Internships
Overview
The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation's internship program will allow applicants to gain the experience needed to establish a career with N.C. State Parks. Interns will perform a variety of duties to get a feel for the positions to which they aspire. Each intern will keep a weekly journal of their experiences and discuss them biweekly with the Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator. Interns will study a plant or animal located at their park and complete an end-of-year presentation on their findings. If their seasonal work is in an office setting, they will present on their area of work. Interns will work on special projects with the Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, as well as meet with leaders in natural and cultural resources.
- Provide valuable learning experience for the interns
- Allow interns to manage a significant level of responsibility
- Enable interns to work approximately 40 hours per week
- Provide a structured "real-world" work experience
- Provide professional mentorship and network opportunities for young adults entering the workforce
- Introduce young adults to N.C. state parks-related career opportunities
- Bennett College
- Elizabeth City State University
- Fayetteville State University
- Johnson C. Smith University
- Livingstone College
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
- North Carolina Central University
- Saint Augustine's University
- Shaw University
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke (Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution)
- Winston-Salem State University
- North Carolina State University
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Western Carolina University
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Appalachian State University
Job Description
During their employment, interns will be expected to perform job duties from three different roles vital to the maintenance and operation of N.C. State Parks. Performing duties in each of these roles will ensure a well-rounded experience. Internships include weekend and holiday work, and many job duties require being outdoors. Interns should be prepared for exposure to varying weather and environmental conditions such as heat, rain, insects, and poison ivy.
Interns are expected to perform the following job duties as well as any additional tasks requested by their supervisor:
This role develops and conducts interpretive programs and provides visitor information and service. Duties for this role may include:
- Create and conduct educational projects center on our unique environment
- Learn and be able to identify the wide variety of flora, fauna, and geologic features found in the park
- Lead guided hikes on the park's beautiful trails while providing answers to any questions that visitors might have
- Work with maintenance-utility staff and rangers to maintain our extensive trail system
This role focuses on the maintenance and operation of a state park. Duties for this role may include:
- Assist in working concession stands
- Handling money
- Interacting with customers
- Managing inventory supplies
- Assist rangers in resource management projects
- Supervise volunteers
- Issue receipts or permits
- Close the park during the summer
- Requires working until 9 p.m.
This role focuses on a different aspect of state park maintenance and operation and includes groundskeeping and housekeeping work. In this role, interns may have frequent contact with the public and must be prepared to answer questions or assist visitors. Duties for this role may include:
- Drive a state-owned vehicle
- Clean public restrooms
- Pick up litter
- Use commercial lawn mowers, weed trimmers, hand tools, and other power equipment
- Environmental Technology
- Park Administration
Program Details
The N.C. State Parks Internship Program was created to give minority students a way to gain the experiences needed to start a career with N.C. State Parks. Interns in this program will learn the skills needed to work in a professional environment. Leadership, communication, and professional development skills will help these employees to establish sustainable careers with North Carolina State Parks.
Students will be assigned to various state parks across North Carolina. They will participate in meetings and workshops designed to broaden their perspective of public service and state government.
Essential components of the internship include professional development workshops, in which students gain knowledge and skills in resume building, business writing, and networking. Throughout the program experience, students will also work with executive and senior staff to develop important connections that can be utilized for future professional endeavors.
- Conduct themselves in a professional manner
- Dress according to agency and position standards
- Be timely with all required written communication
- Communicate regularly and effectively with their supervisor
- Complete all paperwork and timesheets in a timely manner
- Be friendly, courteous, and treat everyone in all circumstances with dignity and respect
- Do not engage in, or advertise, personal or other business while on duty
- Do not engage in duties that the intern has not been given clearance to perform
- Maintain confidentiality of participant and coworker information and data
Each intern will have to provide their own transportation to work each day and work at the state park assigned. Some state parks have barracks available and can be used by interns.
Barracks available at these parks:
- Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
- Fort Macon State Park
- Hammocks Beach State Park
- Hanging Rock State Park
- Jones Lake State Park
- Lake Norman State Park
- Morrow Mountain State Park
- Mount Mitchell State Park
- New River State Park
- William B. Umstead State Park
- Applicants must have graduated from high school and completed at least two years of a college degree program.
- An education background in environmental science, parks and recreation, biology, or other relevant majors
- Applicants must be willing and able to work full-time for the entire 10-week internship.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license.
- Applicants must be able to provide legal proof of identity and work authorization within 3 working days of employment.
For any questions about the internship program, please contact:
Rodney Lovett
Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
email: rodney.lovett@ncparks.gov
phone: 919-707-9374