The National Park Service (NPS) Structural Fire Protection Internship provides students enrolled in fire protection engineering, fire administration, or fire investigation degree programs an opportunity to gain practical work experience that will augment academic training related to the duties of a Fire Protection Specialist. Interns will support efforts to establish and maintain an effective structural fire prevention program, reducing the risks of death, injury, property loss, and damage to historic collections from the effects of structural fires. Positions are located at NPS sites across the U.S. Interns will not be performing wildland or structural firefighting activities.
As a NPS Structural Fire Protection Intern, you may be responsible for the following duties, which can vary by park location:
- Assist with the development of a fire inspection program by identifying occupancy types (target hazards)
and assessing their associated risks to life safety in the event of a structural fire. - Perform annual fire and life safety building inspections.
- Develop evacuation plans.
- Assist with the development of inspection, testing, and maintenance plans for fire protection systems.
- Conduct training classes on portable fire extinguishers.
- Perform monthly portable fire extinguisher checks.
- Establish a fire hydrant inspection and flow test program.
- Establish a hot work permit program.
- Review plans for new construction and provide feedback to the Regional Structural Fire Manager (RSFM).
- Revise a park's structural fire management plan (SFMP).
Additional tasks will be specific to each work site.
This 10-week internship can have flexible starting and ending dates between May 21st and August 26th. Students who have completed their junior year of college and are currently enrolled in a relevant degree program are preferred. Most parks do not have public transportation available. Vehicles are recommended to travel to the office, grocery stores, and other amenities. Government vehicles are provided to perform work.
More information about this internship opportunity can be found here.
More information about the NPS Structural Fire Program can be found here.
Compensation amounts:
- $650 – one-time round-trip travel allowance
- $467 – weekly living allowance
- AmeriCorps eligible (Approximately $1,374 education award)
- Housing
*All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
*For SCA's COVID-19 guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid
Position ID: PO-00734012
Expected Dates: May 21, 2023 - July 29, 2023
Training Provided: Interns will receive initial orientation and on-the-job training, as well as participate in biweekly training sessions with subject matter experts and mentors. Depending on the park, other training may be provided by the local supervisor.
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Interns will learn about the rich history and natural and cultural resources of each park. Each park has diverse recreational opportunities that may include hiking, climbing, kayaking, and sightseeing.
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Cultural/Historical Resource Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Recommended
Many parks are located in remote locations, which lack public transportation. Interns may need to drive to obtain groceries and access services.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
Depending on the National Park Service site, housing may be provided in a shared apartment, shared house, dormitory, or remote cabin.
If the intern is currently living near the National Park Service site, the intern may be allowed to commute to the worksite.
Indoor/Outdoor: Inside
US Citizenship: Yes
