Summary The Office of Inspector General is an independent office within the EPA that helps the agency protect the environment in a more efficient and cost effective manner. We perform audits, evaluations, and investigations of the EPA to promote economy, efficiency, and to prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse. We strive to provide solutions to problems that ultimately result in making America a cleaner and healthier place. Responsibilities The EPA OIG is seeking seeking student interns under the Pathways Internship Program. Internship are provided for students with a desire to work in the Office of the Inspector General and assignments are designed to complement the intern's educational pursuits while meeting the expressed needs of the agency. This position is provided for students with a desire to work in the OIG and assignments are designed to complement the intern's educational pursuits while meeting the expressed needs of the agency and organizations. This position is located in the Office of Inspector General, Office of Audit. The Office of Audit performs complex audits of EPA programs that align with the EPA's top management challenges, and makes recommendations to combat fraud, waste and abuse and enhance efficiencies in achieving its mission of protecting human health and the environment. The Office of Audit conducts financial and performance audits to determine the efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance of Agency business operations and financial management. Audits assess the potential for fraud, waste, and abuse; the award and management of grants and contracts; management of information technology; and ways to realize cost savings and other efficiencies. Responsibilities Ideal candidates for these internships are individuals pursuing undergraduate or graduate degree programs in auditing, economics, public administration, public policy, public health, environmental studies, environmental policy, political science, or related areas. GS-0599 Auditing Candidates will be considered on the basis of the applicability of their education to specific EPA OIG assignments. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must submit transcripts & proof of enrollment--see Required Documents. Position has education requirements--see Qualifications/Education section. You must be a U.S. citizen. If you are selected, a written participant agreement must be signed. Background Investigation Required. You must be enrolled at least half-time and maintain at least a half-time course load as defined by your academic institution (typically 6 undergraduate credit hours or 4.5 graduate credit hours per semester). You must have and maintain good academic standing as defined by your academic institution (typically a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0). If you are selected, the entire period served under the Internship Program will be a trial period. Selectees will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment", (OF-306), prior to being appointed to determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on your resume or questionnaire can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service. If you are a male born after December 31, 1959 you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. This is a Public Trust Position. Employment in this position requires a background investigation. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed or undisclosed background issues, the tentative employment offer may be withdrawn. The selectee will be required to complete a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the I-9 Form. We will compare information provided on the I-9 Form to records available from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The system confirms employee’s identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Learn more about e-verify, including your rights and responsibilities. Qualifications To be eligible for an internship opportunity you must meet the following criteria: You must be a current student enrolled at least half time in: A qualifying educational institution pursuing a degree, or a graduate or professional school (e.g., law school, medical school), or a post-secondary homeschool curriculum that has been accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education) A certificate program means post-secondary education, in a qualifying educational institution, equivalent to at least one academic year of full-time study that is part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum; Students who take online courses are eligible to participate so long as all other requirements are met and the school is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. You must have a cumulative Grade Point Average of at least a 2.0. You must be at least 16 years of age. You must be majoring in auditing, economics, public administration, public policy, public health, environmental studies, environmental policy, political science, or related areas. Education This position has a Mandatory Education Requirement. All applicants must meet one of the following requirements to qualify: GS-4: Completion of 2 full academic years of post-high school study or an associate's degree. You MUST maintain status as a student for the duration of this program. The qualification requirements must be met within 180 days of the closing date of the announcement. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable during the application process. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of this announcement. All education claimed by applicants will be verified. Additional Information EPA OIG provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed in this vacancy announcement. Payment of relocation expenses is NOT authorized. All the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application, by checking reference and through other means, such as the interview process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for not hiring you or for firing you after you begin work. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy announcement. If you are graduating from your present course of study at the end of the current semester/quarter: You may be hired prior to graduation; however, to continue in this program after graduation, you must be continuing your education next semester/quarter and be accepted for enrollment seeking a diploma, certificate, bachelor’s degree, graduate degree, or professional degree from a qualifying educational institution on a full- or half-time basis. Interns without not-to-exceed dates who successfully complete the program may be converted to a term or permanent position in the competitive service without further competition; however, if you are being considered for conversion to a position that has positive education requirements, you must be enrolled in a degree program directly related to the position’s duties to be eligible for conversion to that position. The grade level you may be converted to will be dependent on the grade for which you qualify (based on your education and/or experience), but the grade level can be no higher than the promotion potential indicated in this announcement. NOTE: To be eligible for conversion, you must complete 480 hours of work (320 hours if a waiver is received).