer and a flexible part-time work schedule during the school year (based on agency needs) while continuing their education.
- Enrollment must be at least half-time course load as defined by the higher education institution(typically six hours or equivalent for undergraduate and three hours or equivalent for graduate).
- Qualification requirements (education) for each grade level applied to must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
- Eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
If selected you:
- Must provide official transcript.
- Must sign Pathways Participant Agreement.
- Must maintain status as a current student AND maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA;
- Must furnish course registration information at the start of each school term; and
- Must provide verification of academic status (e.g. official transcript registrar letter etc.) at the end of each academic term or upon agency request.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for it to becredited towards qualifications. Therefore provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited byaccrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible ratingor may affect the overall rating.
This is an Excepted Service appointment on a temporary basis.This is a temporary internship to complete project work that is temporary in nature. The appointment is not-to-exceed September 19 2027. The temporary appointment can be extended and/or converted to a new temporary appointment at managements discretion based on the needs of the organization for the work to continue and provided the employee remains eligible for employment in the Pathways Intern Program. Promotion is not permitted during this temporary appointment.
Conversion to the Competitive Service: Upon successful completion of all Pathways Internship Program requirements and the students academic program the intern may be noncompetitively converted within 180 days without a break in service to a term (time-limited) career-conditional or career appointment in the federal government up to a GS-12 Full performance Level (FPL) provided the student has completed all Pathways conversion requirements to include working at least 480 hours in an appropriate program meets the qualification and time to hire requirements and has received a favorable recommendation for retention.
Please note that conversion is not guaranteed and is subject to the needs of the agency available funding and
satisfactory performance. Grade level upon conversion will be determined by management and qualifications.
Refer to the Qualifications and Requirements section for information pertaining to the Pathways Internship
Program.
For additional information about applying to Federal Pathways Internship Positions please click on the following
link: announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date
of the referral certificate.
The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Actprohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicants criminal history recordbeforethat individual receives a conditional offer of employment.In accordance with5 U.S. Code 9202(c)and5 C.F.R 920.201certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act.Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at. To learn more please visit our page at:The Fair Chance to Compete Act US Department of Transportation
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Experience:
Intern
