Business Plan Internship

The National Park Service (NPS) Business Plan Internship (BPI) is an SCA/NPS partnership to promote the long-term health of our national parks through improved financial planning and management tools. BPI sends graduate students from top academic programs to US national parks for 10-week internships.

Position Description

We are looking for students currently enrolled in graduate programs in business, public policy, environmental management, public administration, and related fields.

The ten-week program begins the June 6th with a week-long orientation session in a national park and ends August 15th. Consultant attendance at training is mandatory.

Over the course of the summer, teams of consultants will interview park staff and review budgets and other relevant documents in order to:

• Analyze the park’s programs and operations
• Determine how park resources are applied to core versus non-core activities
• Identify standards of operation for each program
• Document current sources and uses of funds
• Quantify future funding requirements
• Identify gaps between park needs and current funding
• Develop financial and management strategies for addressing funding shortfalls
• Perform ancillary analysis to support the business plan

At the end of the summer the teams of consultants will present a report of their findings to park management. A business plan, based on a template developed specifically for the BPI, is the forum for these findings. Each consultant will report directly to their park’s superintendent, with oversight provided by NPS staff in Washington, D.C. who will provide program leadership, offer technical guidance, and ensure consistency of the analysis. Additionally, SCA staff in Arlington, Virginia will be available to the consultants for logistical support.

Sample Business Plans

BPI has sent summer consultants to over 90 parks in the past 10 years.  Here are a few examples of the business plans that have been produced.

• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Fiscal Year 2005
• Channel Islands National Park, Fiscal Year 2004
• Independence National Historic Park, Fiscal Year 2003
  

Qualifications

Both first and second-year graduate students are encouraged to apply.

Required

• Exceptional financial and/or quantitative analysis skills
• Excellent time management/project management skills
• Superb oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills (English)
• Entrepreneurial outlook, resourceful work habits, and ability to work independently
• Experience in working with people from a broad range of backgrounds
• Ability to work as a team player; a positive attitude
• Understanding of and commitment to the mission of the National Park Service
• Interest in conservation
• Flexibility in work style, an open-mind, and a sense of humor
• Availability for all program dates
• US Citizen or Permanent Resident

Desired

• Consulting, government or nonprofit experience
• Work in or with a national park unit

Application Materials and Deadlines

Application packages must include each of the following:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Names and contact information for at least two references*
• Writing sample (two to five pages)

*Please be aware that references will be contacted after interviews without prior notification from the NPS Business Management Group. Please inform your references that they may be contacted after the interview.

Please include the dates that you are available to work in the summer in your cover letter. Your writing sample may be from any area of your work, and should be representative of your current writing skills.

Application packages should be sent via e-mail to:

Rita Corliss, Student Conservation Association
ATTN: Business Plan Internship Application
BPI@thesca.org

Applications will be accepted through the close of business on January 15th, 2009.& Applying early is recommended. Incomplete applications will not be considered. You can expect an acknowledgment when your application is received.

Applicants will be notified about whether or not they have been selected for an interview the week of January 29nd. National Park Service staff will conduct interviews at some universities beginning in early February. We will conduct phone interviews with exceptional candidates who are not able to interview in person.

Positions will be offered on a rolling basis. Final park assignments will not be made until all employment offers have been accepted. Park assignments will be based on students’ relevant experience and unique park needs, making every effort to accommodate student preferences.

Compensation

Each park will provide housing and office space. Utility costs are typically included. A vehicle for local use is typically also available for shared use by the team of consultants. Each consultant will be provided a stipend of $725 per week ($7250 total for the internship), as well as reimbursement for travel to and from the training program and the park assignment. SCA provides 24-hour accident/injury insurance and the opportunity to purchase low-cost medical coverage during the consultancy.