Environment for the Americas

Start/End Dates: May 25th, 2026 – October 5th, 2026 (20 weeks)
Compensation: $688 per week
Medical Insurance: Not Provided
Application Due: March 1st, 2026

The Latino Heritage Internship Program seeks to engage young professionals in natural resource and cultural heritage careers. Applicants must meet the following additional requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Be between the ages of 18–30, or up to 35 if a veteran
• Be willing to undergo a background check upon hiring
• Have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record
  

Note: A personal vehicle is not required for this position.

Position Description

The LHIP intern will serve as a key member of Mount Rainier National Park’s frontline interpretive team. The intern will develop and present thematic interpretive programs, staff high-visitation visitor centers, and provide informal interpretation throughout park trails, campgrounds, and public-use areas. This role offers extensive training, mentoring, and hands-on experience delivering educational programming that supports visitor safety, resource stewardship, and meaningful engagement with the park.The internship includes over 80 hours of combined classroom, virtual, and on-the-job training in interpretive skills, customer service, park orientation, and natural and cultural resource knowledge. The intern will shadow experienced staff, receive ongoing coaching, and help expand the park’s relevancy, diversity, and inclusion through interpretive programs, roving contacts, and contributions to media and outreach efforts. The intern will also gain exposure to National Park Service operations, career pathways, and professional development resources—including resume building, hiring guidance, and opportunities to learn from various park divisions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and present at least two professional thematic interpretive programs—such as guided walks, ranger talks, Junior Ranger programs, or evening programs—on topics related to natural or cultural resources, climate change, night sky preservation, or other park themes.
• Deliver formal programs at campgrounds, visitor centers, historic structures, and trailheads for audiences ranging from small groups to 100+ visitors.
• Staff visitor center information desks, providing orientation, education, safety messaging, and general assistance.
• Support special events, ranger programs, and educational activities as needed.
• Provide informal interpretation during roving assignments on trails, in picnic areas, and at fixed stations.
• Contribute to park publications, social media, and educational materials, depending on skills and interest.
• Participate in at least 40 hours of formal interpretive training and 40 hours of on-the-job training.
• Shadow experienced staff and receive ongoing mentoring and coaching throughout the season.
• Incorporate personal and professional experiences to enhance relevancy, inclusivity, and connection with diverse visitors.
• Engage with visitors to promote stewardship, resource understanding, and safe recreation.
• Explore different work groups within the park and learn about NPS careers, hiring processes, resume preparation, and job application standards.

Qualifications

• Upper-level college coursework in natural or cultural resources, archaeology, paleontology, history, ecology, geology, wildlife biology, botany, climate science, environmental studies, or related disciplines (recommended).
• Strong public speaking skills and a desire to engage with the public, including children.
• Proficiency with computers and basic office equipment.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Experience or interest in hiking, outdoor recreation, and working in natural settings.
• Spanish language fluency is beneficial but not required.
• Ability to pass a government security background check.
• Valid driver’s license required; personal vehicle recommended but not required.
• Ability to work in a team, adapt to changing situations, and maintain a positive and professional demeanor.

Interns in this program will receive 640 hours towards Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority. See below on information about:

Public Land Corps Non-Competitive Hiring Authority (PLC)
The Public Land Corps Non-Competitive Hiring Authority is a special hiring authority available to qualifying interns. The intern must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old, inclusive, or a veteran up to age 35 and complete 640 hours of work on an appropriate conservation project to be eligible for this hiring authority. Upon successful completion of the PLC project(s), the intern is eligible for two years to be hired non-competitively into a federal seasonal, term, or permanent position. The applicant must apply to a PLC-eligible position advertised on USAJobs.gov and selected off a non-competitive certificate of eligibility. For more information, see DOI Personnel Bulletins 11-02 , 12-13, and 17-03.

EEO Statement

Environment for the Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employmentand prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.