The Scientists in Parks program provides immersive, paid full work experiences with the National Park Service in natural resource fields so the next generation of park stewards—especially those underrepresented in science—have an opportunity to work on important and unique projects while building real-world professional experience and a life-long connection to America’s national parks. Positions can last from 3 months to one year and are all full time, AmeriCorps positions.
Eligibility and Applying
For more information, please visit our Eligibility and How to Apply pages.
- Each position accepts up to 75 applications before closing. If positions are approaching the cap, it will be noted in the position title.
- Allowed to apply for up to five positions per season. Please note, a new application is needed for each position if you are applying to multiples.
- Only apply to positions if you are sure you can commit to the position dates and full length.
Summer: applications open in early December and close mid-January. Position start dates occur between May and September.
Winter: applications open in early May and close mid-June. Position start dates occur between October and April.
Program Values
SIP welcomes aspiring professionals to apply and we invite the full participation of individuals currently being underserved in STEM career fields. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals from racially and/or ethnically diverse communities, individuals with disabilities, individuals from LGBTIQ+ communities, and individuals who experience intersectionality with one or more of these identities.
The Scientists in Parks program is a collaboration between Stewards Individual Placements (a program of Conservation Legacy), the National Park Service, Ecological Society of America, and the Geological Society of America.
“ My experience with this internship was so positive, I know that I want to find similar jobs in the future. My career goals have been more solidly set along this path than they were before I began this internship. ”
“ Getting the opportunity to work with the park service and be a part of something that I’ve hoped to be a part of since childhood, is more important to me than I’m able to put into words. ”
“ Highlights were definitely the people I worked with, getting to dive into a project from start to finish, and interesting and fun days working in the field with co-workers. ”