National Parks Service Structural Fire Protection Individual Placement

Job Description

Position Title: National Park Service Structural Fire Protection Internship

Position Summary 

The National Park Service (NPS) Structural Fire Protection Internship provides students enrolled in fire protection engineering, fire administration, or fire investigation degree programs an opportunity to gain practical work experience that will augment academic training related to the duties of a fire protection technician. Interns will support efforts to establish and maintain an effective park structural fire prevention and protection program, reducing the risks of death, injury, property loss, and damage to historic collections from the effects of structure fires. Positions are located at NPS sites across the United States.

Schedule 

May 17, 2026 - July 25, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Interns will not be performing wildland or structural firefighting activities.

As a NPS Structural Fire Protection Individual Placement, you may be responsible for the following duties, which can vary by park location:

• Perform annual fire and life safety building inspections.
• Develop or update evacuation plans for park buildings.
• Assist with the development of inspection, testing, and maintenance plans for fire protection systems.
• Conduct training classes on portable fire extinguishers.
• Perform monthly portable fire extinguisher checks and establish a tracking program for extinguishers throughout parks.
• Establish a fire hydrant inspection and flow test program.
• Establish a hot work permit program.
• Revise a park's structural fire management plan (SFMP).
• Assess the fire protection of a historic building and make recommendations for protecting the building from structure fire better in the future.
• Review plans for new construction and provide feedback to the Regional Structural Fire Marshal (RSFM).

Additional tasks will be specific to each work site.

More information about this internship opportunity can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/articles/structural-fire-protection-internships.htm

More information about the NPS Structural Fire Program can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1231/index.htm

Required Qualifications 

Applicants are U.S. citizens seeking a four-year degree in the following degree programs: fire protection engineering, fire protection administration, fire services administration, or fire investigation degree programs. A driver’s license is required to drive government vehicles. A background investigation will be required to gain access to government computer systems. A personal vehicle is needed to travel to and from work and travel to town for amenities, such as groceries. Most parks do not have public transportation available. Applicants should have good communication skills (oral and written) and be able to work as a member of a team.

Marginal Duties 

As determined by Position Supervisor On site

Preferred Qualifications 

Preferred applicants have completed their junior year of college and have obtained knowledge of fire protection systems, building construction, and fire codes and standards.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Depending on the National Park Service site, housing may be provided in a shared apartment, shared house, dormitory, or remote cabin.

Compensation  

$650 - Roundtrip travel allowance

$467 - weekly living allowance

Housing provided by the site. Depending on the National Park Service site, housing may be provided in a shared apartment, shared house, dormitory, or remote cabin.

*All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

A personal vehicle is needed to travel to and from work and travel to town for amenities, such as groceries. Most parks do not have public transportation available.

Additional Benefits 

AmeriCorps: May be eligible, but subject to award availability

Equal Opportunity Statement 

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. 

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.