Internship – NPS Structural Fire Protection Intern
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Job Description
Position Title: National Park Service Structural Fire Protection Interns
Location: Specific park locations will be posted in December
Position Summary
The National Park Service (NPS) Structural Fire Protection Internship provides students enrolled in fire protection engineering, fire administration, or fire investigation degree programs an opportunity to gain practical work experience that will augment academic training related to the duties of a fire protection technician. Interns will support efforts to establish and maintain an effective structural fire prevention and protection program, reducing the risks of death, injury, property loss, and damage to historic collections from the effects of structure fires. Positions are located at NPS sites across the United States.
Schedule
May 18, 2025 – July 26, 2025
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Interns will not be performing wildland or structural firefighting activities.
As a NPS Structural Fire Protection Intern, you may be responsible for the following duties, which can vary by park location:
- Assist with the development of a fire inspection program by identifying occupancy types and assessing the risks to life safety in the event of a structure fire.
- Perform annual fire and life safety building inspections.
- Develop evacuation plans.
- Assist with the development of inspection, testing, and maintenance plans for fire protection systems.
- Conduct training classes on portable fire extinguishers.
- Perform monthly portable fire extinguisher checks.
- Establish a fire hydrant inspection and flow test program.
- Establish a hot work permit program.
- Revise a park’s structural fire management plan (SFMP).
- Assess the fire protection of a historic building and make recommendations for protecting the building from structure fire better in the future.
- Review plans for new construction and provide feedback to the Regional Structural Fire Marshal (RSFM).
Additional tasks will be specific to each work site.
More information about this internship opportunity can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/articles/structural-fire-protection-internships.htm
More information about the NPS Structural Fire Program can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1231/index.htm
Required Qualifications
Applicants are U.S. citizens seeking a four-year degree in the following degree programs: fire protection engineering, fire protection administration, fire services administration, or fire investigation degree programs. A driver’s license is required to drive government vehicles. A background investigation will be required to gain access to government computer systems. A personal vehicle is needed to travel to and from work and travel to town for amenities, such as groceries. Most parks do not have public transportation available. Applicants should have good communication skills (oral and written) and be able to work as a member of a team.
Preferred Qualifications
Must be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member. This includes:
- Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States
- Being at least 18 years or older
- Ideally, students are completing their junior year of college studies.
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Depending on the National Park Service site, housing may be provided in a shared apartment, shared house, dormitory, or remote cabin.
Compensation
$650 – Roundtrip travel allowance
$1,300 if traveling outside of the contiguous United States
$467 – weekly living allowance
AmeriCorps eligible (Approximately $1,565 education award) at the end of 10 weeks of service
Housing provided by the site. Depending on the National Park Service site, housing may be provided in a shared apartment, shared house, dormitory, or remote cabin.
*All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
A personal vehicle is needed to travel to and from work and travel to town for amenities, such as groceries. Most parks do not have public transportation available.
Additional Benefits
AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional
Equal Opportunity Statement
SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
