Physical Science Data Collection and Analysis

Physical Science Data Collection and Analysis

Department: Department of the Interior

Location(s): Anywhere in the U.S. (remote job), United States

Salary Range: $0 - $0 Without Compensation

Job 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 a physical science-based project.

Major Duties:

• Work Schedule and Flexibilities: 10-20 hours per week, in person work. Beginning date is flexible but either starting June 1 or September 1 would be preferred. End date is also flexible but 90-120 days. Most work would take place in our lab. Analysis and write-up of data release could be done remotely. Project Description: A student volunteer is needed to assist with core sampling and sample processing for micropaleontology and sedimentology. Cores and outcrops are the fundamental data source for the stratigraphic framework of the Atlantic Coastal Plain within which a wide array of geological and environmental problems can be analyzed. We are particularly interested in expanding our understanding of the Late Neogene portion of the mid Atlantic Coastal Plain and require help processing and analyzing cores from SE Virginia. Duties would include sediment sample processing and grain size analysis. An important deliverable would be a data release providing grain size analysis of an existing core from SE Virginia.

Qualifications: Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs. No experience is necessary. Training would be provided by our Reston VA PRISM lab. 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.

How to Apply: To apply for this position, you must submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. A complete application package must be sent by 11:59 PM (ET) on 05/10/2026 to pathways_pmf@ios.doi.gov to receive consideration. Your application email should indicate the project(s) to which you are seeking consideration. We are not accepting online applications, please follow the instructions above to apply.

Application Deadline: 2026-05-10