+----------------------------+------------------+---+-------------------+
| National Park Service      | Badlands         |   | 25216 Ben Reifel  |
|                            | National Park    |   | Road              |
| U.S. Department of the     |                  |   |                   |
| Interior                   |                  |   | P.O. Box 6        |
|                            |                  |   |                   |
|                            |                  |   | Interior, SD      |
|                            |                  |   | 57750             |
|                            |                  |   |                   |
|                            |                  |   | 605/433-5361      |
|                            |                  |   |                   |
|                            |                  |   | 605/433-5248 fax  |
+----------------------------+------------------+---+-------------------+

![](media/image1.png){width="0.5597222222222222in"
height="0.7201388888888889in"}

Badlands National Park

Summer Naturalist Internship Opportunity

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  Use a "short-hand" version of the site name here (e.g. Palo Alto
  Battlefield not Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Site).

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**Badlands National Park** is seeking interns to spend 13 weeks
volunteering in the park as summer naturalists. Duties include preparing
and presenting walks, talks, PowerPoint presentations, and children's
programs to the visiting public on the natural and cultural resources of
Badlands National Park. Interns staff the visitor center information
desk and rove park trails and overlooks, providing information and
assistance to park visitors. Interns also complete a variety of writing
assignments and office projects, depending on summer needs.

**Starting Date:** 3^rd^ Sunday in May

**Ending Date:** 3^rd^ Saturday in August

**Due to training dates and summer staffing needs, the internship dates
are non-negotiable.**

**Successful applicants** must be willing to wear the volunteer uniform,
possess a valid state driver's license and a good driving record, be
comfortable with public speaking, and have completed at least one year
of college study.

**Benefits:** Although the positions are unpaid, interns receive free,
shared, in-park housing, park orientation and job training, some
reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses, networking with National Park
Service employees, and development of skills in the fields of
interpretation and rangering. Students desiring college credit for their
internships can be accommodated, if arrangements are made with their
academic institutions in advance. Interns accruing 500 hours of
volunteer service are eligible to receive an Interagency Volunteer Pass,
which covers the cardholder's entrance and amenity fees to National Park
Service and other participating federal agency sites for one year from
the issue date.

**How to Apply:** Email a current resume, contact information for three
professional/academic references, and a statement of interest (300 words
or less describing why you want to intern in Badlands National Park in
summer 2008) to
[**badl_internships@nps.gov**](mailto:badl_internships@nps.gov). You can
also mail the required information to: **Internship Coordinator;
Badlands National Park; 25216 Ben Reifel Road; P.O. Box 6; Interior, SD
57750**

**Expectations:** Interns work alongside permanent park rangers and
seasonal naturalists to provide services to 1.0 million visitors who
travel around the world to the largest national park in the Midwest --
Badlands National Park. Interns are scheduled to work 40 hours per week
throughout the park. Government vehicles are provided to travel to duty
locations. Personal vehicles are desirable for off duty days.

**About the Area:** Badlands National Park consists of 244,000 acres of
prairie and rugged formations in southwestern South Dakota. The park
contains some of the richest Oligocene fossil beds in the world, dating
25 to 37 million years old. Park wildlife includes bison, antelope,
prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and swift fox.

The park is considered by many to be quite remote -- 70 miles to the
closest airport -- with little or no TV or radio reception. Summer
weather is hot and dry with high winds and dramatic thunderstorms.

**Things to Consider:** Please keep in mind the following before
applying:

-   Housing is shared, so applicants should not expect to bring
    companions for the summer.

-   Pets are not allowed in government housing.

-   Smoking is not permitted in housing or work areas.

-   Interns must commit to 13 weeks without time off for trips or
    vacations, other than two days off per week.

-   Staff members are expected to work weekends and holidays. Schedules
    require staff to work 5 days per week with two consecutive days off.

-   Volunteering is the first work experience for 75% of National Park
    Service ranger-naturalists.

**More questions??** Feel free to contact the Volunteer Program
Coordinator -- Roberta Gorman via phone at (605) 433-5244 or email at
<roberta_gorman@nps.gov>.