The Pathways Program offers current students and recent graduates paid internships and streamlined hiring programs to explore federal career opportunities. Pathways consists of three excepted-service programs, the Internship Program, the Recent Graduates Program, and a reinvigorated Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program.
The National Park Service is one of the participating federal agencies of the Pathways Program. Find a brief overview below and visit the Office of Personnel Management’s website for more information.
Internship Program
The Pathways Internship Program offers current students enrolled in high school, college, trade school or other qualifying educational institutions paid opportunities to work with the National Park Service and explore careers while completing their education.
Search for current National Park Service job announcements for students on USAJOBS.
Recent Graduate Program
The Recent Graduate Program targets recent graduates of trade and vocational schools, community colleges, universities, and other qualifying educational institutions. Watch the Office of Personnel Management's video introduction to the program to learn more.
Search for current National Park Service job announcements for recent graduates on USAJOBS.
Presidential Management Fellows
This program is for recent graduates with an advanced degree—either a professional or graduate degree such as a master’s, Ph.D. or J.D. You may be eligible if you:
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have completed an advanced degree from a qualifying educational institution or program within the past two years.
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are a current graduate student and will complete all of your degree requirements (including dissertations) by the PMF application deadline.
For additional information on how to apply for the Presidential Management Fellows Program please visit the PMF website.
Additional Resources
National Park Service Contacts
For additional information, please contact the Pathways coordinator in your region:
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Region |
Coordinator Names and Emails |
|---|---|
|
Alaska Region |
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Intermountain Region |
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Midwest Region |
Charlene Pierson |
|
National Capital Region |
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Northeast Region |
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Pacific West Region |
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Southeast Region |
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Washington Office |
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| National Park Service Pathways Program Coordinator | Crystal Gailes |
Last updated: May 9, 2025