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LATEST NEWS
- Congress Debates Reopening National Parks Across the Country
October 2, 2013
- Press Telephone Briefing Today RE: Shutdown of National Parks Nationwide
October 1, 2013
- Government Shutdown Closes National Parks Nationwide
October 1, 2013
Internship Opportunities
Current Job Listings • NPCA's Benefits • Your First 90 Days at NPCA • Internship Opportunities • Frequently Asked Questions
Since 1919, the National Parks Conservation Association has been the sole voice of the American people in the fight to safeguard the scenic beauty, wildlife, and historical and cultural treasures of the largest and most diverse park system in the world. Originally created as a watchdog for the National Park Service, today NPCA partners with the federal government and numerous national, regional and local groups to act:
- On the ground mobilizing citizens and joining with communities, businesses, landowners and activists to protect park resources by battling abuse and neglect, educating the public, promoting local restoration and fostering better management in national parks nationwide;
- In Congress promoting parks legislation and lobbying for public funding to meet growing needs;
- In the courts establishing legal safeguards that will protect our national parks for years to come.
Through our internship program, NPCA brings high school, undergraduate and graduates students to our offices nationwide, providing the training and skills development essential for successful careers to continue the work of protecting our parks for the future.
Job Description
Program Interns
Program interns will spend the majority of their time working on one long-term project but should also anticipate periodically assisting the staff of the national programs and Government Affairs department. Duties are likely to include:
- Researching issues and compiling and analyzing information in support of NPCA's legislative and long-range policy programs;
- Analyzing various documents, such as park plans;
- Attending and collecting information from Congressional hearings.
Non-Program Interns
Non-program interns will spend their time working on a variety of tasks. For example, an accounting intern would provide overall support to the finance department; a human resource intern may have a specific project, but would also provide overall support to the human resource department. The same goes with other departments within the organization.
Eligibility
Interns/Associates must be undergraduates, enrolled in a post-graduate program, or recent college graduates within a 12-month time period with relative experience, education, and skills. Program interns should have experience, education, and skills in one or more of the following areas: conservation biology, ecology, natural resources management (terrestrial or marine), cultural resources management, museum studies, anthropology, public policy (social, demographic, philosophic implications of National Park Service activities), legal research and analysis, or political science.
Compensation
Internships may be paid or unpaid. An intern's compensation will correspond directly to his or her skills, experience, and education. The compensation range is between $9 and $17 per hour. Most interns are expected to work a 12- to 35-hour work-week, Monday through Friday. Most interns do not receive benefits.
To Apply
You can review listings and apply for internships online through our jobs database.
If you apply, please be sure to include a cover letter and three references, including telephone numbers.
Selection
Due to the limited number of positions, the selection process is competitive. All finalists will be interviewed by phone or in person.
Housing
Finding housing while in Washington or other NPCA regional locations is the responsibility of the intern.
Travel
Travel arrangements to and from Washington or other NPCA regional facilities are the responsibilities of the intern.
