NPS Special Use Permit Program Modernization

Clarification from the agency

Open to students currently accepted for enrollment, seeking a diploma/degree in junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution (at least one academic year above high school) on a full or half-time basis as defined by the educational institution.

Location: Remote (100% work from home)
Work Schedule and Flexibilities: 20 hours per week; Duration up to 120 Days (January-April)
Number of Positions: 1
Term: Spring 2027 (90 day minimum term between mid-January and mid-June)

This vacancy will be open until Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at 11:59pm ET or until 50 applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages.

Primary Responsibilities
The participant will assist with the development, review, and refinement of Special Use Program policy and training materials. Work will include supporting the Phase I and Phase II policy rewrite; reviewing existing guidance, procedures, and related materials; identifying areas where clarification, standardization, or additional guidance is needed; and helping translate policy into practical tools that can be used by park employees to support improving public facing understanding and support of Special Use programs at the Park level.

The participant will also support the continued redevelopment of program training. This work may include developing or revising lesson content, job aids, scenarios, templates, reference materials, and other products designed to improve consistency and reduce operational risk. Particular attention will be given to issues affecting public safety and law enforcement personnel, where clear procedures and practical guidance can help reduce exposure and improve decision-making especially when faced with Constitutional decisions.

A significant component will involve supporting progress on Corrective Action Plan findings. The participant may assist with tracking action items, organizing supporting documentation, drafting materials tied to identified corrective actions, and helping move outstanding items toward completion.

The participant may be asked to support and produce the development, revision, and implementation of Special Use Program policy, training, and program resources. Work may include drafting, editing, and formatting policy documents and instructional materials; reviewing existing materials for consistency, clarity, and usability; identifying gaps, redundancies, and areas requiring additional explanation or standardization; developing case studies and realistic permit scenarios; creating templates, checklists, decision tools, quick-reference guides, and job aids; organizing and documenting feedback from parks, regions, program offices, law enforcement, public safety personnel, and other stakeholders; and assisting with testing, piloting, and refining materials based on user feedback, assisting with SharePoint and Microsoft Teams resources, and creating web-ready program content.

The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program, as authorized under 5 U.S.C §31114 and 5 CFR Part 3085, enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration. These assignments are designed to align with each agency's strategic priorities, offering participants practical experience within Federal operations while supporting the advancement of targeted initiatives.

Conditions of employment

Conditions of employment
To participate in this Program:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S National studying in the U.S. or abroad
• Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited college, university, or other accredited educational institution (at least undergraduate or above) throughout the 90 day Semester of Service opportunity. Students graduating before May 1, 2027 are not eligible. Selectees will be responsible for contacting a school official to sign a Semester of Service approval form indicating you are currently enrolled at least half-time and in good academic standing.
• Qualifying educational institutions must be located within the United States.
• Be in good academic standing as defined by your institution.
• Commit to volunteering 8 - 20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days.
• Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Department of the Interior and your academic institution.
• Agree to volunteer. This position is unpaid. No compensation, stipends, or hiring preference will be granted from this work. You may use this volunteer experience to qualify for future jobs you choose to apply for.
• Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees.
• Not be a current federal employee. Current federal employees can reach out to the contact below to inquire about job detail opportunities.

Qualifications

You will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs. Specifically, applicants should have:

• Completed one full year of associate's or undergraduate education
• Strong writing, research, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Experience or interest in public administration, policy, risk management, pre law/law, emergency management, recreation management, or natural and cultural resource management would be beneficial.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application will be evaluated by Department of Interior personnel to determine your eligibility for the position and your application will be forwarded to the project manager for review.

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package by 10/29/2026 which includes:

1. Your resume (two or fewer pages). Note: Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Your resume MUST include:
   • Your experience including start and end dates.
   • Education information, such as the name of your school and dates of attendance.
   • Any knowledge, skills or abilities you've gained through education that relate to the project.
2. Proof of current enrollment not less than half-time in a college, university, or other accredited educational institution. Transcripts or a certificate of enrollment are preferred.

Next steps