Paid Summer Internship with National Park Service, Interpretation and Education - Deadline June 4

Since 1916, the American people have entrusted the National Park Service with the care of their national parks. With the help of volunteers and park partners, we safeguard these more than 400 places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn't stop there.  We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in ​revitalizing communities preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.

NPS​ Mission

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world. 

Internship

NPS is seeking a University of Maryland student to work in Interpretation and Education with non-profit partners. The intern would preferably work full-time (40 hours) through the summer, but a part-time schedule could be arranged.

Position Summary:

Help manage NPS relationship with 72 nonprofit cooperating associations (which manage in-park stores); assist in the development of policy and agreements for partnerships with a wide range of non-profit organizations that further the NPS education and interpretation mission.

Assist in analyzing the function of partners to determine strengths and weaknesses, and identify ways to improve the national program. Assist partners in meeting reporting requirements and help NPS compile and analyze annual reports. Serve as a liaison with regional Interpretation and Education coordinators from each of the seven regions around the country.

Qualifications:

·                     Strong communication skills; oral and written. Nonprofit or federal agency internship experience preferred.

·                     Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and with a range of partner organizations.

·                     Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google applications. 

·                     Rising sophomore, junior or senior preferred.

The office is located at 1201 I Street NW, Washington DC 20005.  The two closest metro stations are Metro Center and McPherson.  Bus transportation is also conveniently located in close proximity to the office. Interns will be paid $14.00 per hour.  The successful candidate will be responsible for securing his/her own housing and transportation arrangements in the Greater Washington D.C. area.

​To apply, send cover letter, contact information for two professional and/or academic references, and resume by June 4, 2015 to: Kathryn Hopps, Program Director for Experiential Learning, at khopps@umd.edu.