Job Type: On-site, internship, full-time
Location: Multiple locations
Salary: Varies
Application Due Date: October 12, 2025
Description:
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.
Typical Timeline (subject to change):
Winter: the current timeline has shifted outside of our normal and positions are open for applications from September to October 12th.
The Scientists in Parks program is made possible through a collaboration between Stewards Individual Placements (a program of Conservation Legacy), the National Park Service, and the Geological Society of America.
See some highlighted positions within the NPS Intermountain Region Fire Programs below, or click the “Learn More” button at the bottom of this page to view all the openings!
SIP within the NPS Intermountain Region Fire Programs:
Natural Resource Management Assistant - Big Thicket National Preserve, Woodville, Texas
One 52-week position available
The primary focus will be the collection and analysis of Terrestrial Laser Scans, mapping extant longleaf pine populations, finalization of a Local Unit Resource Advisor Guide, and creating a fire management interpretation program in support of the Big Thicket fire ecology program.
Contact: conor_mcinnerney@nps.gov (Big Thicket NPres Fire Ecologist)
Ecology Assistant - Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona
One 52-week position available
The primary focus for this position will be to gather, analyze, and communicate information from various data sources and science-backed tools to support future fire and fuels management in the Rincon Mountains at Saguaro National Park.
Contact: gabriel_dejong@nps.gov (Saguaro NP Fire Ecologist)
Natural Resource Management Assistant - multiple location options within IMR
Three 52-week positions available
The primary focus for these positions will be producing national park Local Unit READ Guides (LURGs) and/or READ (Resource Advisor) atlases in collaboration with park staff.
Contact: Craig_Gallagher@nps.gov (IMR Fire GIS Specialist); Diane_Abendroth@nps.gov (IMR Fire Planner)
Ecology Assistant - multiple location options within IMR (and also in the Northeast and Alaska)
One 52-week position available in IMR (Rocky Mountains/Southwest)
The primary focus for this position will be to provide data and information on future fire regime conditions to NPS managers to improve fire management planning and implementation.
Contact: Windy_Bunn@nps.gov (IMR Fire Ecologist); Diane_Abendroth@nps.gov (IMR Fire Planner)
