College Internships

Interns in the Santa Monica Mountains learn many different aspects of park management and resource protection. This intern spends every other week checking pitfall traps to monitor the diversity of herp species throughout the park.

General Information

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers internship opportunities for both college and high school students. These positions are open to US citizens, permanent residents, or people with valid work permits, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or other type of Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Those without valid work permits may still qualify to join as volunteer (unpaid) interns.

College Students and Recent Graduates

College students gain experience using the information they have learned in the classroom, learn more about their field of study, and gain real world job experience working for a federal agency. Students may be currently enrolled or recent graduates (within last 4 years). Internships are usually 3-4 months. Some can be extended up to 6 months. Part time and full-time positions are available depending on internship. Some positions are weekday only, some may require weekend work. See the individual position descriptions for further information about days and length of time for that internship. Interns must have a valid driver's license and must have their own vehicle for their personal transportation to and from work. While at work, government vehicles may be available for intern use within the scope of their position. Knowledge of common computer programs (Word, Access or Excel) may be required for some positions. Stipends and/or housing may be available depending on the internship. Internship positions are open to US citizens, permanent residents, or people with valid work permits, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or other type of Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Those without valid work permits may still qualify to join as volunteer (unpaid) interns. Some intern positions will require fingerprint and background checks. Some intern positions will require fingerprint and background checks.

College Student Intern Position Descriptions:

(Internships marked as 'Closed' are not currently running, but may reopen in the future. 'Open' internships are active opportunities available for applications.)

• Mule Deer and Carnivore Ecology Intern - Closed
  
  Carnivore Biology Intern - Closed

• Community Liaison and Outreach Intern (Los Angeles) - Closed

• Cultural Resources Intern (Archeology, Ethnography/History) - Closed

• Education Intern - Closed

• Every Kid Outdoors Intern - Closed

• GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Intern - Closed

• Native Plant Restoration Internship - Open

• Native Plant Program Volunteer - Closed

• Park Ranger Intern (Interpreting Natural and Cultural Resources) - Closed

• Vegetation & Bat Inventory and Monitoring Intern - Applications accepted annually between early May to early June for an internship running February - June of the following year.

• Wildlife Biology Intern - Closed