Benefits
In addition to a salary, Career Interns earn annual leave and sick leave, are paid for Federal holidays, and are automatically covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Career Interns may elect life insurance, health insurance and thrift savings plan options. Career Interns also enjoy the benefits of eligibility for promotion, flexible work hours, Family Leave, and Family Friendly Programs. OPM has more information about salary and benefits.

Performance, Promotion and Permanent Hire
After a positive evaluation at the end of two years, the candidate will be eligible to become a permanent employee.

If, at any time, during the two-year internship, the candidate’s performance is deemed unsatisfactory, their employment may be terminated. Career Interns will not be required to serve a probationary (trial) period following their conversion to the competitive service; the two years spent as a Career Intern will serve as the probationary period.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or familial status.(Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the FAS Civil Rights Staff at (202)720-7233 (voice) or (202)720-1786 (TDD).