Federal
Student Cooperative for the Research and Insights Solution Center (RISC) (PAID)
Office of the Inspector General, USPS ยท Other Agencies and Independent Organizations
About This Position
The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General's Research and Insights Solution Center (RISC) is seeking passionate, driven, and creative students enrolled in college/university programs to fill our paid Student Cooperative position located in Arlington, Virginia. Bring your skills and voice to our team!
Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS You must meet ALL of the minimum requirements. Students must be currently enrolled full or half-time in an accredited college or university program, classified or academically ranked by semester hours as a Sophomore, Junior, Senior or Graduate student, graduating after May 2026. (MUST SUBMIT TRANSCRIPT STATING CURRENT ENROLLMENT STATUS, GPA AND IN GOOD STANDING) AND Must be in academic good standing as defined by the college or university, earning at least a 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 GPA scale AND Must be able to report to work year-round in the USPS OIG Arlington, VA, office a minimum of 10 hours per week (Monday-Friday) during core business hours. AND Must possess the following: Technology Driven - Stay on the edge of what's new and exciting in analytics platforms and data driven solutions. Creativity - Bring your unique perspective to projects and other activities. Initiative - Develop your entrepreneurial spirit and get excited about developing new solutions or reinventing current ones. Self-Driven - Work well independently or as part of a team. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Interest in the application of geographical information systems, data science, data analytics, data engineering, or customer/user experience Experience using Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint Knowledge of creating visualizations or analytical models using ArcGIS, Power BI or other business intelligence software, whether in work, school, or another environment Experience using Microsoft Power Platform applications like Power Apps Knowledge of analytic techniques including trends, predictions, and performance analysis sufficient to work independently using conventional procedures and practices Knowledge in building and maintaining data pipelines in cloud-based tools such as Azure Databricks, Azure Data Lake, or similar platforms Demonstrated experience in researching, tracking, and analyzing data using database applications, whether in work, school, or another environment Knowledge of developing and maintaining web services and interfaces EVALUATION FACTORS Failure to demonstrate that you meet all of the evaluation factor requirements as listed below will result in a score of zero (0); an ineligible status, and you will not be referred for further consideration. Include your major accomplishments relevant to the evaluation factors in your resume. Possess skills or training in data-centric languages or web technologies (e.g., SQL, Python, R, HTML/CSS, JavaScript). Familiarity with cloud platforms (Azure), geospatial applications (ArcGIS Online), and general IT infrastructure. Demonstrated interest in the fields of data science, business intelligence, or user experience (UX). Effective verbal and written communication skills for presenting findings and collaborating with teams.
Major Duties
This is not a summer job. The position is potentially ongoing, evaluated quarterly, until graduation from an academic institution. As a student co-op, you'll be part of a high-performing team that's embracing the latest in computing technologies to unlock opportunities that help everyday people. Your main goal will be to solve complex data problems that enable meaningful insights. You will develop your analytics experience by working side-by-side with industry leaders, receiving hands-on learning, and applying your skills to leverage new technology to help drive business strategies and achieve data-driven results. You'll make valuable contributions from day one by continuously learning, engaging in diverse sets of experiences, and building close-knit relationships across the organization. RISC offers the opportunity for development in many areas including research, analytics, engineering, business intelligence, customer experience, communication, and critical thinking to support investigators, auditors, and operational groups. The Student Cooperative Program is available for continuous employment throughout the year, while enrolled in school. Candidates will be evaluated on the skills that they possess that are directly related to the duties of the position and the experience, education and training that indicate the applicant's ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position. Only those candidates who meet all qualification and eligibility requirements and who submit the required information by 11:59 PM EST on 03/02/2026 will be considered. The USPS OIG uses a Pay Banding system, which is equivalent to the Federal GS scale. Grade and salary determinations will be made based upon a candidate's education and professional experience. This position is being advertised at the Administrative Band level. The base salary range for this position is $16.73 - $20.15/hour. Locality Pay is authorized. Sophomore $22.41 per hour includes locality pay Junior/Senior $23.81 per hour includes locality pay Graduate or Law Student $26.99 per hour includes locality pay Student Cooperatives are not eligible for USPS OIG Employee Benefits. Please note that the duties and responsibilities associated with this position may vary based upon the area of assignment. The following description of major duties and responsibilities is only intended to give applicants a general overview of the expectations. The student cooperative performs specialized duties with continuing responsibility for projects, questions, or issues that arise in the area of assignment/curriculum. Each assignment typically consists of a series of related actions or decisions prior to final completion. Working in cloud-based tools and platforms to explore structured and unstructured data using SQL and Python Integrating data from a variety of sources to discover and implement actionable insights Designing new or optimizing existing analytical workflows to automate report generation and enable self-service Summarizing and presenting results of analysis using business intelligence tools Contributing to the design and development of web applications Designing and developing data analysis methodologies and products to improve business operations Communicating with peers, stakeholders, and management, orally and in writing, the progress of development efforts as well as product functionality and results Cultivating relationships and fostering networking opportunities across various levels of the organization RISC supports the agency with a wide range of investigative and audit analysis covering areas such as mail operations, logistics, retail, narcotics, mail theft, healthcare, financial, and contracting program areas. This opportunity is ideal for those looking to gain experience at a federal level, while continuing their studies and gaining practical knowledge and skills. You will be assigned a mentor who will help guide you throughout your work. If you are a student who is self-motivated, detail-oriented, a fast learner, and passionate about learning new technical, business, and people skills, then this job is right for you. Students can expect a work-school balance with the possibility of working 10-30 hours per week while in school and up to 40 hours per week when school is not in session.
Education
Education must be accredited by an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation here: https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/college-accreditation. Special Instructions for Candidates with Foreign Education: Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in U.S. education programs. You must submit all necessary documents to a private U.S. credential evaluation service to interpret equivalency of your education against courses given in U.S. accredited colleges and universities. For further information visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications
How You Will Be Evaluated
The Human Resources Office will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications required for this position. You will no longer be considered for this position if you: Receive a zero (0) rating on any evaluation factor Fail to attach all required documentation Submit a resume that exceeds the two-page limit If your application materials indicate that you are not minimally-qualified for this position If you fail to qualify on the interview Only the top-rated candidates will be referred to a review official or the selecting official for further consideration. Top-rated applicants may be required to participate in an interview. Your rating may be further adjusted or rated as ineligible by the review official or the selecting official based on your interview performance. Once all applicant scores are finalized, the selecting official will make a final decision. NOTE: If you receive a zero (0) rating on any evaluation factor or on the interview, you will be considered NOT MINIMALLY QUALIFIED for the position and rated ineligible. Applicants for this position may be interviewed one or more times as part of the hiring process. During interviews, applicants may not use any AI tool or virtual assistant (such as ChatGPT) to help them answer questions, except for accessibility tools used as part of a reasonable accommodation. Applicants who fail to follow these rules will be disqualified from the hiring process.
Additional Information
Student Cooperatives are not eligible for USPS OIG Employee Benefits. This agency provides Reasonable Accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodations for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please send an email to [email protected]. The decision on granting an accommodation request will be made on a case by case basis.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. IMPORTANT UPDATE: Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages. You will no longer be considered for this announcement if your resume exceeds the two-page limit. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date, 03/02/2026, to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account. You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application. You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. You are strongly urged to read and print the entire vacancy announcement.
Required Documents
You must submit all required documents by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date of this announcement, Vacancy Announcement EX-26-25A-12889926-PC, by closing date 03/02/2026. 1. RESUME - IMPORTANT UPDATE: Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages. You will no longer be considered for this announcement if your resume exceeds the two-page limit. It is essential that your resume and supporting documentation provide sufficient information to substantiate your qualifications for the announced position (categorize as "Resume"). Additional guidance on writing a federal resume can be found at: USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job? Make sure your page margins are 0.5 inches. The recommended font styles are Sans-Serif, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open Sans, Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noto Sans. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started. 2. COMPLETE OCCUPATIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE. Click the "Apply Online" button and follow the prompts to complete the Occupational Questionnaire. (Required: You must click on "Submit My Answers" button at the end of the Questionnaire to complete this process) 3. TRANSCRIPTS from an accredited college or university. The information presented in the transcript must be verifiable and should contain the name of the institution, applicant's name, list of completed courses, semester hours, GPA, date and type of Bachelor's Degree issued. Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. Attach document verifying that it has been deemed equivalent. For further information visit: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. (Required: Upload and save as "Transcript" document.) 4. UPLOAD SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS which may include: Certificates or Licenses, if applicable. Upload and save as "Certificates or Licenses" document. Veterans Preference Documentation. If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit the Member 4 copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and/or other proof of veterans' preference eligibility including your VA letter, form SF-15 (www.opm.gov/forms) and all required documents related to your SF-15 claim. Veterans can request the Member 4 copy of their DD-214 at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records, and can download a copy of their VA letter from https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal. (If applicable to you, you are required to upload each veterans' preference document and categorize as "DD-214" or "SF-15" or "Other Veterans Document") Reasonable Accommodation Documentation. If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found at http://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire . SF-50 if you are or have been a Federal employee to demonstrate tenure and competitive/excepted service for eligibility purposes. (If applicable to you, you are Required to upload each applicable SF-50 and categorize as a "SF-50" document.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Student Cooperative for the Research and Insights Solution Center (RISC) (PAID) position at Office of the Inspector General, USPS?
The salary range for this position is $22 - $27/hr. This is a GG-00 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Student Cooperative for the Research and Insights Solution Center (RISC) (PAID) job located?
This position is located in Arlington, Virginia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS You must meet ALL of the minimum requirements. Students must be currently enrolled full or half-time in an accredited college or university program, classified or academically ranked by semester hours as a Sophomore, Junior, Senior or Graduate student, graduating after May 2026. (MUST SUBMIT TRANSCRIPT STATING CURRENT ENROLL...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Mar 2, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does GG-00 mean?
GG-00 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.