EPA Intern Program

The Application Process for the EIP Program for 2007 has closed. Information on the Process for 2008 will be available in September of 2008. Please check back at that time.

About the EPA Intern Program

The EPA Intern Program (EIP) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a comprehensive, entry-level, professional, full-time employment and career development program. As a program participant, you will join an intensive two-year program to help you "jump-start" your career and develop your potential for future advancement within the Agency.

Attracting and retaining top-notch employees is crucial to the success of EPA. To foster both their personal and professional growth, EIPers participate in a two-year EPA familiarization and career development program. Key components of the program are:

An Orientation Conference held in Washington, DC, to familiarize new EIPers with the Agency;
Multiple rotational assignments, including an opportunity for a two-month rotation to a different geographic location;
Individual Development Plans to serve as road maps for professional and personal development during the program and beyond;
Site visits and group project to introduce the "hands-on" work of the Agency, such as research, monitoring, environmental clean-up, community involvement, compliance, and prevention;
A Graduation Conference, featuring team training and environmental studies;
On-going networking activities.

Applicant Characteristics

The EIP seeks graduates from bachelor's degree programs or higher in a variety of academic majors, including, but not limited to:

Biological Sciences and Ecology
Chemistry and Physical Sciences
Environmental Engineering
Financial Management
Public and Environmental Policy

Business
Computer Science
Environmental Studies
International Studies
Public Administration

In addition, applicants should be able to demonstrate the following:

Academic achievement
Leadership potential and teamwork skills
Good citizenship and commitment to a career in public service
Interests in environmental issues
Solid written and verbal communication skills
U.S. citizenship (required)

Employment Information

Candidates selected to complete the EIP will be offered professional EPA Intern Program Environmental Protection Specialist positions at the GS-7 or Environmental Scientist/Biologist positions at the GS-7 or 9, at either EPA Headquarters or Regional Office locations. Starting salaries are approximately $30,000 -$40,000 per year, depending on the grade and location of the position.

As EPA employees, EIPers enjoy a comprehensive federal compensation package that includes health and life insurance, federal retirement program, sick and annual leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (federal 401K plan). Quality of Work Life Programs such as career and personal development, flexible work hours, alternative work schedules, and tuition assistance may also be available.

Recruitment and Qualifications

Program positions will be filled through the Administrative Careers with America (ACWA) program, supplemented by the Selective Placement for People with Disabilities hiring authority, as well as others, such as Peace Corps, Americorps/VISTA, and the Federal Career Intern Program for Biologists and Environmental Scientists.

The ACWA program provides for entry-level hiring in a large number of professional and administrative occupations. Candidates are evaluated using rating schedules that typically include questions about competencies such as candidate's relevant training, education, experience, skills, achievements in school, employment, and other activities.

Other Information

The EPA Intern Program vacancy announcements will be posted in the Fall of each year on the Office of Personnel Management's web site at www.usajobs.opm.gov. We anticipate hiring approximately 25 to 30 EIP Interns each year.

For more information about the EIP, please write to:

EPA-InternProgram@epa.gov

EPA Intern Program - (Mailcode 3661A)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Human Resources
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460