USGS Home
Contact USGS
Search USGS

Internship Home  •  About Internship  •  Checklist Form
National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT)/U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 2012 Cooperative Summer Field Training Program

Application Information

Established in 1965, the NAGT/USGS Cooperative Summer Field Training Program is now one of the longest continuing science internship programs in the country. Over 2,200 students have participated in this program from its inception, with many participants proceeding on to distinguished careers with the USGS, with academia, and with industry.

Consistent with the earth systems approach used in modern research, by integrating diverse scientific expertise, the USGS is able to better understand complex natural science phenomena and provide scientific products that lead to useful solutions. USGS research strives to achieve interdisciplinary understanding of the interrelationships among earth surface processes, ecological systems, and human activities. Consequently, USGS is especially interested in candidates who have a broad background in the earth sciences and also an interest in working in other areas of natural science. For more information and examples of projects from the past year, see About Internship.

In order to participate in this internship program, you must first be nominated by your field camp director. To view a printable list of field camps by state, click here (products in pdf format require Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Complete applications must be RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 30, 2011. No late applications or parts thereof will be accepted after the deadline. You will receive an email confirmation when your complete application has arrived.

A complete application will consist of:

1. Résumé. Be certain that your résumé includes:
   
   
   • Current and permanent mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses. Please specify the date when your current information will no longer be valid.
   • Dates of your availability for the internship
   • Veteran status (government requirement)
     
     
2. Cover Letter. The cover letter should contain a statement about your professional goals and interests and how this internship might contribute to your career objectives. It may also include pertinent biographical data that does not appear on the résumé.

   The résumé and cover letter application packet should be emailed together to nagtusgsinternship@usgs.gov.

3. Official Transcripts. Request an official transcript from each college/university you have attended and include a list of courses in progress. Official transcripts should be sent directly to:

   Dr. Robert W. Ridky
   U.S. Geological Survey
   12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 912
   Reston, VA 20192

   PLEASE NOTE: All application materials must ARRIVE at USGS on or before the December 30 deadline, so request transcripts early to avoid expensive overnight delivery fees.

If you have questions about the application process, please send an e-mail to: nagtusgsinternship@usgs.gov.