Norfolk District Student Employment Program

Overview

The Norfolk District Student Employment Programs enable students to resume or continue their education without interruptions caused by financial pressures and give students a chance to gain valuable work experience. The student employment programs are designed to benefit students in and beyond high school levels to include those pursuing graduate-level education.

2010 Recruitment

Norfolk District is actively recruiting students to join the Norfolk District team as an intern. In the past few months, recruiters have attended career and internship fairs at Old Dominion University, Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth University, Hampton University and Tidewater Community College. For the latest factsheet on developmental positions with the Corps of Engineers, click here.

Types of Programs

The Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)

The Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) provides an opportunity for students to earn money, continue their education, train with professionals, and combine academic study with on-the-job experience. Work does not have to be related to the student's academic or career goals. Students may work part time when school is in session and full time during vacation periods. The one-year STEP employment can be renewed at the supervisor's discretion.

Your rate of pay will depend upon your current education and work experience. As you advance, you may be eligible for promotions, awards and other pay increases. You will also be eligible for benefits such as vacation, holiday and sick pay.

Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)

The Student Career Experience Program is designed to supplement academic studies with work experience that is directly related to a student's educational program and career goals. The program is formally structured and requires a written agreement by the agency, the school and the student as to the nature of work assignments, schedule of work assignments and class attendance, evaluation procedures and requirements for continuation and successful completion of the program. SCEP students may be non-competitively converted to career, term, or career-conditional appointments. SCEP gives students exposure to public service while enhancing their educational goals. This program offers possible permanent employment upon graduation if:

  • The student has completed at least 640 hours of career-related work experience before completion of the course requirements conferring a diploma, certificate or degree;
  • The student meets the qualification requirements for targeted position;
  • and a position exists within the agency.

Your rate of pay will depend upon your current education and work experience. As you advance, you may be eligible for promotion, awards and other pay increases. You will also be eligible for other benefits including paid vacation days, holidays, sick leave, retirement and health and life insurance.

Who May Apply

For both the Student Temporary and the Student Career Experience Program, students must be: 1. Enrolled or currently accepted for enrollment at a qualifying institution (i.e. most high schools, vocational/technical schools, colleges and universities); 2. Taking at least a half-time course load in an accredited school; 3. In good academic standing; 4. At least 16 years of age at the time of appointment; and 5. A U.S. citizen.

Application Procedures

Students may apply by submitting the following forms:

  1. A resume or OF Form 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment (PDF);
  2. OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment (PDF);
  3. Interest and Availability Supplemental Information form (PDF);
  4. An official copy of high school or college transcript(s); and
  5. Request for verification of student's status form (PDF).

Participation in the Student Career Experience Program also requires a formal written agreement between the Norfolk District and the educational institution. If you are interested in participating in the Career Experience Program, please provide a point of contact at your school when completing the "Interest and Availability Supplemental Information" form.

Mail Application Packets to:
Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers
ATTN: CPAC/Student Employment Opportunities
803 Front Street
Norfolk, VA 23510

Useful Links

Frequently Asked Questions about SCEP & STEP - Provides answers to questions about the SCEP and STEP program to help you determine which program best suits your interest and needs.

Government Jobs for Students - Provides detailed information on all student hiring programs in the federal government.

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) - Includes federal jobs listings, salary scales, upcoming events, numerous humans resources reports, news releases and additional official information.

Points of Contact

Paula Bradshaw
Human Resources Officer
Paula.M.Bradshaw@ usace.army.mil

Keith Lockwood
Project Manager, Integrated Internship Program
Keith.B.Lockwood@usace.army.mil

Updated: 15-Mar-2010