Position Title: Park Intern – America 250 Commemoration Support
Location: Colonial National Historical Park, Yorktown, VA
Duration: 10 weeks, May 19 - July 26, 2026
Hours: Full-time (35-40 hours per week), Tuesdays - Saturdays, Sunday June 14, and
holidays as needed for special events.
Position Overview:
Join the National Park Service as a Park Intern and contribute to commemorating
America’s 250th anniversary. This interdisciplinary internship offers hands-on
experience across multiple park divisions, supporting the park’s mission to provide
excellence in service and stewardship while safeguarding cultural and natural
resources. Interns will serve in a cohort of 5 interns and engage in a plethora of
activities that combine interpretation, resource management, and visitor services.
Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this position it is ideal for a student early in
their academic career that may not fully know the direction they are planning. Work in
humanities, public history, the sciences, social sciences and technical education are
encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities:
- Visitor Engagement & Interpretation
- Speak with park visitors about the park’s many stories.
- Provide orientation services and assist with visitor inquiries.
- Outreach & Special Events
- Participate in offsite and onsite outreach activities.
- Support planning and execution of America 250 commemorative events.
- Cultural & Natural Resource Stewardship
- Assist with upkeep of natural landscapes and maintenance tasks.
- Conduct archeological fieldwork and historical research.
- Work with natural resource specialists on:
- Trail camera set up and monitoring
- Turtle and shoreline monitoring
- Forest restoration and ecological studies
- Collections management tasks including archives and material culture.
- Facilities and Maintenance Duties
- Perform both indoor and outdoor tasks requiring physical strength and endurance.
- Help prepare the park for special events and seasonal needs by using hand equipment, performing landscaping tasks, and setting up tents and tables.
- Participate in trail work including digging and placing suitable trail materials.
Qualifications:
- Interest in history, resources, natural sciences, or public engagement.
- Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Physical ability to perform outdoor tasks in varying weather conditions.
- Willingness to learn and adapt to different responsibilities.
- Previous experience in interpretation, research, or resource management is a plus, but not required.
Benefits:
- Gain professional experience with the National Park Service.
- Develop interdisciplinary skills in cultural and natural resource management.
- Opportunity to contribute to a nationally significant commemoration.
- Networking with park professionals and exposure to multiple career paths.
- Hands on learning and job training experience.
- Mentorship for career and professional development.
- Weekly living allowance ($680 per week).
- Housing stipend provided.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit:
- A resume highlighting relevant experience and skills.
- A brief statement of interest explaining why you want to participate in the program.
- Contact information for two references.
