Scientists in Parks

How to Apply

Help national parks achieve their mission and enhance your skills, connections, and work experience through meaningful projects.

Most winter 2023 opportunities are closed and filled, but check out the GIS Assistant open for applications! Apply by 6 November at 11:59 p.m. EST and plan to start in December.

View Openings

A program participant speaks to a group of young people in a desert setting.

Eligibility

A U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
Have not completed four AmeriCorps terms previously.
Able to successfully complete a federal government background clearance and an AmeriCorps background check.

SIP Intern participants can visit Conservation Legacy’s COVID-19 resources page to find updates on current practices and polices. Conservation Legacy is the parent organization of the Stewards Individual Placement Program, which employs all SIP Interns.

Most SIP Intern projects do not require participants to be currently enrolled students. Be careful: a small number of Direct Hire Authority (DHA) positions do require student enrollment. Undergraduate students, graduate students, and recently graduated individuals may participate.

Some SIP Intern projects have additional requirements regarding advanced skills, seasonal availability, and academic experience. We encourage reading all eligibility requirements in the individual project descriptions carefully.

Winter Application Timeline

Applications open in early May for winter projects. Select up to five projects. Each project accepts up to 100 applicants.

Deadline to receive all application materials is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 11 June.

Interviews for select candidates occur within the 6–8 weeks following the application deadline. NPS mentors invite their top applicants to interview.

Project offers occur in late July and early August.

Applicants receive a notice when a position they applied for is filled.

Start dates vary between October – April each year.

Application Resources

Application Worksheet: Provides a preview of questions candidates are required to answer.
NPS Scientists in Parks: Discover more about the program and why you should apply.
Scientists in Parks: Becoming an SIP Intern: In this recent webinar, program staff and alumni share experiences and advice with those interested in applying. Slides.
Resume and Curriculum Vitae (CV) Tips for Students: Learn about ways resumes differ from CVs, and how to strength writing your own.
Helpful Tips for Interviewing: Read advice from government and industry professionals about how to perform your best in interviews.
Career Pathways: Working in National Parks: In this recorded webinar, two speakers share their journeys to positions as geoscientists with the National Park Service.

Questions? Please contact sip@geosociety.org.

Who should apply to be an SIP Intern?

SIP Intern projects are the best fit for aspiring professionals with entry to mid-level skill sets that translate to their interest areas. An SIP Intern position is a great way to get involved in park science and build relevant career experience by addressing the current natural resource management needs of national parks.

More pathways in the SIP program

There are additional ways to participate in SIP based on your background and goals.

SIP Mosaics: Focuses on participation from communities underrepresented in science career fields.