Central California Consortium

Learn more about the California Consortium Employment Program

Frequently asked questions

1. What are the STEP and SCEP programs?
2. How will the CA Consortium assist me in identifying and selecting a student?
3. What are the benefits of having an Intern?
4. What are the qualifications and skills of CA Consortium Candidates?
5. If I hire a student, is funding available?

1. What are the STEP, SCEP programs?

STEP (Student Temporary Experience Program)

• Purpose
• The primary reason for employing students through this hiring authority is to accomplish project work while providing an opportunity for students to explore careers in the Forest Service.
• Eligibility Criteria
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Must be at least 16 years old (able to obtain a work permit).
• Must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment to obtain a diploma, certificate, degree, etc.
• Must be taking at least a half time (typically 6 units) course load at an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2 or 4 year college or university, graduate or professional school.
• Employee Benefits
• Not eligible for retirement benefits, health benefits, and life insurance, but is eligible for health benefits after 1 year of continuous service. Employee must pay 100% of the premium.
• Eligible to accrue sick leave.
• Eligible to accrue annual leave (vacation), if appointment is for more than 90 days.
• Grade Level (view question 8 for more details regarding GS levels).
• Most students begin at the GS-2, 3, or 4 levels. Students with bachelor degrees qualify for a GS-5.
• Conversion to Career-Conditional
• No conversion opportunity.
• Note: May be converted to a Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) position if one is available and the student meets the criteria for the SCEP. Service hours as STEP may count toward service requirements for SCEP.
• Types of Positions
• The majority of the STEP positions are technical and field going. However, students are hired from a wide variety of academic disciplines into a variety of positions.

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SCEP (Student Career Experience Program)

• Purpose
• To provide students a planned and progressive career related employment program which gives students a mix of academic study and on-the job experience.
• Eligibility Criteria
• Must be a U.S. Citizen. Non citizens may qualify in the absence of interested, qualified U.S. citizens if they are permitted by the agency’s appropriations act and are eligible to work under U.S. immigration laws.
• U.S. Citizenship is required for conversion to permanent employment.
• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment to obtain a diploma, certificate, degree, etc.
• Must be taking at least a half time (typically 6 units) course load at an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2 or 4 year college or university, graduate or professional school.
• Must be pursuing an academic field related to the position being filled.
• Must be actually attending a qualifying school vs. taking corresponding courses.
• Must complete at least 640-hours work prior to or concurrently with the completion of course requirements for degree.
• Grade Level (View question 9 for more details regarding GS levels)
• May be appointed up to the GS-9 level, or wage grade equivalent, based on qualifications.
• Persons in doctoral, masters and bachelors programs are eligible for up to GS-11, based on qualifications.
• Conversion to Career-Conditional
• Eligible for noncompetitive conversion to the competitive service within 120 calendar days after completing their academic course.
• Employee Benefits
• PERMANENT CAREER/PROFESSIONAL POSITION: Eligible for retirement, health benefits, and life insurance. Also accrue annual (vacation) and sick leave.
• Types of Positions
• The majority of the SCEP positions are in the natural resources fields. However, students are hired from a wide variety of academic disciplines.

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2.  How will the CA Consortium assist me in identifying and selecting a student?

The CA Consortium is currently gearing up for summer 2012 by identifying potential supervisors and assessing their needs. We are also actively recruiting at colleges and universities throughout California. Student candidates will be identified from the CA Consortium applicant pool according to their employment preferences and the supervisor’s requests. The CA Consortium will take the time to match the skills and experience of the students to the supervisors’ needs by consulting with each student, verifying qualifications, and assisting students with their resumes. Supervisors can request assistance in conducting interviews and reference checks. The screening process is tailored to each supervisor’s preference in selecting a student.

Every student application is entered into a database. Each time the California Consortium receives a request form from a supervisor, the program will conduct a search of students': interests, location preference, major, etc. relevant to the position request. Every student whose application is a match is further evaluated by the supervisor and/or CA Consortium staff through interviews, reference checks, and detail assessments of application before selection is made by supervisor.

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3. What are the benefits of selecting an Intern through the CA Consortium?

Our goal is to provide quality work experiences for both the student and the supervisor. This program will allow students to experience the diversity of careers in the Forest Service and other natural resource agencies. They will take the experience they have at your department back to their schools and serve as goodwill ambassadors for future recruitment efforts in a rewarding government career.

In addition, the CA Consortium will provide many placed students with a leadership training workshop and an orientation in which the students will receive a brief overview in civil rights, sexual harassment, and work ethics to ensure students are prepared to meet their job expectations.

Other benefits of working with student programs (STEP and SCEP) and the CA Consortium:

• Student programs are easier to work with than AVUE and regular Temp hiring because CA Consortium Internship Coordinators will assist throughout the entire process.
• CA Consortium Internship Coordinator can assist in the screening (interview, reference checks, and selection) and hiring process.
• CA Consortium staff members mentor students and provide support enabling students to feel more comfortable in their new work environment and increasing their chances of success.

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4. What are the qualifications and skills of CA Consortium Candidates?

All CA Consortium student candidates are qualified for student employment programs by meeting the minimum requirements. Students must:

• Maintain good academic standing as defined by the school (typically 2.0 GPA or above)
• Be currently attending or enrolled, at least part-time, at an accredited school or university (typically 6 units or more).

Applicants may be high school, community college, university, or graduate students.

Students come from a variety of backgrounds with interests in biology, civil engineering, business, soil science, environmental science, geology, criminology, and recreation to name a few.  CA Consortium staff members actively outreach and recruit students throughout the state of California.

Some of our students have worked for the Forest Service before and are strongly recommended. Other students have education and work experience relevant to positions with the Forest Service. Many students are looking for their first real work experience and an opportunity to learn while working and gaining skills they can use in their future.

The CA Consortium works with various wildland fire programs.  Schools such as Reedley High School, Reedley College, Porterville Adult School and Southwestern College wildland fire programs that provide Basic 32 Wildland Fire training. In addition, students in these programs are administered the pack test prior to completion of the program.

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5. If I hire a student, is funding available?

The CA Consortium may be able to provide funding for a CA Consortium STEP student. Contact the CA Consortium Internship Coordinator in your area for more information.

To request a student, simply fill out the 2012 Intern Request Form

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US Forest Service - Central California Consortium
Last Modified: Friday, 28 October 2011 at 18:11:06 EDT