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Summer 2021 National Park Service Business Plan Internship (BPI)

Purposeful Growth Institute
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Organization Description

Inspiring Capital is a proud partner of the National Park Service, read about the organization here: 

The National Park Service (NPS) is an agency of the United States federal government that manages all U.S. national parks, many American national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties with various title designations. It was created on August 25, 1916, by Congress through the National Park Service Organic Act and is an agency of the United States Department of the Interior. The NPS is charged with a dual role of preserving the ecological and historical integrity of the places entrusted to its management while also making them available and accessible for public use and enjoyment.
 
Main Job Posting

Want to make a lasting impact this summer? Consider using your skills and expertise to help America’s National Parks continue to thrive through the highly-selective summer Business Plan Internship (BPI).

The National Parks BPI program is open to graduate students who are currently enrolled in business, public policy, environmental management, public administration, and related programs.

Selected candidates bring their world-class finance, operations, and strategy talent into some of the most beautiful backdrops and culturally significant sites in the world. Each project’s focus varies depending upon park needs, and at the end of the program BPI Consultants present their analysis and strategic recommendations to park leadership. Recent projects have included improving park financial sustainability through innovative commercial service offerings and increasing visitor safety by optimizing Visitor & Resource Protection staff allocation through predictive analytics. Successful BPI consultants who meet the qualifications for federal employment will become eligible for direct hire into positions within the NPS after they graduate.

In 2020, the BPI program adapted to COVID-19 by holding a virtual training session to onboard the consultants. Most consultants were then able to spend a full ten weeks at their project site, though with a higher reliance on virtual and off-site meetings. Those unable to travel to more remote parks that were unable to support them were housed near regional offices where they could meet important project stakeholders and receive programmatic support. In 2021, we anticipate on returning to normal operations with an on-site training at Olympic National Park, but, if necessary, we will continue to adaptively manage to respond to fluid public health circumstances to ensure a safe and successful summer.

Who We Are Looking For

Candidates should have strong analytical and project management skills, an interest in consulting, strategic planning, and public sector management, and the desire to contribute to the future of our national parks by improving the parks’ operational and financial health.

Candidates should also be prepared to demonstrate:

  • Excellent time/project management and analytical skills
  • Superb oral and written communication skills
  • Strong presentation and interpersonal skills
  • Flexible and collaborative work style
  • Enthusiasm for working in diverse (and potentially remote) project sites

Additional requirements

  • Minimum of two years of full-time (i.e., non-internship) professional work experience
  • Full-time graduate student at time of application
  • Have at least one year of their graduate program left to complete
  • Availability for all program dates (June 5 – August 20, 2021)
  • US citizen or permanent resident
  • Valid US driver’s license; many projects will require driving to field sites
  • Understanding of and commitment to the mission of the National Park Service: “The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world”

Additional Details & Qualifications

Dates: 11-week internship program. Saturday, June 5 to Friday, August 20, 2021, beginning with a rigorous week-long NPS orientation onsite at Olympic National Park in Washington.

Application deadline: December 18th, 2020

Compensation: BPI participants receive a weekly stipend of $775.*

The BPI program covers transportation to training at the start of the program, meals during training, travel to the project site assignment, and travel from the project site to the consultant’s school or home at the end of the summer. Summer consultants are also reimbursed for any other work-related travel.

Each project site provides housing, work computers, and office space. Access to a shared vehicle for work related use is typically included. Please note that summer consultants are responsible for providing their own transportation between their housing and work locations (as well as for personal adventuring).

*Many schools offer students additional funding for accepting socially or environmentally focused summer internships. Check with your career services office for more information*

How to apply

 
Additional Opportunities
 
Watch the Informational Webinar
Informational Webinar on YouTube on all the logistics of the Summer 2021 NPS BPI program- https://youtu.be/9oZP8A0IhIg
 
Dive into the website
Learn more about the program by visiting our Inspiring Capital NPS BPI Fellowship page at https://www.inspiringcapital.ly/fellowship/national-parks/ 

Attend a Live Webinar
Additionally, gain even more color and hear from program alumni by attending one (or more) of the live Fall 2020 Content Webinars: