NPS Geoscientists-in-the-Parks (GIP) Program

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Do you want to work in a National Park?

Philip Varela, Field Paleontology, Badlands National Park, South Dakota, 2014

The National Park Service (NPS) is looking for students and professionals in the geosciences and other natural resource fields who want to use their natural resource science expertise to help the NPS to better understand and manage its natural resources.

The Geoscientists-in-the-Parks (GIP) program works with partners to match college students and recent graduates age 18 - 35 years old with short-term, paid, internships with the National Park Service. Participants may assist with research, synthesis of scientific literature, geologic mapping, GIS analysis, site evaluations, resource inventorying and monitoring, impact mitigation, developing brochures and informative media presentations, and educating park staff and park visitors. GIP positions can last from 3 months to one-year.

Participants selected for the GIP program have a unique opportunity to contribute to the conservation of America's national parks. Upon successful completion of a project, participants may be eligible for an AmeriCorps education award.

Parks benefit from a participant's knowledge and skills in geological or other natural resource science field, while participants gain valuable work experience by working with the National Park Service. Program participants must be 18 - 35 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.

This program is run in partnership with the Geological Society of America (GSA) and Stewards Individual Placement Program. GSA advertises the program, recruits qualified candidates, and manages the online application process. Once a candidate is offered a GIP position, Stewards enrolls them in the program, administers their payments and benefits, and serves as their point of contact throughout the program.

Geoscientists-in-the-Parks participants are considered AmeriCorps members. AmeriCorps limits the number of terms an individual can serve to four terms. If an applicant has previously completed four GIP or other AmeriCorps positions, he/she will not be eligible to apply for an additional GIP position.

For more details: GIP flyer

GSA also invites you to look at the opportunities offered through the GeoCorps America program.

Sign up for the GIP E-News email list to get notices when positions are posted.

If you have questions about the GIP program, please e-mail Matt Dawson and Allison Kerns.