Process Improvement using AI

Summary

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. With this project, you'll support The Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) within the Office of Research Facilities (ORF) in identifying division-wide opportunities for traditional, machine learning, generative, and agentic AI.

Duties

This vacancy announcement will be open from Sept 21, 2026 to Sept 25, 2026 or when 25, etc., applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages. Create a list and report on the division-wide program processes with the potential for AI use (traditional, machine learning, generative, agentic). Identify patterns and trends in language based on text inputs or databases using AI tools. Demonstrate application of AI in independently synthesizing text/data to make predictions or improving performance.

Requirements

Conditions of employment To participate in this Program, you must: - Must be a U.S. Citizen - 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. - 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 Federal agency 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.

Qualifications and evaluation

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13048563 You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.

Education

To qualify, you must 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. 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.

Benefits

This is an unpaid volunteer experience. Student volunteers are not considered Federal employees for any purpose other than injury compensation and laws related to the Federal Tort Claims Act, and service is not creditable for leave accrual or other employee benefits.

How to apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit:https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/statusPaper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered. Click here for information on Reasonable Accommodations.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your resume (two or fewer pages) showing: - Your work experience to include start and end dates. - Education information, such as the name of your school and dates of attendance. - Any knowledge, skills or abilities you've gained through education that relate to the project. 2. Proof of current enrollment not less than half-time in a trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution.