Student Trainee (Administrative and Office Support)
Drug Enforcement Administration · Dallas, TX
- On site
- Full-time
- $40,000 / year
- Dallas, TX
Job highlights
- Gain valuable administrative experience.
- Support DEA field offices nationwide.
- Develop clerical and data skills.
- Potential for permanent federal employment.
- Work part-time or full-time based on school.
About the role
Student Trainee Administrative Office Support
This is a Student Internship position under the Pathways Internship Program. This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Office of Forensic Science and Special Operations Division.
These positions primary purpose is to provide clerical and administrative support to the field offices. There are positions available in the following offices: Pleasanton, CA, Miami, FL, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Dulles, VA, and Richmond, VA.
Duties
The Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds who share our commitment to public service.
The Pathways Internship Program offers valuable work experience and networking opportunities. If you are seeking a diploma/degree and want to challenge your teambuilding skills, this opportunity is for you!
As a Student Trainee (Office and Administrative Support), your typical work assignments may include:
- Communicating with internal and external customers.
- Providing clerical support to assigned office.
- Performing data entry, data queries, manipulating and extrapolating data for reports and presentations.
- Using computer and various software to produce written products.
Requirements
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must be at least 16 years old.
- Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt.
- Employment is subject to a successful background investigation and verification of qualifications.
- Must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and receive no grade below average (C or equivalent).
- Must sign a Participant Agreement.
- Must type a minimum of 40 words per minute.
- Must be enrolled at least half-time for the duration of the internship.
- Must provide proof of enrollment and transcripts.
- Must submit to a pre-employment drug test.
- DEA uses e-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Positions are open to current students pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate on at least a half-time basis.
- GS-03 Grade Level: Completion of 1 full academic year of post-high school study.
- GS-04 Grade Level: Completion of 2 full academic years of post-high study or an associate's degree.
Education obtained in foreign institutions must be evaluated for equivalency to U.S. education standards.
Competencies
- Attention to Detail
- Flexibility
- Interpersonal Skills
- Learning
- Problem Solving
- Self-Management
- Technology Application
You must be able to work part-time when school is in session and full-time when not attending classes.
Interns will be assigned tasks to increase familiarity with the occupation in a real-world work environment.
Promotional Path
Internship selection will be made at the GS-03 or GS-04 level. Within 120 days after completion of internship requirements, you may be eligible for conversion into a permanent position without further competition, provided a vacant position is available.
Entry level for these positions is typically at the GS-05 level. The full performance level of this position is GS-05.
This is a temporary excepted service appointment, Not To Exceed (NTE) for one year with the possibility of extension.
Education Requirements
- Must be accepted or enrolled in a qualifying educational institution on a full or half-time basis.
- Must remain enrolled and provide proof of current student status and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- All academic coursework must be completed at an accredited institution.
- Applicants MUST submit a current transcript with the online application.
Additional Information
Reasonable Accommodation: Requests for reasonable accommodation for assessments must be received prior to starting the assessments.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Multiple positions may be filled. Telework and security clearance requirements may vary.
Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be considered.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about American ideals, and committed to upholding the rule of law.
Key skills/competency
- Student Trainee Administrative Office Support
- Administrative Support
- Clerical Support
- Data Entry
- Data Query
- Reporting
- Presentations
- Computer Software
- Customer Communication
- Problem Solving
Skills & topics
- Student Trainee
- Administrative Assistant
- Office Support
- Clerical
- Data Entry
- Federal Government
- Internship
- Pathways Program
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- DEA
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight relevant coursework, GPA (2.5+), typing speed (40 WPM), and any administrative experience.
- Understand Pathways Program: Familiarize yourself with the program's structure and benefits for student interns.
- Prepare for Assessments: Be ready to complete online competency-based assessments; request accommodations early if needed.
- Demonstrate Commitment: Emphasize your dedication to public service, the rule of law, and improving government efficiency.
- Follow Instructions Precisely: Ensure all required documents, like transcripts, are submitted by the deadline.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the basic eligibility requirements for the DEA Student Trainee position?
- To be eligible for the DEA Student Trainee (Administrative and Office Support) position, you must be a U.S. Citizen, at least 16 years old, and enrolled at least half-time in a qualifying educational institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5. You also need to be able to type at least 40 words per minute.
- What is the difference between GS-03 and GS-04 grade levels for this internship?
- The GS-03 level requires the completion of one full academic year of post-high school study. The GS-04 level requires the completion of two full academic years of post-high school study or an associate's degree. Both levels offer valuable experience within the DEA.
- Can I apply for this Student Trainee role if I am not currently enrolled in a U.S. institution?
- You must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a qualifying educational institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, either domestically or an equivalent foreign institution that has been evaluated. Proof of enrollment and accreditation is mandatory.
- What is the GPA requirement for the Student Trainee (Administrative and Office Support) internship?
- You must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale throughout your internship to remain eligible for the DEA Pathways Internship Program. This includes receiving no grade below a C or equivalent.
- What are the career prospects after completing the DEA Student Trainee internship?
- Upon successful completion of the internship requirements, you may be eligible for conversion to a permanent position without further competition, provided a suitable vacancy exists. The typical entry-level for these roles is GS-05.
- Does the DEA offer remote work for Student Trainees?
- While the job description lists specific office locations, it mentions that telework and/or remote work agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval. However, any approved remote arrangement is subject to locality pay area considerations.
- What type of work will I be doing as a Student Trainee?
- As a Student Trainee, you will provide clerical and administrative support. Your duties may include communicating with customers, performing data entry and queries, manipulating data for reports, and using computer software to produce written materials.
Similar roles
Open positions we recommend based on this role.