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National Park Service Academy

A career preparatory diversity initiative for
undergraduate and graduate students

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) and the National Park Service (NPS) are looking for young men and women who are interested in discovering and exploring the myriad career opportunities available in today's Park Service. In this unique opportunity, participants will gain valuable work experience as well as access to key leaders within NPS.

The NPS Academy maximizes career opportunities with the Park Service through training and hands on experiences. Successful candidates will come equipped with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a strong work ethic.

Phase 1: NPS Academy Orientation, Spring Break 2013

  • Begin your journey into the US National Park Service (NPS) with a week-long, behind-the scenes experience of how our natural lands are managed.
  • Participate in seminars, workshops, field experience and recreational activities which focus on the importance of culture, diversity, as well as the legacy of conservation within the NPS.
  • Explore a myriad of career opportunities in NPS ranging from Facilities Management, Fire and Rescue, Administration, Resource Management and Visitor Education

Program locations and dates:

  • Grand Teton National Park: Week of March 4th
  • Great Smoky Mountain National park: Week of March 11th
  • Kenai Fjords National Park: Week of March 10

Phase 2: Summer Internship, Summer 2013

  • Serve in a 12-week paid summer internship with the NPS that may include hands-on experiences in environmental education, interpretation, resource conservation, cultural resources, facility management, volunteer coordination, and vegetation management, among others.
  • Connected with a NPS Staff Mentor who will offer advice, guidance, professional development opportunities
  • Gain professional skills and improve your Federal Resume during your internship with support from NPS and SCA staff.

Phase 3: Outreach, Fall 2013

  • Receive training and support in campus outreach from SCA's Recruiting Team.
  • Serve as NPS Academy Ambassadors by reaching out to fellow students on your campuses to generate interest for the 2014 National Park Academy programs

Phase 4: Career Placement, Ongoing

  • Following the successful completion of Phases 1-3, participants will have the opportunity to work with mentors, advisors, and supervisors from both the SCA and NPS to plan next steps, ideally actively seeking employment with the National Park Service.

Application Details:

  • Applicants must be current college students between 18 and 25 years of age, and U.S. citizens.
  • Applicants should be available and interested for ALL phases of NPS Academy.
  • All majors welcome.
  • Candidates must complete MySCA profile and Intern application (attached Resume highly recommended) at http://mysca.force.com/member.
  • Interviews will begin in October and acceptance is on a rolling basis.
  • Application deadline is Jan 18th 2013, or until program is filled.
  • Contact SCARecruiting@thesca.org with the subject line “NPS Academy” for questions or to apply.


NPS Academy Alaska: Kenai Fjords National Park

Apply to be in the inaugural Alaska cohort of diverse interns to serve in Alaska national parks. Alaskan students of color, Alaska Natives, and underrepresented Alaskans age 15-25 have an opportunity to join together in Seward during Spring Break (March 10-16, 2013) for an orientation on diverse career paths in the National Park Service. After successful completion of the week's activities, students will have an opportunity to be placed at an Alaska national park this summer for a paid internship.

To apply and also to have your application fee waived, call Jeff Chen at 907.717.8414 or email him at JChen@theSCA.org. You can also send application questions and requests to SCArecruiting@thesca.org or call 603.543.1700 x1499. Deadline is Feb. 11.