Description
**Please note that this is a general interest announcement. This is not an announcement for a current opening. Do not apply to this announcement.**
Are you passionate about working outdoors but don't know where to start? Do you come from a marginalized background?
If so, the NPS Academy program could be the perfect fit for you!
About ACE and NPS Academy
American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities for young adults and emerging professionals of all backgrounds to explore and improve public lands while gaining practical professional experience.
ACE is the nonprofit partner for NPS Academy. The 2025 Academy cohort will be the 15th cohort of the National Park Service (NPS) Academy program. The NPS Academy aims to support the development of a more representative NPS workforce by connecting dynamic, young adults through an experiential program designed around three themes - Connections, Diversity, Legacy. Through participation, members build their conservation ethic, intercultural awareness, and career readiness skills and competencies. NPS Academy introduces participants to the NPS Universal Competencies that are foundational to all NPS career paths within a cohort of like minded peers.
NPS Academy Program Mission and Goals:
- Connect a diverse group of young adults sharing a passion and curiosity for careers within the NPS
- Deepen participants' knowledge of and personal network within the NPS by fostering an NPS mentorship relationships
- Develop a network of emerging conservation and park leaders by building ambassadorship, storytelling, and leadership skills
- Create a more inclusive and representative future for public lands
The two main parts of NPS Academy are the orientation and the summer position:
Orientation details:
- 1-week immersive orientation in Grand Teton National Park
- Food, lodging, and travel costs covered by ACE
- In-depth exploration of the National Park Service Universal Competencies
- Introductions to a broader National Park Service network
Summer position details:
- Individual placement for ~12-16 weeks at a National Park
- Weekly living allowance stipend
- Housing provided
- Eligibility for AmeriCorps Education Award ~$1,820
- PLC Hiring Authority eligible
- Travel relocation funds
- ACE and NPS mentorship
- Hands-on experience
Frequently Asked Questions
What parks did NPS Academy partner with in 2024?
- Acadia National Park - Maine
- Cabrillo National Monument - California
- Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming
- Glacier National Park - Montana
- Mount Rainier National Park - Washington
- Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado
- Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming
What type of positions are available?
The 2024 cohort had 20+ positions ranging from vegetation, wildlife, trails, social science, interpretation, fire effects research, visitor resource protection, and more.
What are the Basic Qualifications?
- Members must be US citizen or Permanent Resident, as required to comply with U.S. government contracts
- Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
- Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
- A current and valid form of ID or a valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
- Willing to undergo and must pass the required three-part criminal history check.
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
- To learn more about eligibility requirements, at www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
What is the timeline and time commitment?
2025 Academy Cohort Timeline:
- Interest Form: Open now until late fall 2024
- Position Applications Open: Late fall 2024
- Position Applications Close: Early January 2025
- Interviews Conducted: ~December 2024 through late January 2025
- Orientation: March 2024 in Grand Teton National Park
- Positions: ~May 2024 to 12 to 16 weeks from the start date
- The time commitment for NPS Academy is typically a 12-16 week minimum commitment for the summer position and participation in the orientation in March is required.
What are the benefits of NPS Academy?
Beyond getting to live and work in a beautiful park, NPS Academy strives to provide the candidate with an experience that will support them professionally and financially for the duration of the term.
Benefits include:
- Competitive Living Allowance: All NPS Academy positions are paid positions. The allowances are designed to prepare members for similar allowance structure at entry level positions at their service site.
- Housing Provided: NPS Academy members will be also accommodated in provided park service housing at no cost for the duration of the term. Housing arrangements vary by park site.
- Gear Discounts: Pro deals which include deep discounts on outdoor gear providing 30 - 50% off retail prices on hundreds of established outdoor gear brands.
- AmeriCorps Education Award: For AmeriCorps eligible positions, individuals will earn an Education Award upon successful completion of service hours.
- Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: With this eligibility you can apply for related governmental positions as if you were already "in" the system as a government employee.
If you'd like to learn more about what ACE and NPS academy offer, please visit: usaconservation.org website or usaconservation.org/nps-academy/
How to Apply
Excited to apply? Great! Applications for the 2025 NPS Academy cohort open late fall 2024 on usaconservation.org. We're looking forward to seeing your application then. And, in the meantime, we would love to connect with you!
If you are curious to learn more about NPS Academy please fill out our Academy interest form.
NPS Academy 2025 Cohort Interest Form: https://forms.gle/Xzezp7CnK17EmpzZ8
Submitting an interest form will allow you to:
- Connect with recruiters early
- Get a jumpstart on your application
- Be the first to know about upcoming Academy information, Q & A, and 1-on-1 sessions
- Know if you're eligible for Academy before submitting a full application
- Early access to Academy applications a week before they're released to the public
- Receive tips for a strong Academy application
While this interest form is not an application for a current opening, submitting a form will allow us to better guide you in the 2025 NPS Academy and ACE application process. When positions open in fall 2024, we will invite you to submit applications for the cohort.
If you have any questions regarding this NPS Academy please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Academy Member Manager, Deja Charles at dcharles@usaconservation.org. (Deja Charles is also an NPS Academy Alum!)
ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.
**Please note that this is a general interest announcement. This is not an announcement for a current opening. Do not apply to this announcement.**
