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Student Trainee (Veterinary) Scholarship

Summary

The Adel A. Malak Scholarship provides students with scholarship funding for tuition, books, tutors and laboratory fees awarded for each year in the program (up to four years), paid employment during summer/school breaks, conversion to a permanent appointment, mentorship, professional development, participation in retirement savings plans, and paid vacation and sick leave.

For more information on the FSIS Adel A. Malak Scholarship email Adel.A.MalakScholarship@usda.gov

Clarification from the agency

Students must be currently enrolled full-time in or have been accepted into a U.S. accredited and U.S. AVMA accredited college or university Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program or equivalent full-time with at least 2 academic years of study in Veterinary Medicine remaining. To see a list of AVMA accredited colleges/universities, visit: https://www.avma.org/education/accredited-veterinary-colleges. College or university must be a registered entity in the System for Award Management.

Duties

These positions are Excepted Service appointments in the FSIS Office of Field Operations (OFO), which is the frontline in inspecting meat, poultry, and processed egg products.
Employees coordinate inspection/enforcement activities in more than 6,000 federally inspected establishments nationwide, as well as at import establishments, ensuring that the products that FSIS regulates are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled.
This office also is responsible for ensuring that the regulated product that is imported into the United States meets our standards, and that the regulated product that is exported to other nations meets the standards that they have set forth.
As a Student Trainee (Veterinary) you will:
Assist in the examination of livestock and poultry for the purpose of detecting diseases or abnormalities which would render the meat unfit for human food purposes.
Work with line inspectors to perform visual, tactile and incisory inspections of heads, viscera, carcasses, and edible offal.
Assist in making dispositions on abnormal animals/carcasses/birds retained for veterinary examination. These dispositions will include infectious diseases, neoplasms, trauma, contamination, poisonings, residues, metabolic disorders, etc.
Assist a program veterinarian in performing activities to verify that animals are handled and treated humanely.
Observe conditions in the plant to ensure the plant is following its Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs).
Observe conditions in the plant to ensure that sanitary conditions meet prescribed requirements.
Performs other duties as assigned.
This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

All requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. This includes responses to all eligibility assessment and occupational questionnaires, along with submission of your resume and all supporting documentation.
Must meet Pathways Program requirements. Follow link to the Pathways Handbook (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/students-recent-graduates/reference-materials/pathways-programs-handbook.pdf).
A signed participant agreement is required for employment under Pathways. Form will be provided upon selection before entry-on-duty date is set.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Selectee must be able to obtain a successful completion of pre-employment medical examination.
Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. If selected you may be subject to a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and a credit report inquiry.
College or university must be a U.S. AVMA accredited and a registered Entity in the System for Award Management.
Currently enrolled full-time or have been accepted into a U.S. accredited and U.S. AVMA accredited college or university Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program or equivalent full-time.
Must provide transcripts that support the qualifications. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application package. Official transcripts will be required if selected.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be in and remain in good academic standing as defined by the educational institution throughout the program.
Selectee must have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.

Qualifications

To qualify for the USDA Pathways Internship Program and the FSIS Adel A . Malak Scholarship, you MUST meet the Selective Placement Factor (SPF) and Qualification Requirements stated below.

To qualify at the GS-7 grade level: Successful completion of 1 full academic year of graduate level education (an academic year of graduate education is the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 academic year of full-time study) towards earning a DVM or equivalent at a college or university of Veterinary Medicine OR Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) after completing a bachelor's degree. S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.

1. Class standing. Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.

2. Grade-point average (G.P.A.). Applicants must have a grade-point average of:

3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or
3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required course completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.

Note: Grade-point averages will be rounded to one decimal place.

3. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society. Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies listed below. These honor societies are listed by the Association of College Honor Societies . Agencies considering eligibility based on any society not included in the following list must ensure that the honor society meets the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies. Membership in a freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this provision.

To qualify for the GS-7, you must submit required transcript(s) that show AT LEAST one of the conditions below:

One academic year of graduate education
Bachelor's degree showing S.A.A.

To qualify at the GS-9 grade level: Successful completion of 2 academic years of graduated level education, or a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree.

To qualify for the GS-9, you must submit required transcript(s) that show AT LEAST one of the conditions below:

2 academic years of graduate education
Master's degree
Equivalent Master's degree

The following Selective Placement Factor (SPF) requirement is being used to determine whether an applicant fully qualifies for this position. Therefore, it is MANDATORY that all applicants meet this requirement in order to receive further consideration for this position and scholarship. Applicants are required to submit transcripts as outlined below in education section of announcement and/or proof of enrollment. If current enrollment is not identified on the transcripts and/or proof of enrollment to support the selective placement factor, you will be determined as not eligible.

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: Applicants who fail to meet the Selective Placement Factor may lose further consideration. Students must be currently enrolled full-time or have been accepted into a U.S. accredited and U.S. AVMA accredited college or university Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program or equivalent full-time for Fall 2025. To see a list of AVMA accredited colleges/universities, visit: Accredited Colleges. All colleges or universities must be a registered entity in the System for Award Management.

Note: Selected students must have at least two academic years of Veterinary Medicine remaining and must be enrolled full-time.

Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.

Additional documents required in your application package:

One letter of recommendation from college officials; such as professors, deans, or counselors. You may substitute a supervisor's recommendation if the work experiences under that supervisor are related to your college major. Recommender may not be related to you.
An original essay by you, not to exceed 500 words, addressing this topic: "Why I should receive the Adel A. Malak Scholarship and What Contributions I would make to FSIS, Office of Field Operations".
Please ensure that your resume, essay, and recommendation letter highlights accomplishments that demonstrate possession of the required competencies.
- If referred to the hiring manager, you may be contacted for an opportunity to interview.

Education

COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS: You MUST submit a copy of your most recent college transcripts which show the following:

Your Field of Study
School Name
Student's Name
Current GPA or Academic Standing
Past and Current Course Work
Degree Program
Major/Concentration.

An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if selected, an official college transcript will be required prior to entering on duty. For students newly accepted to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program or equivalent for Fall 2025 you must also submit proof of your acceptance or enrollment along with your previous unofficial transcripts as part of your complete application package.

This Internship/Scholarship confers eligibility for a noncompetitive conversion to a permanent or term position in the competitiveservice contingent upon meeting all applicable Internship Program requirements and the needs of the agency. You will be consideredfor conversion to a permanent or term position upon the successful completion of your Internship and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program or equivalent. However, please note that eligibility for conversion does not guarantee the agency will opt for conversion.

PROGRAM COMPLETION: This is an indefinite appointment. Upon successful completion of the program and at the agency's discretion, the appointee may be non-competitively converted to a term or career or career-conditional appointment. This position has a full performance level of GS-12 and may have supervisory duties assigned. Service in the Pathways Program confers no right to further employment in either the competitive or excepted service. An agency wishing to convert a student must therefore execute the required action to do so within 180 days of successful completion of the degree and program requirements.

CONVERSION FROM STUDENT TRAINEE: Prior to conversion to a term or career or career conditional appointment, Student Trainees must satisfactorily complete all training, program, and educational requirements.

Be a U.S. citizen.
Successfully complete academic course of study.
Complete a minimum of 640 hours of work experience under the Internship Program.
Complete 40 hours of mandatory AgLearn Training.
Meet the OPM Qualification Standard for the position the Intern may be converted to.
- Veterinary Medical Science Series 0701
Maintain acceptable performance under the agency's approved performance management system.
Receive favorable recommendation for conversion from supervisor.

Additional Incentive upon conversion:

Accelerated Promotions: In-plant veterinarians hired at the GS-11 level may be non-competitively promoted to the GS-12 level in as little as 6 months. An accelerated promotion is not guaranteed. Supervisory approval and the proper certifications are required.

For more information regarding FSIS incentives, click here.

What Does the FSIS Adel A. Malak Internship Program Offer?

$15,000 scholarship funding for tuition, books, tutors and laboratory fees awarded for each year in the program, up to four years.
Paid employment during summer and school breaks as a Veterinary Student Trainee while you complete your DVM or equivalent. The work schedule during the academic year is negotiable. The Adel A. Malak Scholarship provides the opportunity to work a minimum of 640 hours to meet Pathways Programs requirements for conversion.
Conversion without further competition to a permanent appointment with promotion potential to the GS-12 level with FSIS' OFO upon successful completion of the program with a DVM degree or equivalent, training, and other work requirement(s). Note, upon conversion, the employee may be assigned supervisory responsibilities. Location discussed prior to conversion.
Comprehensive mentorship and professional development program.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan (401K plan) and paid vacation and sick leave while in pay status.

Additional information

What to expect if selected for the USDA Pathways Internship Program and the FSIS Adel A . Malak Scholarship:

A Pathways Participant Agreement and Food Safety Inspection Service Memorandum of Understanding will be required if you are selected for a position. These agreements must be signed by all applicable parties prior to entrance on duty.
Scholarship recipients will be required to sign a Service Agreement acknowledging they will work in the FSIS, Office of Field Operations (OFO), one year, for every academic year they accept scholarship funding, not to exceed 4 years after they have been converted to a career or career conditional appointment as a Supervisory Veterinary Medical Officer (SVMO)/Supervisory Public Health Veterinarian (SPHV). This agreement must be signed by the scholarship recipient prior to entrance on duty.
Your schedule during the academic year is negotiable. During school breaks and summers, travel to/from the official duty station and housing expenses, will be at the student's expense.
- If selected, you will be expected to report for duty following the completion of your Spring 2025 term.
Travel occurs on an occasional basis and visits to remote locations or isolated rural areas may be required where you may be subject to regular and recurring risks associated with working around animals.
Student intern relocation expenses will not be paid.
Work may require use of protective equipment.
"Location Negotiable After Selection" is defined as requesting your duty station from a list of available duty stations at the time of your appointment. Your final Pathways duty station will be determined by the agency based on your requested location, establishments near your requested location, and available positions. (See below for potential duty stations. Note: this list is not all-inclusive and additional duty stations may be available).
Locality pay will vary based upon the selectee's duty location. A final salary determination will be made upon selection.
Pre-Employment Physical: This position requires a pre-employment physical. Position Requirements.
Functional Requirements and Environmental Factors: Please click on the following link to see information regarding the Functional Requirements and Environmental Factors positions.

Potential duty stations:

Arizona
Tolleson

California
Petaluma
Orland
Fresno
San Luis Obispo
Hanford

Colorado
Greely
Fort Morgan

Connecticut
Stafford Springs

Delaware
Milford
Georgetown

Florida
Tampa

Georgia
Athens

Illinois
Momence
Rantoul
Marengo

Iowa
Marshalltown
Tama
Storm Lake

Kentucky
Louisville

Louisiana
Hammond

Maryland
Hagerstown
Mt. Airy

Minnesota
Austin

Missouri
Maysville

Nebraska
Omaha
Grand Island
Fremont

Nevada
Reno

New Hampshire
Manchester

New Jersey
Green Village

New York
Gasport

North Carolina
Warsaw
Kinston

Pennsylvania
Mifflintown

Puerto Rico
Arecibo

South Carolina
Gaffney
Sumter

South Dakota
Sioux Falls
Yankton
Aberdeen

Tennessee
Newbern

Texas
Hereford
Amarillo
Bryan

Virginia
Timberville
Bealteon

Wisconsin
Norwalk
Green Bay

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education and training you described in your application package.

We will review your application, including the online Occupational Questionnaire, to ensure you meet the job requirements and assess your ability to perform this job. Before any certificate can be issued to the selecting official, the resume and supporting documents are reviewed by a Human Resources Specialist to ensure that (a) minimum qualification requirements are met and (b) the resume and education supports the answers provided to the job-specific questions. Your answers will be verified against information provided in your online resume, application, and transcripts. Be sure that your resume and transcripts clearly support your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position.

You will also be assessed on the following competencies:

Reasoning
Interpersonal Skills
Oral Communication
Attention to Detail
Problem Solving

Applicants who meet basic eligibility criteria will be referred in an unranked list in the following manner: Preference eligibles FIRST, followed, SECOND, by non-preference eligibles.

Link to Interview Policy: click here.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, your score can/will be lowered to more accurately reflect the submitted documentation. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you.

Clicking the link below will present a preview of the application form; i.e. the online questionnaire. The application form link below will only provide a preview and does not initiate the application process. To initiate the online application process, click the "Apply Online" button to the right.

To view the application form, visit:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12524102

Required Documents

The following documents are required for your application to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in mail service, your system failure or downtime, etc. Encrypted and digitally signed documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.

***Applications will not be considered without this documentation ***

Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties, including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; and title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) supervisor's phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications. If you need assistance in creating a federal resume please click here.
Unofficial Transcript: A copy of your most recent transcripts which show your field of study, school name, student's name, current GPA or academic standing, past and current course work, degree program, and major/concentration. Official transcript(s) will be required, if applicant is selected for a position.
- Proof of enrollment or acceptance of enrollment in the form of letters, records, or statements issued from authorized source (i.e. college or university registrar's office) are encouraged as well.
- Students must be enrolled for the Fall 2025 semester on a full-time basis.
One letter of recommendation from college officials; such as professors, deans, or counselors. You may substitute a supervisor's recommendation if the work experiences under that supervisor are related to your college major. Recommender may not be related to you.
An original essay by you, not to exceed 500 words, addressing this topic: "Why I should receive the Adel A. Malak Scholarship and What Contributions I would make to FSIS, Office of Field Operations".
Veterans if claiming preference: DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty showing dates of service and type of discharge. Disabled veterans must include VA letter & SF-15 if claiming 10 pt. preference. Current active duty members must submit a statement of discharge/certification of release or an official written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions no later than 120 days from the date the certification is signed. Enlisted Record Briefs and military identification do NOT qualify as official documentation. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. For more information regarding Veterans click here.

NOTE: If a document is resubmitted, it replaces the previous submission, which means the previous document is no longer available to the Human Resources Office. If you are adding to, rather than replacing a previous submission, you must upload both the old document and the new document. Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded resumes must be less than 3MB and in one of the following document formats; GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). ONLY online submissions will be accepted, none by fax or e-mail; however, applicants with disabilities can contact the agency with reasonable accommodation requests.

***View the full vacancy announcement on USAJobs for full details on how to apply and next steps.***

Fair & Transparent

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