Office of the Secretary of the Interior

Homestead Research and Modernization

Honolulu, Hawaii $0 - $0 WC GS Closes Oct 29, 2026

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Summary

Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs. Preferred qualifications: Training and experience in historical and legal research and analysis Familiarity with the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920 as amended Working proficiency with ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) since many historical land documents will be in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi Public speaking experience to engage with HHCA beneficiaries.

Major Duties

Location: Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 3-122, Honolulu, HI 96850 Work Schedule and Flexibilities: Student hours: 8 - 20 hours per week, part-time. Flexible hours, though must be able to access various public records repositories which are generally open Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 3:30 pm. Hybrid (In office + telework eligible) Number of Positions: 1 Term: Spring 2027 (90 day term between mid-January and mid-June) This vacancy will be open until Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at 11:59pm ET. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages. Duties: Develop and produce an annotated source table, repository guide, concise chronology, research roadmap, and recommendations for a future case study of one land area that Congress originally set aside under section 203 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920 as amended (HHCA). Identify and organize primary historical, land, survey, title, legislative, administrative, and archival records needed to trace the pre-1920 evolution of land administration in Hawaiʻi from the Māhele-era land system - through Crown Lands and Government Lands, and later Republic and Territorial public land administration - to, where relevant, lands designated as "available lands" under HHCA section 203. Research the development of federal homesteading and analogous laws running concurrent with the above evolution of land administration in Hawaiʻi. Engage with HHCA beneficiaries to identify potential areas for modernization of the HHCA to address barriers to opportunities otherwise available off leasehold trust lands, including federal programs and services. Identify questions requiring additional research rather than reaching legal conclusions. The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program, as authorized under 5 U.S.C §31114 and 5 CFR Part 3085, enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration. These assignments are designed to align with each agency's strategic priorities, offering participants practical experience within Federal operations while supporting the advancement of targeted initiatives.

Requirements

Conditions of employment To participate in this Program, you must: Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S National studying in the U.S. or abroad Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution (beyond high school) throughout the 90 day Semester of Service opportunity. Students graduating before May 1, 2027 are not eligible. Selectees will be responsible for contacting a school official to sign a Semester of Service approval form indicating you are currently enrolled at least half-time and in good academic standing. Qualifying educational institutions must be located within the United States. Be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Commit to volunteering 8 - 20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days. Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Department of the Interior and your academic institution. Agree to volunteer. This position is unpaid. No compensation, stipends, or hiring preference will be granted from this work. You may use this volunteer experience to qualify for future jobs you choose to apply for. Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees. Not be a current federal employee. Current federal employees can reach out to the contact below to inquire about job detail opportunities.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package by 10/29/2026 which includes: Your resume (two or fewer pages). Note: Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Your resume MUST include: Your experience including start and end dates. Education information, such as the name of your school and dates of attendance. Any knowledge, skills or abilities you've gained through education that relate to the project. Proof of current enrollment not less than half-time in a college, university, or other accredited educational institution. Transcripts or a certificate of enrollment are preferred.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 10/29/2026 of the announcement to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online assessment which you must complete to apply for the position. Complete the online assessment, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. You can view the assessment here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13086805 To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://usajobshelp.opm.gov/hc/en-us/articles/52879898157843-How-to-see-your-application-and-job-status/. Paper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations should be sent to the vacancy contact listed below.