There are many paid opportunities for youth and young adults 15-30 years old and veterans 35 years old and younger to work with the National Park Service. Many of these developmental opportunities and jobs are filled at the park level—so contact the park that interests you—but other opportunities are advertised and recruited nationally by the National Park Service or in partnership with youth and veteran serving organizations. We welcome the interest and engagement of the next generation of stewards who will care for our nation’s natural and cultural resources and preserve our rich legacy.
Are you ready to get started? Opportunities include jobs, internships, and volunteering.
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Young people ages 30 and younger and veterans 35 and younger are invited to discover internship opportunities in national parks. YOU could be the next generation to preserve and protect these great places! Learn more about National Park Service Youth Programs in the list below.
Jobs
Whether you are looking for part-time work during the school year, a summer job, or are beginning a full-time career, check USAJobs for current openings. Additional there are opportunities for teens, young adults and veterans, including students and recent graduates listed below.
Youth Conservation Corps Opportunities
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Who can apply: Ages 15–18
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Schedule: summer 8–10 weeks, non-residential (except at Yellowstone)
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Interest areas: conservation work projects, environmental education programs
- Application period: Apply to the park that interests you or check out your state's YCC program
- Contact: NPS Youth Programs via e-mail
Pathways for Students and Recent Graduates
The Pathways Program offers federal internship and employment opportunities for current students, recent graduates and those with an advanced degree. There are three different paths available:
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Who can apply: Current students seeking degrees or certificates from accredited institutions (i.e., high schools; vocational and technical schools; and associate, bachelor, graduate, or professional schools) and recent graduates
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Interest areas: All
- Stipend: Salary
- Schedule: Year-round or summer
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Application period: Year-round
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Contact: NPS/Office of Human Resources via e-mail
NPS
Internships
Paid Internship Opportunities
Whether you’re in high school or college or have graduated within the past two years, internships are a way to acquire hands-on work experience while helping preserve and protect the nation’s natural and cultural heritage. The National Park Service collaborates with other organizations to create internship opportunities. Many of our national internship programs are listed below. However, we also recommend that you contact a park of interest directly to ensure that you learn all the opportunities available. Note that these are all paid opportunities and may offer a special hiring authority upon successfu completion of the program called the Public Lands Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority, or the Direct Hire Authority for Resource Assistant Internships (DHA-RAI).
21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC) includes Public Lands Corps (PLC), which is a work and education program for young people and veterans. The National Park Service works in collaboration with service corps and other organizations to provide conservation work, and educational and training opportunities. Many of these organizations are members of The Corps Network.
Who can apply: Ages 16–30 and veterans up to age 35 years old and younger
Opportunities available: Internships and crew based work
Schedule: Summer, Year-round
Interest areas: All
Stipend: Varies
Partner: The National Park Service Youth Service Corps Partner Listing is a good place to begin your search for Public Land Corps (PLC) program opportunities. You can search for jobs and internships with other public land management agencies at Jobs at Corps.
Hiring Authorities: The National Park Service partners with national service members to provide special skills training and offer a path into Federal service. Individuals who meet specific requirements may be eligible for noncompetitive appointment to Federal jobs upon successful completion of the program.
Who can apply: Ages 16–30 and veterans up to age 35 years old and younger
Opportunities available: Internships and crew based work
Schedule: Summer, Year-round
Interest areas: All
Stipend: Varies
Partner: The National Park Service Youth Service Corps Partner Listing is a good place to begin your search for Public Land Corps (PLC) program opportunities. You can search for jobs and internships with other public land management agencies at Jobs at Corps.
Hiring Authorities: The National Park Service partners with national service members to provide special skills training and offer a path into Federal service. Individuals who meet specific requirements may be eligible for noncompetitive appointment to Federal jobs upon successful completion of the program.
- Public Lands Corps (PLC): A work and education program that engages the Nation's conservation and service corps on public lands. Read Personnel Bulletin 21-09 for more information.
- Direct Hire Authority for Resource Assistant Internships (DHA-RAI): Rigorous internships in a career field necessary for the effective management of public lands and resources. See Personnel Bulletin 21-08 for more information.
- AmeriCorps: AmeriCorps consists of three programs - Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), State & National, National Civilian Community Corps. Individuals who complete their service may be eligible for noncompetitive eligibility. Visit americorps.gov to learn about these programs and search for opportunities.
Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps Opportunities
Who can apply: Native American youth in high school or older
Schedule: Summer, Year-round
Interest areas: Historic preservation, traditional agriculture, interpretation, conservation, trail construction
Stipend: Varies
Partner: Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps, a program of Conservation Legacy
Contact: NPS Youth Programs at 202-513-7146, or via e-mail
Who can apply: Native American youth in high school or older
Schedule: Summer, Year-round
Interest areas: Historic preservation, traditional agriculture, interpretation, conservation, trail construction
Stipend: Varies
Partner: Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps, a program of Conservation Legacy
Contact: NPS Youth Programs at 202-513-7146, or via e-mail
Build Up Technical Internship
More program information
Who can apply: Undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates (up to 2 years post-graduation).
Schedule: Minimum of 11 weeks full-time during the summer, with a possibility to extend the internship part-time through the school year (for current students) or full-time up to 50 weeks total for recent graduates.
Application period: Spring/Summer Internships: Mid-December – early-February (apply here)
Interest areas: Build Up Technical Internship Program is working to expand and diversify the National Park Service workforce while addressing critical maintenance needs by providing professional experiences in technical fields to students and recent graduates. Interns will work in fields including: engineering, architecture, community planning, realty services, project management, social sciences, geographic information systems, publication services, and more!
Stipend: Competitive payrate of $18/hour or higher; payrates will be included in individual postings. Interns will also receive a professional development stipend. Most positions are remote.
Partners: American Conservation Experience and Stewards Individual Placement Program, a program of Conservation Legacy
Contact: Michele Bratschun, via email
More program information
Who can apply: Undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates (up to 2 years post-graduation).
Schedule: Minimum of 11 weeks full-time during the summer, with a possibility to extend the internship part-time through the school year (for current students) or full-time up to 50 weeks total for recent graduates.
Application period: Spring/Summer Internships: Mid-December – early-February (apply here)
Interest areas: Build Up Technical Internship Program is working to expand and diversify the National Park Service workforce while addressing critical maintenance needs by providing professional experiences in technical fields to students and recent graduates. Interns will work in fields including: engineering, architecture, community planning, realty services, project management, social sciences, geographic information systems, publication services, and more!
Stipend: Competitive payrate of $18/hour or higher; payrates will be included in individual postings. Interns will also receive a professional development stipend. Most positions are remote.
Partners: American Conservation Experience and Stewards Individual Placement Program, a program of Conservation Legacy
Contact: Michele Bratschun, via email
Community Volunteer Ambassadors Program
Who can apply: The CVA program is designed to inspire young adults and veterans (18-30 years old, up to 35 years old for veterans) who are service-focused, from diverse backgrounds, and aspire to future careers in conservation stewardship.
Schedule: February to January and September to August; Full-time, 48 weeks with an optional 36-week term for parks in Alaska
Interest areas: Volunteer efforts and management, service-learning expansion, group service opportunities coordination
Stipend: Varies depending on housing, number of terms
Partner: Stewards Individual Placements, a program of Conservation Legacy
Contact: Volunteers-In-Parks Program, via email
Who can apply: The CVA program is designed to inspire young adults and veterans (18-30 years old, up to 35 years old for veterans) who are service-focused, from diverse backgrounds, and aspire to future careers in conservation stewardship.
Schedule: February to January and September to August; Full-time, 48 weeks with an optional 36-week term for parks in Alaska
Interest areas: Volunteer efforts and management, service-learning expansion, group service opportunities coordination
Stipend: Varies depending on housing, number of terms
Partner: Stewards Individual Placements, a program of Conservation Legacy
Contact: Volunteers-In-Parks Program, via email
Cultural Resources Diversity Internship Program Opportunities
Who can apply: Undergraduate, graduate students, recent graduates, and veterans
Schedule: Summer
Interest areas: Public history, archeology, architecture, curation and museum, planning, archives, and other allied fields in cultural resources
Stipend: $600-$700 per week, plus either park housing or a housing stipend, and a travel stipend
Partner: American Conservation Experience
Contact: NPS/Cultural Resources Office of Interpretation and Education, Paloma Bolasny, Youth Programs Coordinator via e-mail
Fish and Feathers Program Opportunities
Who can apply: High School graduates and undergraduate or graduate students, 18-30 years old (If you are a veteran, you may apply up to age 35) with focus on hiring students under-represented in natural resource fields. Related educational background and interests preferred.
Schedule: 12-week summer internship from mid-May to early August, including a one-week training and orientation.
Application period: January to early February (Apply here)
Interest areas: Interpretation, education, recreation engagement, biology, fisheries & wildlife sciences, ecology, aquaculture, communications/marketing Internship Length: 12-week summer internship
Stipend: $600 per week, plus travel expenses and provided housing for out-of-state students
Partner: Environment for the Americas
Contact: Caitlin Campbell, Interpretation and Engagement Coordinator, via e-mail,
Who can apply: High School graduates and undergraduate or graduate students, 18-30 years old (If you are a veteran, you may apply up to age 35) with focus on hiring students under-represented in natural resource fields. Related educational background and interests preferred.
Schedule: 12-week summer internship from mid-May to early August, including a one-week training and orientation.
Application period: January to early February (Apply here)
Interest areas: Interpretation, education, recreation engagement, biology, fisheries & wildlife sciences, ecology, aquaculture, communications/marketing Internship Length: 12-week summer internship
Stipend: $600 per week, plus travel expenses and provided housing for out-of-state students
Partner: Environment for the Americas
Contact: Caitlin Campbell, Interpretation and Engagement Coordinator, via e-mail,
HABS/Society of Architectural Historians Tompkins Fellowship Opportunities
Who can apply: Graduate students in architectural history or related fields
Schedule: Summer
Interest areas: Research in architectural history, or related field
Stipend: $12,000
Partner: Society of Architectural Historians
Contact: NPS/Historic American Buildings Survey, Catherine Lavoie, Chief, at 202-354-2185, or via e-mail
Who can apply: Graduate students in architectural history or related fields
Schedule: Summer
Interest areas: Research in architectural history, or related field
Stipend: $12,000
Partner: Society of Architectural Historians
Contact: NPS/Historic American Buildings Survey, Catherine Lavoie, Chief, at 202-354-2185, or via e-mail
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Internship Program
Additional NPS program information
Who can apply: Undergraduate and graduate students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Schedule: Summer program with a possibility to extend the internship through the school year. Program includes career workshop in August for program participants.
Application period: Mid-December - early February (apply here)
Interest areas: Historians, communication, business, archeologists, architects, curators, planners, archivists and more
Stipend: May vary from $640-720/week, based on a 40-hour week, plus a commuting stipend if needed. Local or park housing and travel expenses will be provided for out-of-state students.
Partner: SODA LIFE, Inc. (Urban American Outdoors)
Contact: NPS Youth Programs at 202-513-7146 or 202-513-7157, or via e-mail
Additional NPS program information
Who can apply: Undergraduate and graduate students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Schedule: Summer program with a possibility to extend the internship through the school year. Program includes career workshop in August for program participants.
Application period: Mid-December - early February (apply here)
Interest areas: Historians, communication, business, archeologists, architects, curators, planners, archivists and more
Stipend: May vary from $640-720/week, based on a 40-hour week, plus a commuting stipend if needed. Local or park housing and travel expenses will be provided for out-of-state students.
Partner: SODA LIFE, Inc. (Urban American Outdoors)
Contact: NPS Youth Programs at 202-513-7146 or 202-513-7157, or via e-mail
Latino Heritage Internship Program Opportunities
Additional NPS program information
Who can apply: Undergraduate or graduate students with a focus on Latinos attending Hispanic Serving Institutions
Schedule: Summer, 10 or 11 weeks with a possibility to extend the internship through the school year
Application period: Spring/Summer Internships: Mid-December – early-February (apply here)
Interest areas: Natural and cultural resource management, interpretation, public affairs
Stipend: $640-720/week, based on a 40-hour week, plus a commuting stipend if needed. Local or park housing and travel expenses will be provided for out-of-state students.
Partner: Environment for the Americas
Contact: Ernestine White, National Youth Employment Programs Coordinator, at 202-513-7157, or via e-mail
Additional NPS program information
Who can apply: Undergraduate or graduate students with a focus on Latinos attending Hispanic Serving Institutions
Schedule: Summer, 10 or 11 weeks with a possibility to extend the internship through the school year
Application period: Spring/Summer Internships: Mid-December – early-February (apply here)
Interest areas: Natural and cultural resource management, interpretation, public affairs
Stipend: $640-720/week, based on a 40-hour week, plus a commuting stipend if needed. Local or park housing and travel expenses will be provided for out-of-state students.
Partner: Environment for the Americas
Contact: Ernestine White, National Youth Employment Programs Coordinator, at 202-513-7157, or via e-mail
Maritime Documentation Internship Opportunities
Who can apply: Undergraduate or graduate students
Schedule: Summer
Interest areas: Architecture, engineering, history, maritime preservation, on-site field work and preparation of measured and interpretive drawings and written historical reports
Stipend: $7,000
Partner: Council of American Maritime Museums
Contact: NPS/Historic American Engineering Record, Todd Croteau, Internship Coordinator, at 202-354-2167, or via e-mail
Who can apply: Undergraduate or graduate students
Schedule: Summer
Interest areas: Architecture, engineering, history, maritime preservation, on-site field work and preparation of measured and interpretive drawings and written historical reports
Stipend: $7,000
Partner: Council of American Maritime Museums
Contact: NPS/Historic American Engineering Record, Todd Croteau, Internship Coordinator, at 202-354-2167, or via e-mail
Mosaics in Science Diversity Internship Opportunities
Additional NPS program information
Who can apply: Undergraduate or graduate students, 18-35 years old with focus on hiring students under-represented in natural resource (STEM) fields
Schedule: Summer; 12-week or 20-week positions available, including a career leadership workshop in August for program participants
Application period: December - late January (apply here)
Interest areas: Field and office based internships focused on research, inventory and monitoring, curation of park resources, and interpretation and education projects. Mosaics in Science is part of the NPS Scientists in Parks Program.
Stipend: $640-720/week, plus travel expenses and provided housing for out-of-state students
Partner: Environment for the Americas
Contact: via e-mail
Additional NPS program information
Who can apply: Undergraduate or graduate students, 18-35 years old with focus on hiring students under-represented in natural resource (STEM) fields
Schedule: Summer; 12-week or 20-week positions available, including a career leadership workshop in August for program participants
Application period: December - late January (apply here)
Interest areas: Field and office based internships focused on research, inventory and monitoring, curation of park resources, and interpretation and education projects. Mosaics in Science is part of the NPS Scientists in Parks Program.
Stipend: $640-720/week, plus travel expenses and provided housing for out-of-state students
Partner: Environment for the Americas
Contact: via e-mail
National Council for Preservation Education Opportunities
Who can apply: Undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates, and veterans
Schedule: Year-round
Interest areas: Public history, archeology, architecture, curation and museum, planning, archives, and other allied fields in cultural resources
Stipend: $6,000-$18,000 depending on length of internships, which range from 10 weeks to 6 months
Partner: National Council for Preservation Education
Contact: NPS/Cultural Resources Office of Interpretation and Education, Paloma Bolasny, Youth Programs Coordinator, at 202-354-2174, or via e-mail
Who can apply: Undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates, and veterans
Schedule: Year-round
Interest areas: Public history, archeology, architecture, curation and museum, planning, archives, and other allied fields in cultural resources
Stipend: $6,000-$18,000 depending on length of internships, which range from 10 weeks to 6 months
Partner: National Council for Preservation Education
Contact: NPS/Cultural Resources Office of Interpretation and Education, Paloma Bolasny, Youth Programs Coordinator, at 202-354-2174, or via e-mail
National Parks Business Plan Internship Opportunities
Who can apply: Graduate students (MBA, MPA, MPP, environmental and/or public lands management)
Schedule: Summer
Interest areas: Management consulting, park management, strategic and operational planning, commercial services, public-private partnerships
Stipend: $825 per week
Partner: Purposeful Growth Institute
Contact: NPS Business Management Group
Who can apply: Graduate students (MBA, MPA, MPP, environmental and/or public lands management)
Schedule: Summer
Interest areas: Management consulting, park management, strategic and operational planning, commercial services, public-private partnerships
Stipend: $825 per week
Partner: Purposeful Growth Institute
Contact: NPS Business Management Group
NPS Academy Internship Opportunities
Who can apply: Individuals who self-identify as being from any background historically underrepresented in the NPS. 18-30 years of age to apply, Military Veterans up to 35 are encouraged to apply. US Citizens or Permanent Residents
Schedule: May-October (varying from 12-22 weeks in length, subject to park needs)
Application period: November-January
Interest areas: Various fields, including interpretation, visitor resource protection, trail maintenance, vegetation, social science, wildlife, public affairs, information technology.
Stipend: $600/Week plus $1,000 for travel/relocation. Upon completion, members may be eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award.
Partners:Varies each year depending on needs of parks. Regular partners have included: Acadia, Grand Teton, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, and Yellowstone National Parks, respectively.
Contact:ACE EPIC NPS Academy Member Manager, Deja Charles, via email
Who can apply: Individuals who self-identify as being from any background historically underrepresented in the NPS. 18-30 years of age to apply, Military Veterans up to 35 are encouraged to apply. US Citizens or Permanent Residents
Schedule: May-October (varying from 12-22 weeks in length, subject to park needs)
Application period: November-January
Interest areas: Various fields, including interpretation, visitor resource protection, trail maintenance, vegetation, social science, wildlife, public affairs, information technology.
Stipend: $600/Week plus $1,000 for travel/relocation. Upon completion, members may be eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award.
Partners:Varies each year depending on needs of parks. Regular partners have included: Acadia, Grand Teton, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, and Yellowstone National Parks, respectively.
Contact:ACE EPIC NPS Academy Member Manager, Deja Charles, via email
National Park Service GIS Program
Who can apply: Current students and recent graduates
Schedule: 15-24 weeks
Interest area: GIS, natural and cultural resource preservation, data management, planning and environmental compliance, facility asset and transportation management, visitor and resource protection
Stipend: Varies
Partner: Southern Utah University Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative
Contact: Intermountain Region, Geographic Resources Division, via email
Who can apply: Current students and recent graduates
Schedule: 15-24 weeks
Interest area: GIS, natural and cultural resource preservation, data management, planning and environmental compliance, facility asset and transportation management, visitor and resource protection
Stipend: Varies
Partner: Southern Utah University Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative
Contact: Intermountain Region, Geographic Resources Division, via email
Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program
Who can apply: Graduate students and recent grads, and outstanding undergraduates; under age 30
Schedule: Varies; Full-time, 47 weeks
Interest areas: Community planning, outdoor recreation planning, natural resource conservation, trail and park designs, public-private partnerships
Stipend: Variable, but totals approx. $28,000; includes optional health insurance and a $2,500 Professional Development allowance
Partners: Stewards Individual Placements, Hispanic Access Foundation and Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps
Contact: NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, Stephan Nofield, Career Experience Coordinator, at 202-354-6322 or e-mail us
Who can apply: Graduate students and recent grads, and outstanding undergraduates; under age 30
Schedule: Varies; Full-time, 47 weeks
Interest areas: Community planning, outdoor recreation planning, natural resource conservation, trail and park designs, public-private partnerships
Stipend: Variable, but totals approx. $28,000; includes optional health insurance and a $2,500 Professional Development allowance
Partners: Stewards Individual Placements, Hispanic Access Foundation and Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps
Contact: NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, Stephan Nofield, Career Experience Coordinator, at 202-354-6322 or e-mail us
Scientists in Parks Program Opportunities
Who can apply: U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents 18 years of age or older. Individual position eligibility will vary.
Schedule: Year-round, 12 – 52 weeks
Application Period:
Summer Season (Start dates May – September): December – January
Winter Season (Start dates October – April): May – June
Interest areas: Field - and office-based internships focused on natural resource management needs in parks. Disciplines include physical sciences, biological sciences, social sciences, and science communication/education.
Stipend: $525-$715/week
Partners: Stewards Individual Placements Program, Environment for the Americas, Ecological Society of America, and The Geological Society of America
Contact: Via e-mail
Who can apply: U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents 18 years of age or older. Individual position eligibility will vary.
Schedule: Year-round, 12 – 52 weeks
Application Period:
Summer Season (Start dates May – September): December – January
Winter Season (Start dates October – April): May – June
Interest areas: Field - and office-based internships focused on natural resource management needs in parks. Disciplines include physical sciences, biological sciences, social sciences, and science communication/education.
Stipend: $525-$715/week
Partners: Stewards Individual Placements Program, Environment for the Americas, Ecological Society of America, and The Geological Society of America
Contact: Via e-mail
Traditional Trades Advancement Program
Who can apply: 18-30 years old and veterans up to 35 years old
Schedule: Year-round, 26 weeks
Interest areas: Hands-on trade skills, carpentry, masonry, cultural landscape preservation
Stipend: Living stipend of $720/week, plus travel expenses for training
Partners: American Conservation Experience, Conservation Legacy, Greening Youth Foundation, Groundwork USA, and Student Conservation Association
Contact: Historic Preservation Training Center team via e-mail
Who can apply: 18-30 years old and veterans up to 35 years old
Schedule: Year-round, 26 weeks
Interest areas: Hands-on trade skills, carpentry, masonry, cultural landscape preservation
Stipend: Living stipend of $720/week, plus travel expenses for training
Partners: American Conservation Experience, Conservation Legacy, Greening Youth Foundation, Groundwork USA, and Student Conservation Association
Contact: Historic Preservation Training Center team via e-mail
Urban Archeology Corps Opportunities
Who can apply: Ages 15–34
Schedule: Year-round. Learn how to apply here: Urban Archeology Corps Internships
Interest area: Archeology
Stipend: Varies
Contact: NPS Archaeology Program, Teresa Moyer via email
Who can apply: Ages 15–34
Schedule: Year-round. Learn how to apply here: Urban Archeology Corps Internships
Interest area: Archeology
Stipend: Varies
Contact: NPS Archaeology Program, Teresa Moyer via email
Volunteer
There are many opportunities at parks and offices across the country to donate your time and services, whether it's for a few hours or year-round. To learn more about volunteering with the National Park Service, visit Volunteer.gov, learn about the Volunteers-In-Parks Program, or Find a Park to talk with rangers about current opportunities near you.
Last updated: May 29, 2024