Bureau of Indian Affairs Students Internship Program 2025

Job Description

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Office of Trust Services offers a Pathways Internship Program, a paid opportunity for current college students to gain hands-on experience within the BIA and Tribal Nations across the United States. The program provides interns with meaningful projects, rotational assignments, and multi-semester engagements. Participants gain skills to prepare them for impactful careers in public service and have a direct path to potential full-time employment with the BIA or Tribal Nations upon graduation.

Responsibilities

Pathways Interns, also known as “Student Trainees,” perform various roles within the assigned BIA offices or programs, including:

• Receiving formal and on-the-job training to build foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level positions within the BIA.
• Working under mentorship from experienced employees and specialists in designated specialty areas.
• Learning about the nation-to-nation relationship between the federal government and federally recognized Tribal Nations.
• Developing an understanding of how the BIA collaborates with Tribal Nations to manage, protect, and utilize Indian Trust Lands and restricted lands.
• Undertaking developmental assignments to deepen knowledge of BIA activities and expand expertise in chosen fields.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

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• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required.
• Indian Preference: Indian Preference applies as per federal regulations.
• Age: Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Academic Status: Enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university, pursuing a degree relevant to the program.
• Program Agreement: Complete and maintain a Pathways Program Participant Agreement.
• Academic Standards: Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Experience

Applicants should meet education requirements based on their desired grade level:

• GS-2 Grade Level: Completion of high school or GED diploma.
• GS-3 Grade Level: Completion of 1 academic year of post-high school study.
• GS-4 Grade Level: Completion of 2 academic years of post-high school study or an associate’s degree.

Skills

• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Capacity for independent learning and self-motivation.
• Interest in public service and Native American affairs.

Salary

New hires earn the beginning salary for their pay grade (Step 1). Salary is based on the GS level and varies depending on location. More details on the pay scale are available on the BIA website.

Job Benefits

The Pathways Internship Program offers the following benefits:

• Paid internship with the opportunity to gain practical experience in public service.
• Mentorship and support from experienced professionals.
• Potential for non-competitive conversion to a term or career position within the BIA or Tribal Nations upon meeting all program requirements.
• Access to telework options, subject to supervisor approval.

How to Apply

To apply for the Pathways Internship Program:

1. Create or log into your USAJOBS account at USAJOBS.
2. Select your resume and other supporting documents.
3. Complete the required online assessment questionnaire.
4. Submit all documents, including transcripts, proof of enrollment, BIA Form 4432 for Indian Preference (if applicable), and veteran’s documentation (if applicable).
5. Check the status of your application on the USAJOBS website.