Frequently Asked Questions About the Co-Op Education Program
We hire college and university students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in science, engineering, and other fields related to the NRC Mission. Student participants alternate between academic study and work experience or engage in both simultaneously to integrate their learning with hands-on professional experience.
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What is the Co-Op Education Program
The Student Co-op (Cooperative Education) Program is an educational model that combines academic study with hands-on work experience. Students in a Co-op program alternate between periods of classroom learning at their current college/university and obtaining practical work experience at the USNRC in their educational field of study. This program allows students to gain real-world experience, develop professional skills, and build a network of industry contacts, all while earning academic credit. The NRC’s Co-op program leads to full-time, permanent job opportunities upon graduation.
What is the work schedule for this position?
Your work schedule will be determined based on the needs of the office you support. NRC headquarters official work hours are Monday through Friday. 7:30 a.m.- 4:15 p.m. Times may vary for a position in our regional locations.
Where is the duty location?
Co-op opportunities are available at NRC Headquarters in Rockville, MD, and in regional offices located in King of Prussia, PA, Atlanta, GA, Naperville, IL, and Arlington, TX.
How is the salary and grade determined?
The grade level, step, and salary offered to Co-Op students are determined based on the degree the student is pursuing (Bachelor’s or Master’s), the number of credit hours completed, and the grade point average.
What are the duties of the position?
Students are placed in positions based on their academic field of study or career goals. The duties of the position will vary depending on the office assignment and the specific role the student is assigned. While the typical position assignments are listed below, they are not limited to these roles:
- ADMINISTRATIVE – Accounting, Auditing, Business Administration, Communications, Criminal Justice, English, Finance, Human Resources Management, International Relations, Law Enforcement, Security
- ENGINEERING – Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Environmental, Fire Protection, Geotechnical, Industrial (Human Factors), Materials, Mechanical, Metallurgical, Nuclear, Structural
- PHYSICAL SCIENCE – Chemistry, Environmental, Fire Safety Technology, Geology, Geophysics, Health Physics, Health Physics, Hydrology, Materials, Metallurgy, Nuclear Chemistry, Nuclear Physics, Physics, Radiochemistry, Radiological Science
- INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – Information Technology, Information Management, Computer Engineer, Computer Science
Additional duties for IT Positions
The student will serve as a trainee in the development of software systems using knowledge of techniques, procedures, and processes such as operating system theory, data structures, computer system architecture, software engineering, and computer communications. The student will be trained to research, analyze, plan, implement, integrate, maintain, enhance, and support one or more of the following: business systems; office automation; local and wide area networks and telecommunications products and services, including voice, data, video, and wireless technologies.
OR
The student will serve as a trainee in E-learning research, Web application, and tracking, database reporting, creation, analysis, planning, implementation, integration, maintenance, enhancement, customer support, or project management in one or more of the following areas: agency-wide internal and external Web sites; publishing, reproduction, and distribution, document and records management (storage, retrieval, protection, and preservation of the NRC information in paper and electronic media); information services for internal and external customers (Library, Public Document Room, Freedom of Information Requests, etc.).
Is this a permanent position?
The Co-Op positions are not permanent. However, some participants who meet the program requirements may be offered a full-time, permanent position upon completion.
How do I qualify for this position?
Minimum requirements for this position include the following:
- Attendance at an accredited college or university pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s
- Maintain a grade point average of 2.85 or better based on a 4.0-point grading scale
- Ability to provide transcripts to verify current academic standing
How do I apply for this position?
Candidates who want to apply for the Co-Op education program must apply to the summer hire vacancy announcement. The announcement is usually posted between September and mid-November on the USAJobs.gov website.
What is the basis of the evaluation of my application?
Applications are evaluated on the following criteria:
- Education Level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral)
- Number of Credit hours completed
- Grade Point Average
Your application package must include a recent copy of your transcripts (does not have to be an official copy).
Will the NRC pay for me to relocate?
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
How much travel is required?
Travel is not required for Co-Op positions.
For additional information about the Co-Op Program, see Contact Us About Employment and select "Co-Op Program" from the dropdown list.
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Friday, February 14, 2025