Sonoran Desert Network Welcomes International Volunteers in Parks

Saguaros at sunset, Saguaro National Park.

Come work for the National Park Service’s premier science program in Tucson, Arizona—while gaining valuable skills and memories to last a lifetime! The Sonoran Desert Network (SODN) conducts long-term monitoring of key natural resources in 11 national parks. SODN parks contain rich natural and cultural resources unique to this region of the American Southwest. International Volunteers in Parks (IVIPs) are an important part of SODN’s operations. Over the past several years, the network has hosted IVIPs from Australia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Scotland, and Slovakia. Several interns from other places, like China and South America, have worked remotely for us as well. Read about IVIP experiences.

Skills/interests desired

• Botany
• Plant taxonomy
• Soils and geology
• Water resources
• Wildlife
• Environmental DNA
• Natural resources studies
• Field data collection
• Hiking and backpacking

Who should apply?

Ideal candidates include enthusiastic individuals who are interested in getting lots of excellent fieldwork experience while learning about ecosystems in southwestern parks. Previous experience in botany, plant taxonomy, soils and geology, water resources, or wildlife are preferred, but basic training on identification and taxonomy of common local species will be provided.

How long is the internship?

We offer internships each year, ranging in length from 21 to 52 weeks. Six-month internships typically will align with our field seasons. Positions lasting longer than six months can have flexible start dates.

What would I be doing?

Our internships combine training, practical experience, and opportunities for professional development through mentored personal projects. We conduct inventory and long-term monitoring science using established protocols. Our work is conducted on national parks in the southwestern United States. The data we collect over time are used to quantify changes in park resources. This information helps park managers make informed decisions about management actions on parks.

Depending on the project, interns may work in the field, in the office, or both. In addition to completing an independent project, interns will work with inventory and monitoring scientists and crews on a variety of monitoring protocols, such as vegetation and soils, water resources, terrestrial mammals, and aquatic animals.

IVIPs do a variety of field work for the Sonoran Desert Network.

What are the working conditions like?

These positions offer unique opportunities for immersion in the national parks. Vegetation monitoring fieldwork involves daily hiking into the backcountry (off-trail) to remote sites, carrying backpacks with survey equipment and personal gear up to ~25 lbs (11 kg), and working in hot temperatures with little shade. Hiking can be over difficult terrain, often taking over an hour to reach sites, so this work is best suited to those with hiking experience and a love of the rugged outdoors. Water resources, terrestrial mammal, and aquatic animal work can involve remote site work or day trips in a variety of weather conditions. Other opportunities may involve mostly office work with occasional trips to parks. Trips to parks can be anywhere from one to 8 or more days, and are typically 10-hour workdays. Interns are expected to provide their own suitable clothing and hiking boots, while we provide field gear such as backpacks, tents, sleeping bags/pads, compass, first aid kits, and all camp cooking gear.

Interns live and work at the Desert Research Learning Center (DRLC), located in Tucson, adjacent to Saguaro National Park. The DRLC provides comfortable, shared spaces for completing office tasks, such as data management. Living space for interns, provided free of charge as part of the internship, consists of a furnished private bedroom, with shared bathroom and kitchen spaces and a washer/dryer on site.

How do I apply?

International candidates should refer to the NPS International Volunteers webpage for details on IVIP applications, requirements for international visas, and monetary considerations.

In your application, please include details about your academic and professional experiences working in the outdoors while collecting data, camping, and backpacking . If you have any questions about working with the Sonoran Desert Network before you apply, please contact the staff at the Sonoran Desert Network.