Midwest Region Planning Fellow (DHA) – ONSITE – Midwest Regional Office Planning and Compliance

Start/End Dates: May 19, 2025 – August 9, 2025 (12 weeks)
Compensation: $768 per week
Medical Insurance: Not provided
Application Deadline: February 7, 2025

The Latino Heritage Internship Program seeks to engage ethnically and racially diverse young professionals in natural resource careers.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
• Must be a student at an accredited college with a graduation date after the internship end date.

Note: A personal vehicle is not required for this position.

Position Description: 

The Park Planning Fellow will join a cohort of interns supporting the national Park Planning and Special Studies (PPSS) Program, regional park planning programs, and various parks with dedicated planning teams. This exceptional opportunity offers the Park Planning Fellow an in-depth understanding and hands-on involvement in the National Park Service’s (NPS) efforts to design and plan the future of national park units. In addition to working alongside peers, the fellow will collaborate with a professional community of NPS planners. The fellow will gain knowledge and contribute to addressing key issues within the NPS, particularly through a focused exploration of newly established general management planning guidance. General management planning, rooted in the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 and articulated in NPS Management Policies 2.2, sets the long-term goals for park management.

The National Park Planning and Special Studies (PPSS) Program, based in Washington, DC, along with regional park planning programs, provides guidance and assistance to park units across the national park system. These programs offer:

• Leadership, oversight, and guidance to the NPS park planning community.
• Technical support in preparing planning documents that outline desired futures for park resource protection, visitor services, and facilities.
• Support for special resource studies for areas under consideration for potential inclusion in the national park system.

The fellow will support the Midwest Regional Office, working with Interior Regions 3, 4, and 5.

The Park Planning Fellow will contribute to national, regional, and park planning projects. These initiatives aim to improve park infrastructure, expand visitor access and opportunities, evaluate potential new park sites as authorized by Congress, and engage local communities and organizations in planning processes. The fellow’s role will involve fostering strong relationships through park planning efforts, collaborating with various disciplines, stakeholders, and the public.

Specific responsibilities include supporting the Niobrara River Comprehensive River Management Plan and the North Country National Scenic Trail Protection Plan. During the fellow’s tenure, these planning processes will include civic engagement periods. The fellow will assist the regional office liaison and project manager in designing and implementing thoughtful and inclusive civic engagement strategies that empower stakeholders and partners. This work includes developing communication strategies to generate relevant input for the planning process.

The fellow will be supported by the regional planning and compliance team and will work closely with the regional public affairs specialist. This position is designed to foster interest in potential career opportunities within NPS Planning, with a focus on hiring candidates eligible for Direct Hire Authority (DHA).

Responsibilities:

• Highly organized.
• Ability to actively listen.
• Willingness to ask questions.
• Critical thinking skills.

Qualifications:

• Educational backgrounds may include, but are not limited to: Urban and Regional Planning, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, History, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, Landscape Architecture, or Public Administration.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively as part of a larger team.
• Confidence in conducting literature reviews and carrying out independent research.
• Previous experience with hands-on efforts to support conservation and recreation planning.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with some experience in graphic design and GIS/Google Earth mapping.
• Knowledge of planning, landscape architecture, and recreation management.
• Ability to balance multiple projects at varying levels of complexity.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrable interest in topics such as parks, landscape design, outdoor recreation, conservation, urban planning, and public or youth engagement.
• Capability to travel and work independently, demonstrating initiative.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively by phone and email.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Interns in this program will receive 480 hours toward Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) eligibility. See below for more information about DHA.

Direct Hire Authority (DHA)
Direct Hire Authority (DHA) at the successful conclusion of their internship. DHA status enables an agency to hire, after public notice is given, any qualified applicant. A DHA expedites hiring by eliminating competitive rating and ranking, veterans’ preference, and “rule of three” procedures. For more information, please click HERE.

EEO Statement

Environment for the Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.