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 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 60 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.
Timeline (subject to change):
Summer: Applications open in late January and will close in mid-February. Position start dates occur between May - September.
Winter: Please stay tuned for an update on this timeline in 2026.
The Scientists in Parks program is made possible through a collaboration between the National Park Service, Stewards Individual Placements (a program of Conservation Legacy), and the Geological Society of America.
Zerxes Bhada
Night Skies Assistant
“ I take particular pride in the fact that I never left until I was confident that people were more excited about astronomy than they were when they came. ”
Michelle Gillmore
Hydrology Assistant
“ 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. ”
Lauren Lee
Biology Assistant
“ I loved this position and everything I learned from it will enhance my career moving forward. ”