Science Lesson Plans (In-person & Virtual) Internship
The U. S. National Park Service,
National Capital Region
Description: The position will be a University of Maryland-based, flexible, part-time, paid internship. The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) National Capital Region (NCR), Office of Natural Resources and Science (NRS) Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance (UERLA) is seeking two upper-level undergraduate students with interest in science, teaching, or developing outdoor education programs for scouting groups and other student groups. Additionally, the interns should have access to a computer.
The Science Lesson Plans (In-person & Virtual) Interns will evaluate existing plans and help develop additional plans for 2 park educational programs. Programs will be updated to reflect most recent standards and current relevant scientific data. Interns will create and adapt lesson plans from in-person settings at President's Park and Great Falls National Parks. The interns will work closely with the Educational Team at Presidents Park and the White House Visitors Center. Other professional development experience for the intern will include networking with NPS staff - volunteer, educational staff and park resource managers. The interns will provide at least one presentation to instruct staff on the best practices for instruction of the updated lessons. Lessons will center on park mission, goals, and engagement priorities at Presidents Park and Great Falls appropriate for scouting groups and other visitors.
We anticipate that the internships will begin in January 2026 and continue through September 2026 with some flexibility. Start and end dates are negotiable. Hours are part-time not more than 20 hours per week. The work can be a combination of in-person and telework with some in-person times to engage with visiting groups. There will be 3 required Saturday workshops.
About Presidents Park/White House Visitors Center: President’s Park is a unit of the National Park Service and is a very complex and high-profile park which includes the White House, Ellipse, Lafayette Park, Sherman Park and the White House Visitor Center. The Park is composed of approximately 82 acres and home of many significant stories. The White House Visitor Center feature approximately 100 historical artifacts, interpretive panels, looping videos of photos and archival footage, and interactive elements for visitors of all ages. Visitors can explore an interactive touchscreen tour of the White House, view over 90 artifacts from the White House collection, and view the 14-minute film, "White House: Reflections From Within."
About UERLA: UERLA is a National Park Service Research Learning Center that serves 16 parks in National Capital Region. We translate complex research results into readily understandable information, providing research, education, and technical assistance for parks. UERLA also provides science communication outreach to park managers and external audiences via websites, workshops, and publications. UERLA maintains research and education partnerships with universities, not-for- profit, education, and other federal agencies. The education activities of UERLA include providing training opportunities for NPS staff and partners, participating in science education programs, and building external partnerships that support science education in parks. Within the Natural Resources and Science Office, other science programs, such as botany, wildlife, geology, air resources, and inventory and monitoring, aquatic ecology work with the Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance on interdisciplinary projects.
How to Apply: If interested, provide a current resume with references, transcripts, and letter of interest electronically to Monamma Al-Ahuiyy at Monamma_AL-Ghuiyy@nps.gov. Please use the subject line ‘Science Lesson Plans (In-person & Virtual)’.
Applications will be accepted between October 15 and November 15, 2025. Interviews for potential interns will be contacted to schedule an interview.
