Work With Us

There are many 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 others 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

  • Who can apply: Ages 15–18

  • Schedule: summer 8–10 weeks, non-residential (except at Yellowstone)

  • 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:

  • 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

  • Interest areas: All

  • Stipend: Salary
  • Schedule: Year-round or summer
  • Application period: Year-round

  • Contact: NPS/Office of Human Resources via e-mail

Intern with National Park Service leadership in front of the Department of the Interior Building
Interns with National Park Service Director Charles F. "Chuck" Sams in front of the Department of the Interior Building.

NPS

Internships

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.

21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC) includes Public Land 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.
  • Public Land Corps (PLC): A work and education program that engages the Nation's conservation and service corps on public lands. Read Personnel Bulletin 17-03 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 12-15 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.
Contact: NPS Youth Programs at 202-513-7157 or 202-513-7146, or via e-mail

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

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

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

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,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 

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

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 PlacementsHispanic 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 ProgramEnvironment for the AmericasEcological 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 ExperienceConservation LegacyGreening Youth FoundationGroundwork USA, and Student Conservation Association

Contact: Historic Preservation Training Center team via e-mail

Urban Archeology Corps Opportunities

Who can apply: Ages 15–26

Schedule: Year-round. For information about current and upcoming opportunities, and how to apply, click on the link above.

Interest area: Archeology

Stipend: Varies

Contact: NPS Archaeology Program, Teresa Moyer via email
Park visitors Aaron and Richard Hoff seek advice at the Wilderness Information Center. August 28, 2012, Marblemount, Washington, Campers get an update on backcountry conditions from a park volunteer at NPS by Davi

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: January 8, 2024