The Saul T. Wilson, Jr., Internship Program

Are you a student in veterinary medicine or biomedical sciences? 

We have paid internships—with tuition assistance—available at the 

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health 

Inspection Service (APHIS). Our interns work alongside APHIS 

veterinarians and other experts at the forefront of animal health 

to protect American agriculture.

Who Is Saul T. Wilson, Jr.?

Dr. Wilson dedicated his 

professional career to public 

veterinary medicine, first within 

APHIS and then at Tuskegee 

University after he retired in 1989. 

During his Federal career, he 

made outstanding contributions 

to the health of the Nation’s 

livestock and poultry industries. 

He also played an essential 

role in eradicating foot-andmouth disease from Mexico in 

the 1950s, helping protect our 

country against reinfection from 

this devastating animal disease. 

He made a long-lasting impact 

on APHIS and the field of public 

veterinary medicine.

Internship Experiences

As a Saul T. Wilson, Jr., intern, 

you will experience the realworld situations facing Federal 

regulatory veterinarians every 

day. This includes work in the 

field, animal health laboratories, 

and office settings. For example, 

you may assist with veterinary 

technician duties, conduct 

routine tests at one of our labs, 

help our disease programs 

collect data, and much more. We 

provide a wide range of learning 

opportunities so our interns are 

prepared for life in the public 

veterinary field.

An Exciting Career Pathway

The USDA Pathways Program 

offers different “pathway” 

opportunities for students and 

recent graduates to work in 

agriculture and many other fields. 

One of these pathways is the 

USDA Internship Program. APHIS 

Veterinary Services participates 

in this program, offering the 

Saul T. Wilson, Jr., Internship to 

recruit talented veterinarians. This 

internship is expected to last more 

than 1 year, and the intern may be 

converted to a permanent position 

with APHIS after completing the 

Pathways Program and meeting all 

other requirements.

www.aphis.usda.gov/careers

Find Your 

Future 

With Us
Ready to join our team?

Benefits

• Up to $7,500 per year for 

undergraduate studies and up 

to $15,000 for graduate studies 

for tuition, books, tutors, and 

laboratory fees

• Paid employment during summer 

and school breaks as a Veterinary 

Student Trainee 

• Participation in the Federal 

Employees Retirement System 

and Thrift Savings Plan (401K)

• Paid vacation and sick leave

• Based on the length of the work 

periods, compensation may also 

include health insurance benefits. 

• Possibility of conversion, without 

further competition, to a permanent 

appointment with APHIS upon 

completing a D.V.M degree and 

meeting all other Pathways 

Program requirements

After completing all program requirements, 

you must become a full-time APHIS 

employee for at least 1 calendar year 

for each school year the internship 

covered. If you do not accept an APHIS 

employment offer, you must reimburse 

all financial assistance received under 

the program. If you fail to serve the 

entire length of the mandatory APHIS 

employment period, you must reimburse 

the agency a prorated share of the 

funds awarded. 

Eligibility

Upon entrance on duty, you must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen;

2. Be enrolled as a half-time or fulltime student and/or accepted for 

enrollment in an accredited 

veterinary college or university 

within the United States;*

3. Be in good academic standing; and 

4. Agree to work for the agency during 

school breaks for a minimum of 640 

hours prior to completion of studies. 

Positions are available in many 

locations. USDA will try to match 

students with desired location. 

How To Apply

Interested students must apply online 

via www.usajobs.gov. Locate the 

announcement using the key words “Saul 

T. Wilson” in the search engine under the 

“Student and Recent Graduates” tab. You 

must have a USAJOBS account to apply. 

The announcement opens in the spring 

each year for about 2 weeks.

Required Documents

The online application system will 

prompt you to answer self-assessment 

questions and to submit the following: 

1. Résumé

2. Transcripts for all completed 

college work to date

3. One letter of recommendation 

from college officials (such 

as professors, deans, or 

counselors) and/or 

work supervisors

4. An original essay of no more 

than 1.5 pages on the topic 

“Why I should receive a Saul 

T. Wilson, Jr., Internship 

and what contributions I 

hope to make to APHIS 

Veterinary Services” 

5. Proof of current enrollment 

on a half-time or full-time 

basis and/or, if applicable, 

a letter of acceptance to 

veterinary school

6. A copy of your DD-214, if you 

are claiming Veterans’ Preference 

For More Information

Email us at vs.recruitment.pathways@

usda.gov. To learn more about APHIS 

and all of our career opportunities, go to 

www.aphis.usda.gov/careers.

* Undergraduate applicants must have completed 

 at least 2 years (60 semester hours or 90 quarter 

 hours) of a 4-year pre-veterinary medicine or 

 other biomedical science curriculum. Upon

 graduation, undergraduates are expected to 

 proceed on to pursue a degree in veterinary 

 medicine (D.V.M. program). Graduate students 

 must show proof of acceptance to an accredited 

 veterinary school.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

APHIS 91-15-002 | Revised November 2021