Overview
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
HHS Office and Location: HHS Office and Location: Multiple internship opportunities are available with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Indian Health Service (IHS), located in Bemidji, MN; Duluth, MN; Sioux City, IA; Pierre, SD; Martin, SD; Mobridge, SD; Minot, ND; Sisseton, SD; Flagstaff, AZ; Gallup, NM; Fort Defiance, AZ; Shiprock, NM; Oklahoma City, OK; Reno, NV; Bremerton, WA; Spokane, WA and Portland, OR.
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that is responsible for providing federal health services to American Indian and Alaska Native people. The Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction (DSFC) with IHS administers a nationwide Sanitation Facilities Construction (SFC) program that is responsible for the delivery of environmental engineering services and sanitation facilities to American Indians and Alaska Native people.
Project: Want to have a positive impact on public health while collaborating in culturally and geographically diverse environments? IHS DSFC is offering a summer internship for undergraduate and graduate students studying engineering, engineering technology, environmental health or science, or a related scientific field. The objective of this internship is to collaborate with IHS DSFC engineers on projects that serve American Indian homes with drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste disposal facilities funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)/Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). An interactive dashboard of current IHS DSFC BIL/IIJA projects can be found here: https://dsfc-ihs-gis.hub.arcgis.com/.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to support your academic and professional goals. You will engage in activities that include, but are not limited to:
Collaborating with IHS DSFC engineers in planning, designing, preparing construction and project documents, and overseeing construction of drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste disposal facilities
Collecting and analyzing GIS data on water, wastewater and solid waste disposal facilities
Participating in meetings with tribal leaders, utility personnel, and homeowners
Collaborating with tribes and other federal, state, and local agencies
Learning about the challenges tribal communities face in providing drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste services to American Indian homes
Establishing connections with IHS DSFC staff and enhance your preparedness for a career in public service
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Melissa de Vera (melissa.devera@ihs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the internship please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: May or June 2024. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 10 to 12 weeks, but may be renewed upon recommendation of HHS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.
Participant Stipend: Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and HHS. Participants do not become employees of HHS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).
Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email HHSrpp@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields.
When evaluating applicants for this opportunity, the Indian Health Service will consider claims for Indian Preference made by the applicants. If you would like to be evaluated with consideration for Indian Preference, provide a completed copy of Form BIA-4432. Refer to BIA-4432 link: https://www.bia.gov/sites/default/files/dup/assets/public/raca/online_forms/pdf/1076-0160_INDIAN-PREF_Expires-10.31.24_508.pdf.
