ATF – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

The Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) allows students the opportunity to gain experience in a wide variety of fields that do not have to be related to their academic field of study. Job opportunities under this component offer temporary employment ranging from summer positions to positions that the student may occupy as long as they are enrolled at least half-time in an accredited institution.

Program Features:

• Flexible schedule of work assignments.
• Students may be employed year round.
• Open to all students enrolled at least half-time in an educational institution that has been accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in pursuit of any of the following educational programs:
• High school or general equivalency diploma (GED)
• Vocational/technical certificate
• Associate degree
• Baccalaureate degree
• Graduate degree
• Professional degree.

Eligibility Requirements

You are eligible under the Student Educational Employment Program if you are:

• At least 16 years old (required by Federal, state or local laws and standards governing the employment of minors);
• Enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student (diploma, certificate, etc.);
• In good academic standing and maintain at least a 2.0 overall scholastic average on a 4.0 scale or equivalent;
• Taking at least half-time academic or vocational and technical course load in an accredited high school; or technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, graduate or professional school that has been accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education;
• A U.S. citizen or a national (resident of American Samoa or Swains Island)Non-citizens may be eligible for employment if:
  • lawfully admitted to the U.S. as a permanent resident
  • otherwise authorized to be employed;
• A male applicant, you must provide proof of Selective Service registration unless you meet the statutory exemption under Selective Service Registration, 5 U.S.C. section 3328.

All employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background investigation.

Student Volunteer Program

The student volunteer program is an unpaid program that allows students the opportunity to explore career options and develop personal and professional skills. Student volunteers are exposed to the Federal work environment and will learn about the mission and responsibilities of ATF. Student volunteers may or may not be assigned duties which relate to their course of study.

Program Features:

• Flexible schedule of work assignments.
• Open to all students enrolled at least half-time in one of the following educational institutions that has been accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education:
• High school,
• Technical or vocational school,
• A 2-year or 4-year college or university, or
• A graduate or professional school.

Eligibility Requirements:

You are eligible under the Student Volunteer Program if you are:

• At least 16 years old (required by Federal, state or local laws and standards governing the employment of minors);
• In good academic standing and maintain at least a 2.0 overall scholastic average on a 4.0 scale or equivalent;
• Taking at least half-time academic or vocational and technical course load in an accredited high school; or technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, graduate or professional school that has been accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education;
• A U.S. citizen or a national (resident of American Samoa or Swains Island). Non-citizens may be eligible for employment if:
  • lawfully admitted to the U.S. as a permanent resident
  • otherwise authorized to be employed
• A male applicant, you must provide proof of Selective Service registration unless you meet the statutory exemption under Selective Service Registration, 5 U.S.C. section 3328.

Student volunteers are not Federal Government employees however, volunteer service is documented.

Please note that program participation is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background investigation and compliance with the terms and conditions of the Student Volunteer Program.