Internship Opportunities

 
A young female of color, in a polo shirt is holding a small snake, outdoors. She is smiling at the camera. Trees and grass surround her.
Intern holding an Alameda whipsnake while assisting biologists with herpetology surveys.

NPS photo

Internship Opportunities at John Muir National Historic Site

Are you passionate about nature, history, and making a difference? Interning at John Muir National Historic Site offers hands-on experience, valuable skill development, and the chance to contribute to the legacy of one of America’s greatest naturalists. Whether your interests lie in resource management, education, or community outreach, our dynamic programs provide opportunities to grow and make an impact.

Why Intern with Us?

Our internships combine the best of history and the outdoors, offering:

  • Skill Building: Learn from National Park Service professionals in areas like education, conservation, and park operations.
  • Career Development: Gain hands-on training for careers in public service, environmental stewardship, and more.
  • Teamwork: Collaborate with staff and interns on meaningful projects that protect resources and inspire communities.
  • Making a Difference: Share John Muir’s story and help connect others to the importance of conservation.

Internship Details

  • Eligibility: Open to youth and young adults aged 16–30, depending on the program.
  • Community Focus: Local applicants are encouraged to apply.
  • Housing: On-site housing, including RV or camping spaces, is not available.

What You’ll Gain

An internship here is more than a job—it’s an unforgettable experience:

  • Compensation: Paid living allowances (varies by position).
  • Training: Hands-on experience in park operations, education, and conservation.
  • Networking: Connect with professionals in the National Park Service and related fields.
  • Federal Job Advantage: Earn Public Land Corps Hiring Authority upon program completion, giving you an edge in federal job applications.
 
Young woman in full gear using a weed whacker on Mt. Wanda
Intern utilizing a weed trimmer to eradicate invasive plant species at the summit of Mt. Wanda.

NPS photo.

Join Our Team: Explore Internship Opportunities

Are you ready to turn your passion for nature and history into a meaningful experience? Internships at John Muir National Historic Site offer an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience, learn from professionals in the field, and contribute to the protection and preservation of this iconic site.

Browse the current opportunities below and take the first step toward a rewarding experience at John Muir National Historic Site!


Interpretation and Education Interns

Join our team as an Interpretation and Education Intern and play a vital role in connecting visitors to the stories and legacy of John Muir. This dynamic opportunity allows you to engage with diverse audiences while developing skills in communication, education, and public service.

  • Lead Interpretive Programs: Conduct engaging presentations and programs for visitors, including tailored activities for school groups.
  • Foster Outreach and Education: Support efforts to expand the park’s reach, sharing the significance of John Muir’s legacy with the community.
  • Enhance Visitor Experiences: Assist with day-to-day operations of the Visitor Center, ensuring an inviting and educational environment for all guests.

Youth Programs Internships

Inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and community leaders through outreach, education, and engagement. As a Youth Programs Intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Facilitating youth outreach programs that connect young people to the natural and cultural heritage of John Muir National Historic Site.
  • Supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of youth and community events.
  • Mentoring participants to encourage career exploration and environmental stewardship.
  • Collaborating with park partners to achieve engagement goals and expand program accessibility.
  • Providing logistical support, such as managing schedules, resources, and event communications.

Historic Landscape Preservation Interns

There are currently no positions available
  • Contribute to Cultural (historic) Landscape care, preservation, and maintenance.
  • Understand Cultural Landscape Reports that guide historic landscape work.
  • Learn hands-on landscape skills such as pruning, plant selection, and pest management.

Natural Resource Management Interns

There are currently no positions available.

  • Provide assistance in park resources management projects, including: biological inventory and monitoring, invasive plant control, native plant restoration and data collection and management.

Museum Management Interns

  • Assist with curatorial and collections management tasks: accessioning, deaccessioning, cataloging, labeling, and rehousing museum objects
  • Help curators with annual inventories
  • Perform routine and annual housekeeping duties in exhibit and storage spaces
  • Research and develop content for exhibits and web-based platforms

Phenology Interns (High School Only)

  • Work in a team environment to collect data on plant phenology, applying basic biology concepts and methods in a field setting.

Youth Conservation Corps Crew Leader (no positions for 2025)

  • Supervise YCC crew members, facilitate worksite projects, and manage crew work schedules.
  • Train and supervise crew members in the safe and proper use of tools and in all aspects of the daily service project, which may include invasive weed management, site restoration, and historic preservation work.
  • Plan and conduct environmental education lessons and facilitate team-building activities.
 
Internship Timeline
Position Recruitment Start Dates Duration Hours per week
Interpretation & Education Year-round Year-round 16 - 36 weeks 40
Youth Programs Year-round Year-round 16 weeks 20-24
Historic Landscape Preservation Fall/Winter January - March 36 weeks 40
Natural Resource Management Fall/Winter January - April 16 - 45 weeks 20-24
Museum Management Year-round Year-round 16 - 32 weeks 16
Phenology Year-round Year-round 12 weeks (can be extended) 2
Youth Conservation Corps Crew Leader Fall/Winter May 12 weeks 40
 

Park Partners

Each year, John Muir National Historic Site partners with various organizations to offer unique internship programs. These organizations also provide internship opportunities in many other parks across the country.

American Conservation Experience

EPIC National Park Service Program - ACE

Greening Youth Foundation

Home - Greening Youth Foundation

Enterprise for Youth

Enterprise for Youth

Youth Conservation Corps

Youth Conservation Corps Opportunities - Youth & Young Adult Programs

Other Local Opportunities

Connect With Us:

Questions or comments about internships:
Email Us!

 

Last updated: April 2, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

4202 Alhambra Ave
Martinez, CA 94553

Phone:

925 228-8860

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