DOI NAGPRA Training Needs and Learning Resources Assessment

You will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs.

Work Schedule and Flexibilities: Flexible with the expectation that there will be occasional meetings during business hours. Remote (100% work off site) Number of Positions: 1 Term: Spring 2027 (90 day term between mid-January and mid-June) This vacancy will be open until Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at 11:59pm ET. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages.

The Department of the Interior's workforce has responsibilities that may intersect with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), including cultural resource professionals, museum and collections staff, managers, project managers, archaeologists, and other employees involved in compliance, collections, consultation, or related activities. The DOI Cultural Resources Training Program is assessing opportunities to strengthen and coordinate NAGPRA-related learning across the Department.

The student volunteer will conduct a structured assessment of existing NAGPRA training, DOI workforce audiences and training needs, available learning resources, and potential training partners. The project will help establish a clearer understanding of what NAGPRA training currently exists within DOI and externally, who needs different levels of training, where gaps or duplication may exist, and where OED and bureau partners could collaborate.

The student will conduct research, organize information, assist with stakeholder outreach as appropriate, and develop a comprehensive set of findings and recommendations. The student will not make policy determinations or provide legal interpretations of NAGPRA. The project provides an opportunity to gain experience in federal workforce development, cultural resource management, training needs assessment, stakeholder engagement, research, program development, and organizational analysis.

The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program, as authorized under 5 U.S.C §31114 and 5 CFR Part 3085, enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration. These assignments are designed to align with each agency's strategic priorities, offering participants practical experience within Federal operations while supporting the advancement of targeted initiatives.