Community Programs Intern

To Apply: Email cover letter and resume to programs@parkconnection.org. Apply by March 1, 2026, with rolling applications accepted until the position is filled.

Mississippi Park Connection is seeking a Community Programs Intern to support outreach and public programming connected to the Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) experimental tree plots at Crosby Farm Regional Park. The intern will receive training from MPC, the National Park Service, the University of Minnesota, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

This position supports community engagement by introducing surrounding communities – including those identified as Environmental Justice 40 (EJ40) communities – to the ASCC project and to the larger river corridor. The role provides valuable experience for individuals interested in environmental education, interpretation, natural resources, and community-based outdoor programming.

In alignment with grant goals for this project, Mississippi Park Connection strongly encourages applications from individuals who live in or have a strong connection to Environmental Justice 40 communities.

POSITION SUMMARY

Job Title: Community Programs Intern
Location: MPC / National Park Service Office, Saint Paul, MN
Reports To: Community Outreach Specialist
Type: Seasonal, full-time
Salary: $25/hour
Anticipated term: May – August 2026 (Approximately 615 hours total. Training to begin late May. Full time work to begin June.) 
Benefits: Professional training, skill development, and additional benefits as applicable

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Training (30%)

• Attend NPS interpretation and education training sessions
• Become familiar with the National Park Service thematic interpretation model
• Complete “Tree Fellow” training at the University of Minnesota
• Complete MPC training for Crosby Tree Ambassadors
• Learn and practice delivery of an hour-long ASCC program

Stewardship (25%)

• Participate in Crosby Crew activities related to maintenance of ASCC plots
• Assist with crew leadership, including safety debriefs and project oversight
• Support stewardship events and help cultivate a culture of safety and shared purpose

Public Programs (45%)

• Support and staff MPC and NPS public programs as an MPC representative
• Assist with event setup and teardown, participant greeting, and on-site logistics
• Deliver ASCC tours and interpretive programs using engaging storytelling techniques
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, community-centered environment for visitors
• Promote safety and stewardship of park resources in all interactions
• Attend and contribute to pre-event planning meetings and post-event debriefs
• Support event communications, including marketing and logistics
• Adhere to MPC photography policies; images taken during programs are the property of MPC
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 18 years of age
• Must be able to reliably work in the Twin Cities metro area
• Background or interest in forest and natural resource management, environmental studies, education, interpretation, communications, or community-based work
• Interest in giving tours and engaging with community members
• Willingness to work some weekends and evenings
• Desire to help connect diverse community members – including those in EJ40 communities – to public lands
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and collaboration
• Valid U.S. driver’s license
• Ability to pass a background check if required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with, or personal connection to, Environmental Justice 40 communities
• Experience with public speaking, storytelling, or group facilitation
• Interest in community building and community outreach
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to lead groups with confidence and adaptability
• Problem-solving skills and comfort working outdoors in varied conditions
• Coursework or interest in ecology, forestry, or environmental science
• Passion for parks, outdoor recreation, and public lands Mississippi Park Connection is an Equal Opportunity Employer

MISSION

Mississippi Park Connection strengthens the enduring connection between people and the national park by stewarding the river and enriching the lives of all those who experience the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

ABOUT MPC

Mississippi Park Connection (MPC) is the official 501c3 nonprofit organization for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a unit of the national park system located in Minnesota’s Twin Cities metro area and managed by the National Park Service.

We support the national park by:

• providing funding for youth education, natural and cultural resources, interpretation, and public programs.
• co-managing programs to improve outcomes including Volunteers-in-Parks, Paddle Share, Plant for the Future, and Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change.
• supporting outreach and communication about the park through social media, the web, and inperson community programs.
• creating connections between the national park and people in its surrounding communities.

Mississippi Park Connection serves as a place-based nonprofit organization in the Twin Cities seeking to connect people to the outdoors through hands-on, meaningful experiences on public lands. We accomplish this through habitat restoration events, community and corporate volunteerism, affinity programs like BIPOC in the Outdoors, and public programs on the river and in the park. To learn more about Mississippi Park Connection, visit our website at parkconnection.org.

At Mississippi Park Connection, we recognize that our effectiveness is enhanced when equity and inclusiveness are practiced and protected throughout our organizational governance, operations, culture, and staffing. MPC is committed to building a diverse community that is inclusive of people from all backgrounds. MPC does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or veteran status.