Park Guide Internship

This internship is offered in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy and the National Park Service at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. 

Wild Rivers Conservancy is recruiting applicants for up to four Park Guide internships at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (Riverway) during the summer of 2026. Positions will be temporary, full-time, with a minimum of 10 weeks, beginning May 28, 2026, through mid-August. 

The Riverway is one of the nation’s first wild and scenic rivers. It is a National Park consisting of 255 river miles that flow through some of the most scenic and least developed country in the Upper Midwest. Learn more at: www.nps.gov/sacn 

Wild Rivers Conservancy is a nonprofit organization that works to inspire stewardship to forever ensure the rare ecological integrity of the St. Croix and Namekagon Riverway. 

Learn more at: www.wildriversconservancy.org  

Position Summary 

The Park Guide Internship positions are within St. Croix National Scenic Riverway’s Division of Communication and Education and are supervised by the district interpretive rangers. They provide students with practical work experience in visitor services and interpretation in a national park. Interns will work with park rangers to create opportunities for park visitors to understand the significance of the Riverway and its resources. 

Through this internship, interns will gain an understanding and appreciation for the role interpretive park staff play in connecting visitors to National Parks on a personal and emotional level. They will learn to effectively communicate with the public in a variety of settings and lead educational programs for children of all ages. They will also have opportunities to work with other programs and divisions within the park and with non-profit groups to understand the variety of roles involved in the operation of a national park. 

Core Functions 

• Research and present pre-developed thematic programs, especially Junior Ranger programs, short pop-up programs, and curriculum-based education programs to educate park visitors and students about the Riverway
• Learn the National Park Service interpretive methodology and develop at least one new program
• Contact visitors and conduct informal programs at park landings, along trails, on the river in kayaks, and at community events such as festivals and parades
• Staff the information desks in park visitor centers, including handling in-person and phone contacts

○ Perform operational tasks such as assisting with opening and closing procedures, starting park films, tracking visitor center statistics, selling bookstore items, and answering visitor questions. 

○ Complete behind-the-scenes tasks such as cleaning and organizing. 

○ Issue camping permits and take picnic shelter reservations 

• Visit landings and trailheads to stock information and post notices
• Shadow work in other divisions to learn the broader operations within National Parks as well as the non-profit world through the Conservancy.
• Conduct all on-the-job activities safely and contribute to a safe work environment
• Contribute positively to the team environment

Qualifications 

• Must be a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States
• College student with coursework in communication; education; resource interpretation; outdoor recreation; park/recreation management; natural, physical, or cultural sciences or management
• General knowledge of the National Park Service or St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is helpful.
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team, be detail-oriented and organized, and follow oral and written directions
• Has experience working with and presenting information to children.
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Basic computer familiarity
• A valid state driver’s license is required
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds independently, and up to 50 pounds with assistance
• Ability to provide information and safety messages to visitors

Work Site and Conditions 

• Intern will be based at either the St. Croix River Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, or the Namekagon River Visitor Center in Trego, Wisconsin
• Work in the field is required and will involve some physical activity, including walking, standing for long periods, and paddling a kayak or canoe at a variety of park locations
• Driving throughout the St. Croix River watershed may be necessary to accommodate for various programs and events
• The internship will run from May 28th through mid-August 2026
• An internship of a minimum of 10 weeks is preferred. Flexibility in the length of the internship is negotiable, but the intern must begin on May 28th, 2026
• Weekend, holiday, and some evening work are required
• A fingerprint and background check are required

Benefits 

• Food and expense allowance of $500 per month.
• Housing is provided for the duration of the internship for those coming from outside the area
• Training in formal and informal interpretation, kayak skills, and CPR/First Aid.
• Up to $1500 for college credits/tuition is provided to the school in which the student is enrolled
• With 250 hours worked, you will receive a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass that provides access to more than 2,000 recreation areas managed by five Federal agencies (valid for 12 months after issue)