Intern Opportunities at National Parks Conservation Association

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; and,
• 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, and the same with other departments within the organization.

Eligibility

Interns must be college enrolled, graduates, or graduate students 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 12–35 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.