Job summary

Interested in a career in national security? DCSA is offering a paid internship: the DCSA Student Experience (DSE) '26 Cohort. Open to undergraduate and graduate students with a 3.0+ GPA, students must maintain full-time status through October 2027. The program runs 1 OR 15 June - 21 August 2026, requiring a minimum of 10 weeks of participation. This announcement is selecting a student for the Security Academy.

Major duties

This is a temporary position NTE 1 year from appointment. The DCSA Student Experience is looking for a Education Student Trainee (Training Specialist) to join our team to perform the following duties: - Assist in the administration and facilitation of the DCSA agency-wide Leadership Development Program (LDP), supporting in-person and virtual training for all personnel during training workshops, conferences, events and other associated activities. - Coordinate systems and processes for delivery of the Leadership Development Program including resources, program communication, rosters, coordination with other service providers, and employee support activities. - Assist in approaches in measuring and evaluating effectiveness and efficiency of the Leadership Development Program and associated services as a learning experience. - Assist in soliciting, collecting and integrating evaluative information from multiple sources and present briefs, papers, studies, etc. that support decisions, actions, and strategies. - Speak on behalf of the Department and Agency level leadership development programs, associated policy, and program operations. - Assist other training and development representatives in/with corollary programs or assignments as directed. - Assist in the occasional instruction or facilitation of sponsored or other employee development programs, course, event, or activity.

Qualification

To qualify at the GG-05 level, you must meet the criteria specified below: Completion of 1 full academic year of post-high school study by May 2026 (spring quarter/semester); Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at time of application. A GPA of 3.0 or higher must be maintained throughout the duration of the program; and Maintain a full-time student status (as defined by your university or college) through October 2027. To qualify at the GG-07 level, you must meet the criteria specified below: Completion of 4 academic years of post-high school education leading to a bachelor's or equivalent degree (expected graduation date of May 2026 or earlier); and Enrolled as full-time student in a graduate program for Fall 2026; and Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at time of application. A GPA of 3.0 or higher must be maintained throughout the duration of the program; and Maintain a full-time student status (as defined by your university or college) through October 2027. Students who successfully complete the Summer 2026 Cohort may be considered for participation with the Summer 2027 Cohort, pending educational qualification status. Students graduating prior to October 2027 from their current college/university must intend to continue their education and be enrolled as full-time students through October 2027. Proof of this enrollment and full-time status will be required prior to returning for the Summer 2027 Cohort. Education: All applicants must submit college or university unofficial transcripts as proof of enrollment in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program, current enrollment in a full-time course load and to confirm GPA requirements. See below for further instructions on transcripts. **PLEASE NOTE** - This is not a developmental career ladder opportunity - this position will be filled at the GG-05 or GG-07 depending on applicant qualifications and organizational requirements. Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies: 1. Communication: Written and oral communication techniques sufficient to develop and deliver briefings, project papers, status/staff reports and correspondence to managers to foster understanding and acceptance of findings and recommendations 2. Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations 3. Teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals 4. Problem Solving: Identifies and analyzes problems; uses sound reasoning to arrive at conclusions; finds alternative solutions to complex problems; distinguishes between relevant and irrelevant information to make logical judgments 5. Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail 6. Ability to research, analyze and present information. Relocation expenses or housing benefits are NOT offered for our student positions. This position does not offer remote work. If you are selected, you will have to report to the office throughout your internship and be living within commuting distance of the office during the summer program.

Education

Education Requirement All applicants must submit college or university unofficial transcripts as proof of enrollment in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program, current enrollment in a full-time course load, and to confirm GPA requirement. Official Transcripts and other required Official supporting documentation will be submitted by selected students as soon as available by their institution to continue in program. COLLEGE FRESHMAN will be required to ALSO provide high school transcripts to confirm GPA requirements. 1st YEAR GRADUATE STUDENTS will be required to ALSO provide their transcript from their previous undergraduate program to show they meet the GPA requirement. TRANSFER STUDENTS may also need to provide their transcript from their previous institution if their GPA is not included on the unofficial transcript from their current institution. Superior Academic Achievement does not apply to DCIPS positions. Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position. Foreign Education: For further information, click on the following link: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/

Evaluations

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), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the HR/SME Resume Panel review. A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified'. Application Questionnaire: Applicants must complete a screen out questionnaire as part of the application process. Applicants identified as meeting the basic education requirement and minimum qualifications for the position may move on to the HR/SME Resume Panel review. HR/SME Panel Review: An HR/SME Panel will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the competencies stated below. Only the first 2 pages of your resume will be reviewed. Applicants that are found qualified will move on to the next phase of the hiring process. Competencies: Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Attention to Detail, and ability to research, analyze, and present information. You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation. Top ranked candidates will be referred to the selecting official for further review and consideration. A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified'. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. All eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.