![]() NPS Photo / S. Singleton Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was established in 1970 to preserve its many outstanding natural features. The National Park Service protects the forests, beaches, dunes, and ancient glacial phenomena along 72 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline for the benefit and enjoyment of the public, to protect it from developments and uses that would destroy its aesthetic, scientific and recreational value. The Lakeshore's historic maritime and agricultural landscapes are of a size and quality that are unique on the Great Lakes and rare elsewhere on the U.S. coastline. Located only 25 miles from Traverse City, the Lakeshore is accessible year-round for all to enjoy. NPS Photo / T. Withers Winter Internship PositionsWinter Education and Interpretation Interns - 2026The National Lakeshore is hiring winter education interns for the early 2026 winter season. Chosen candidates will gain firsthand experience working alongside rangers. Duties include:
Winter internships are roughly three months long, with start dates in early January. Interns will typically work Monday-Friday or Tuesday-Saturday, from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Compensation includes a stipend of $42 per day, free government housing, and a volunteer uniform.
Email your application to slbe_education@nps.gov, or mail them to: ![]() NPS Photo Winter Natural Resources Interns - 2026The National Lakeshore is currently seeking winter interns for the early 2026 winter season. Chosen candidates will gain firsthand experience working alongside Park Service staff on forest health projects. Main duties consist of:
Interns will be provided training on pest and tree identification, navigation, map interpretation, software use, visitor communication, and equipment maintenance. Additional RequirementsInterns will be required to successfully complete a background investigation, including an FBI fingerprint check, prior to beginning their internship. Apply by November 11, 2025 to receive first consideration. In your application, please include:
Unofficial transcripts will be requested after initial materials are received. Summer Internship PositionsCultural Resource ManagementThese internships works directly with the park’s historical architect and not with a park partner group. Historic and Landscape Architect Interns Assist with documenting conditions of park historic architecture and cultural landscapes. Horticulturalist InternsIdentify heritage plant species for cultural landscape inventory.
Historic Preservation InternsAssist in preparing National Register Nominations for review. Interpretation InternsInterpretation Interns create and provide audience-centered experiences. Natural ResourcesPiping Plover & BARK Ranger Interns Piping Plover & BARK Ranger Interns help coordinate the BARK Ranger volunteer program. RequirementsAll internships require a working knowledge of cultural and/or natural resources management techniques. The work will require some physical exertion such as long periods of standing/walking outdoors over rough terrain and exposure to weather. You should have relevant course work and/or related field experience in your application for the following: Natural Resource Management: wildlife, vegetation, GIS, water quality management. Park Ranger (Interpretation): environmental and/or cultural history education principles/ techniques, and the ability to prepare and present interpretive programs to large groups. Fee collection / Interpretation / PSAR: knowledge /experience in backcountry & wilderness operations, Leave-No-Trace, and the ability to convey information and rules to visitors. Facility Management: engineering, architecture, construction trades, and facility maintenance operations. Cultural Resource Management: museum library or artifact inventory/handling, CAD, architecture, horticulture, historic preservation. Marketing/Social Media: professional management of multiple social media platforms, photography, writing, communication with visitors and interacting with partner organizations. Additional RequirementsInterns will be required to successfully complete a background investigation, including an FBI fingerprint check, prior to beginning their internship. Interns must possess a valid state driver’s license, pass an online defensive driving course and may be required to drive a government vehicle. If in a uniformed intern opportunity, uniform items will be issued and be required to be worn in accordance with established standards. BenefitsInterns will receive a $42.00 per day meal stipend, housing is provided. You will receive valuable hands-on experience to add to career resumes. Academic credit may be arranged with the intern’s school. Research topics or independent study projects will be agreed upon by the intern, the college advisor, and the NPS supervisor. All interns participate in orientation training classes. Orientation topics will vary depending on your position, but may include:
Housing and TransporationMainland StaffGovernment housing may be available for mainland staff. Housing is located in Empire, which has banks, restaurants, churches, gas station, medical care, and daycare. More extensive shopping, medical, and recreational opportunities are available within 30 miles. Mainland interns are responsible for their own transportation to work each day. Mainland interns may be assigned to work on the Manitou Islands for periods of time (up to 10 days). While on the islands, they may be assigned to camp or be in park housing. Camping equipment, except for backpacks and sleeping bags, will be provided. Island StaffGovernment housing is available for island staff. This housing is located on the Manitou Islands, which are approximately 7 miles offshore in Lake Michigan. No other facilities are on the islands. Island staff usually work 10 days on the islands and have four days off. Temporary housing is available on the mainland for island staff on their days off. This housing is remotely located, so interns should have their own transportation for shopping and other amenities. The park boat and the concession ferry provide access to and from the islands during the summer months. Island employees may ride the park boat or concession ferry at least once per month at no charge or more frequently on a space-available basis. Public TransportationPublic transportation to and from Traverse City is available via the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) on a regular basis. Please see their website for more specific information. How to ApplyTo apply for a summer internship, mail a hard copy of the following documents by March 1:
You can apply for multiple internships with one application package. In your cover letter, list the positions to which you wish to apply and specifically address how your knowledge skills and abilities relate to each. Mail applications to: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
For more information, visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore website or contact the volunteer coordinator. |
Last updated: July 18, 2025