Conservation Legacy Internship: Opportunities in Preserving Natural and Cultural Resources
The realm of conservation offers diverse opportunities for young adults seeking to contribute to the preservation and protection of our nation’s natural and cultural resources. Conservation Legacy, in collaboration with various organizations and the National Park Service (NPS), provides internship programs designed to offer hands-on experience, skill development, and career exploration in the conservation field. These programs cater to individuals at different stages of their academic and professional journeys, from high school students to recent graduates and military veterans.
Scientists in Parks (SIP) Program
The Scientists in Parks (SIP) program, a collaboration between Stewards Individual Placements, the National Park Service, Ecological Society of America, and the Geological Society of America, supports young adults in short-term, paid internships stationed at National Park Service sites. This program offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the scientific understanding and management of national parks. Participants may assist with research, synthesis of scientific literature, geologic mapping, GIS analysis, resource inventorying and monitoring, impact mitigation, and more.
SIP positions can last from 3 months to one year. Summer positions applications typically open in early December for about 6 weeks, with positions starting between May and September. Winter positions applications open in May.
Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) Program
Stewards Individual Placements, a program of Conservation Legacy, supports a unique partnership model to facilitate the Community Volunteer Ambassador Program (CVA) for the National Park Service. The CVA program combines the strength of a national leader in conservation service with the National Park Service in order to train a group of emerging leaders to assist park units in building lasting connections to local communities.
The CVA Leaders demonstrate experience and leadership as they provide peer-like support to members at host sites and are an advocate for CVA interests in volunteer program operations. Working closely with NPS staff and partnering organizations, the CVA Leaders are assigned project work that assists with the development and implementation of structured programming and training activities related to CVA operations and support of the Volunteers-In-Parks program, both in their region and service-wide. The Community Volunteer Ambassador program seeks interested applicants who have prior National Service (such as AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps NCCC, AmeriCorps VISTA, and Peace Corps) and/or conservation corps or government experience and who have demonstrated leadership and facilitation skills. Preference is given to applicants with at least one year prior experience in the CVA Program.
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Over 100 young professionals will serve as CVA members for 50 week terms at NPS sites across the country from Hawaii to Florida, over the course of the year. During your term, you will be trained by conservation professionals and get hands-on experience to build on your skillset, opening doors to further your career.
Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC)
Appalachian Conservation Corps works to connect young people to critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania. As an AmeriCorps program, ACC partners with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. Appalachian Conservation Corps is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations envisioning a world with healthy lands, air, and water, thriving people, and resilient communities. ACC aims to engage future leaders who protect, restore, and enhance our public lands through community-based service and welcomes national applicants but also emphasize the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.
Spring-Summer Conservation Crew Member Position
One example of ACC’s offerings is the Spring-Summer Conservation Crew Member position, which is based out of Harrisonburg, VA. The compensation for this position is $600 per week ($500 living stipend + $100 additional benefit). The terms of service start in February and end in August. Upon successful completion of the service term, members receive an AmeriCorps Education Award.
Crews will meet at the Appalachian Conservation Corps office in Harrisonburg on Monday mornings, travel in a crew vehicle to their project site, and remain in the field for 9 days at a time, followed by 5 days off. Over the course of six months, projects will take place across the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia to aid the USFS in restoration and recovery projects needed after Hurricane Helene. During their time in the field, crews perform heavy manual labor on environmental conservation projects in all types of weather conditions for 10 hours each day. These hands-on projects include visitor access and recreation area improvements, trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, re-vegetation, and much more. Most projects require hiking out to remote sites for the day with tools, equipment, and day pack. Crews consist of four crew members and two crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. While prior experience with the outdoors or outdoor work can be helpful, it is not a necessity for this position. ACC asks that crew members embrace learning opportunities, face challenges, and build community with their crew.
Appalachian Conservation Corps is an independent, non-residential program. Crews are responsible for their own housing, food, and transportation when they are not in the field. While participants are asked to supply as much of their personal equipment as possible, loaner gear will be available if needed. A gear list is provided upon acceptance into the program. Food is provided while in the field. Crews work together to plan meals and complete necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc.).
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Eligibility and Application
If you are between 15 to 30 years old, or a military veteran who is 35 years old or younger, apply for a job or paid internship to help you figure out your career path. The National Park Service collaborates with many organizations to offer onsite and remote internship and fellowship opportunities. Whether you are looking for part-time work during the school year, a summer job, or are beginning a full-time career, check USAJobs for current openings. A driver’s license is often required for certain positions.
Benefits of Conservation Internships
Participating in a Conservation Legacy internship offers numerous benefits, including:
- Gaining Work Experience: Internships provide valuable hands-on experience in the conservation field, allowing participants to develop practical skills and knowledge.
- Preserving Natural and Cultural Resources: Interns contribute directly to the preservation and protection of our nation’s natural and cultural heritage.
- Career Exploration: Internships can help young adults explore different career paths within the conservation field and make informed decisions about their future.
- Skill Development: These positions offer opportunities to develop a wide range of skills that can translate to a variety of roles, including research, communication, teamwork, and leadership.
- Networking: Internships provide opportunities to connect with conservation professionals and build a professional network.
- Personal Growth: Working in challenging outdoor environments can foster personal growth, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment.
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