DOI NAGPRA Training Needs and Learning Resources Assessment

Make an impact while you learn. The Semester of Service Program offers students a volunteer project-based opportunity to support real Federal missions, gaining hands-on experience and valuable career-ready skills. The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration aligning with each agency's strategic priorities.

Major duties

Work Schedule and Flexibilities: Flexible with the expectation that there will be occasional meetings during business hours. Remote (100% work off site) Number of Positions: 1 Term: Spring 2027 (90 day term between mid-January and mid-June) This vacancy will be open until Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at 11:59pm ET. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages. The Department of the Interior's workforce has responsibilities that may intersect with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), including cultural resource professionals, museum and collections staff, managers, project managers, archaeologists, and other employees involved in compliance, collections, consultation, or related activities. The DOI Cultural Resources Training Program is assessing opportunities to strengthen and coordinate NAGPRA-related learning across the Department. The student volunteer will conduct a structured assessment of existing NAGPRA training, DOI workforce audiences and training needs, available learning resources, and potential training partners. The project will help establish a clearer understanding of what NAGPRA training currently exists within DOI and externally, who needs different levels of training, where gaps or duplication may exist, and where OED and bureau partners could collaborate. The student will conduct research, organize information, assist with stakeholder outreach as appropriate, and develop a comprehensive set of findings and recommendations. The student will not make policy determinations or provide legal interpretations of NAGPRA. The project provides an opportunity to gain experience in federal workforce development, cultural resource management, training needs assessment, stakeholder engagement, research, program development, and organizational analysis. The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program, as authorized under 5 U.S.C §31114 and 5 CFR Part 3085, enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration. These assignments are designed to align with each agency's strategic priorities, offering participants practical experience within Federal operations while supporting the advancement of targeted initiatives.

Qualifications

You will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs.

Education

To qualify, you must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution. You also must be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Attach a copy of your transcripts to your application package for verification.

Requirements

Conditions of employment To participate in this Program, you must:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S National studying in the U.S. or abroad
• Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution (beyond high school) throughout the 90 day Semester of Service opportunity. Students graduating before May 1, 2027 are not eligible. Selectees will be responsible for contacting a school official to sign a Semester of Service approval form indicating you are currently enrolled at least half-time and in good academic standing. Qualifying educational institutions must be located within the United States.
• Be in good academic standing as defined by your institution.
• Commit to volunteering 8 - 20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days.
• Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Department of the Interior and your academic institution.
• Agree to volunteer. This position is unpaid. No compensation, stipends, or hiring preference will be granted from this work. You may use this volunteer experience to qualify for future jobs you choose to apply for.
• Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees.
• Not be a current federal employee. Current federal employees can reach out to the contact below to inquire about job detail opportunities.