U.S. Department of Energy, Carlsbad Field Office - 1

About DOE WIPP

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) at the Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) is looking for hardworking undergraduate students interested in addressing the nation's challenges in energy, environmental and nuclear sciences and security. The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) was constructed for disposal of defense-generated transuranic (TRU) waste from DOE sites around the country. TRU waste consists of clothing, tools, rags, residues, debris, soil and other items contaminated with small amounts of plutonium and other man-made radioactive elements. The waste is permanently disposed of in rooms mined in an underground salt bed layer over 2000 feet from the surface. WIPP has been d disposing of legacy TRU waste since 1999, cleaning up 22 generator sites nationwide and has safely disposed of more than 185,000 waste containers. It now needs a new generation of young professionals whose dedication and creativity will make the U.S. Government stronger, more productive and more efficient. Learn more about DOE WIPP at: www.wipp.energy.gov

Position Summary

Join the DOE Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), the nation’s only deep geologic repository for defense-related transuranic (TRU) waste. Gain hands-on experience in project management, cost analysis, and facility modernization while contributing to WIPP’s mission of safe and efficient TRU waste disposal. This is an excellent introduction to the Department of Energy and U.S. Government service.

The internship will focus on reconciling data across systems and seeks a creative problem solver to assist in enhancing operational efficiency, minimizing project cost and ensuring regulatory compliance. The intern will contribute a comprehensive review of the current Accounting and COBRA Systems and will gain an understanding of their functionalities, data sources and integration. The intern will also be part of a team that will analyze project data to identify inaccuracies, consider budget variances, resource allocations and project timelines.

The intern will collaborate with teams in project management, finance and accounting to understand the challenges associated with reconciling the data sets. The intern will work to propose a reconciliation process to test effectiveness of resolving cost discrepancies and will provide documentation of the step by step procedures used, and present project findings to colleagues at the end of the internship.

Mentors will provide intern with instruction on conducting a comprehensive report, detailing findings from current system discrepancies, documenting step by step procedures, and developing a reconciliation solution.

This paid internship is a full-time, in-person learning experience that takes place in Carlsbad, NM and will be overseen by the DOE project manager leading the assigned work.  NextGen necessity grants can be used to subsidize student travel, housing and meals during the internship period.

U.S. Citizenship Required.

Education

Students must complete sophomore standing or above by May 2024 and be actively working towards a bachelor’s degree in Math, Accounting/Finance, Data Management, Engineering or related STEM field.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Analyze discrepancies between Accounting Cost and COBRA Cost.
Conduct data analysis on budget variances and resource allocations.
Collaborate with project management and finance teams to propose solutions.
Prepare detailed reports and present findings.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Interest in accounting skills and practices.
Ability to collaborate with diverse teams.
Excellent communication and reporting abilities.
Ability to complete basic tasks with accuracy, efficiency and thoroughness.

Competencies

Teamwork: Work effectively across disciplines.
Critical Thinking: Analyze and solve complex problems.
Attention to Detail: Maintain precision in documentation.
Adaptability: Handle diverse tasks efficiently.

Contact Us

Have a question? Contact us at info@nextgenfellows.org

Required Application Materials

NextGen Summer Internship Application Form (see below)

Please attach the following to your application:

Nomination letters from two college/university professors in a STEM field that attest to the applicant's academic potential and motivation. Letters must be written on college/university letterhead and be signed by the reference. Professors who wish to submit the letter directly to NextGen can email it to info@nextgenfellows.org
A brief written statement or project description that communicates passion and motivation for one of the STEM fields and aspirations for future work in that field.
Unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities attended or copies of the student academic records printed by the applicant from internal educational systems . Current transcript/academic record must show student name, name of the academic institution, completed and in progress coursework and grade, full-time enrollment in a STEM major and good academic standing. Please black out all Social Security Numbers, Student ID Numbers and date of birth on all documents prior to attaching.
One color photo taken in the last 6 months. It must show a clear image of the applicant's face. Do not use filters commonly used on social media.
Resume (PDF)

If your application is chosen by NextGen for consideration by the DOE you must also work with NextGen to:

Complete the DOE application online by March 1, 2025 at: Zintellect - U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) - 2025 DOE Scholars Program - DOE-Scholars-2025-Gen.
Have your Professors complete an online recommendations in the DOE's Zintellect system.

Need help compiling your application? Your Career Services office would love to assist!