NPCA Internship Information

Program Interns

Program interns will spend the majority of their time working on one long-term project but should also anticipate periodically assisting the staff of the national programs and government affairs department. Duties are likely to include:

• Researching issues and compiling and analyzing information in support of NPCA’s legislative and long-range policy programs

• Analyzing various documents, such as park plans

• Attending and collecting information from Congressional hearings

Non-Program Interns

Non-program interns will spend their time working on a variety of tasks. For example, an accounting intern would provide overall support to the finance department; a human resource intern may have a specific project, but would also provide overall support to the human resource department. The same goes with other departments within the organization.

Federal Work-Study Interns

Unlike traditional internships, the FWS program is subsidized by the Federal Government. It allows college students to gain valuable exposure to their chosen fields of interest while easing the wage burden on employers by having the Federal Government pick up 70-75% of their salaries. During the school year, students may work 12-20 hours per week, and during the summer FWS students may work 37.5 hours per week. In WDC, NPCA has agreements with local universities such as George Washington University, George Mason University, American University, and University of Maryland. For the region/field, supervisors are encouraged to contact local schools and universities to inquire about this program, which is usually available and always cost-effective.

Eligibility

Interns/Associates must be undergraduates, enrolled in a post-graduate program or recent college graduates within a 12-month time period who has relative experience, education, and skills. Program interns should have experience, education, and skills in one or more of the following areas: conservation biology, ecology, natural resources management (terrestrial or marine), cultural resources management, museum studies, anthropology, public policy (social, demographic, philosophic implications of National Park Service activities), legal research and analysis, or political science.

Compensation

Internships may be paid or unpaid. An intern’s compensation will correspond directly to his or her skills, experience, and education. The compensation range is between $12.50 and $17 per hour. Most interns are expected to work a 12 to 37.5-hour work week, Monday through Friday. Most interns do not receive benefits.