Other Student Opportunities
Check out the below resources and opportunities for students and graduates!
Applying Through USAJOBS
The USGS offers a wide variety of employment opportunities for U.S. citizens who are recent graduates or current students (including those accepted for enrollment in a qualifying educational program) with concentrations in geology, hydrology, ecology, biology, cartography, chemistry, computer science, and many other disciplines and business fields supporting science. USGS student positions are publicly advertised year-round on USAJOBS.
Interested applicants should go to USAJOBS, create a profile and resume, and upload supporting documents such as unofficial transcripts. See below resources on how to apply for opportunities through USAJOBS:
Tips for Applying Through USAJOBS
Video: How to Apply for Internships
Video: How to Apply for Graduate Jobs
Current USGS Job Opportunities
For a current listing of available USGS opportunities, visit the following links:
Recent Graduate Opportunities
Student Internships
All USGS Job Opportunities
In addition, students should reach out to scientists and career counselors at their school to ask about USGS opportunities. Many USGS offices are closely associated with universities and have ongoing student projects. Find the USGS office nearest your home or school.
USGS University Collaborations
The USGS partners with universities through three formal collaboration models, where USGS scientists also serve as university faculty. Students interested in fisheries and wildlife sciences, climate science, or water research may benefit from studying at one of these affiliated institutions.
The Cooperative Research Units (CRU) are collaborations between USGS, a university, and state agencies in the fields of fisheries and wildlife science. There are 42 CRUs in 40 states. They focus on research an actionable science, technical assistance, and graduate education.
The Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) are networks of colleges and universities dedicated to advancing climate science. Each of the nine regional CASCs has a lead university and is supported by 2-8 affiliate schools. Many of the CASCs also collaborate with tribal nations and other government entities.
The Water Resource Research Institutes (WRRIs) were established by federal law as a Federal -State partnership in research and training related to water. There are 54 WRRIs located in all 50 states and Washington DC, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and Guam, each at a state university.
Virtual Student Federal Service
This virtual internship (e-Internship) program allows college-level students to contribute about 10 hours per week to a project hosted by a participating government agency. Managed by the Department of State, the VSFS program enables eInterns to work remotely on projects all over the world. Since 2016, USGS has had several virtual internships each year. The annual cycle is
- January: Agencies post job opportunities
- February: Students choose 3 internships and apply
- March: interviews and selection
- School Year: Internship - schedule mutually agreed upon by intern and mentor.