Academic Internships

Dr. Nina S. Roberts was a significant force in our youth and community work. Nina was one of the principal co-founders and architects of the Academic Internship Program back in 2012–over the past decade she has played a fundamental role in shaping the vision and framework to develop it into one of our core programs. She was a pivotal force for equity in the world of parks and public lands and was passionate about investing in our next generation of leaders. We believe Nina’s work and aspirations reflect the heart and hope of this program. Her impact and legacy will be carried forward in the story of the program; the onboarding of students, mentors, and partners; and our work to center diversity, equity, and inclusion in this program and our parks.

The Academic Internship Program at the Golden Gate National Parks is a fundamental park program, providing professional development and career pathway opportunities for students, while supporting real needs of park management. Through this program, local and diverse cohorts of college young people are engaged in immersive park experiences to enhance classroom learning. A wide range of positions are available, including those working in natural and cultural resources, education and interpretive programs, volunteer program management, communications and media, public affairs, museum programs, and more. 

• Open to students enrolled at City College of San Francisco, College of Marin, and San Francisco State University
• Receive a $75 per day stipend plus academic credit (student is responsible for coordinating academic credit with their academic counselor) 
• Internships take place late May thru early August (10 week program)
• Part-time and full-time positions available
• Positions in San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties
  • Virtual and in-person positions are available
  • Positions include natural and cultural resources, media, historic landscaping and gardening, public affairs, youth, interpretation, community stewardship and more. 
• Join a diverse team of your college peers to experience these spectacular parklands first hand, behind the scenes, and in depth! In an Academic Internship, you will:
  • Work on meaningful projects with a network of park professionals
  • Be mentored by a park staff member who will provide constructive instruction, coaching, and support
  • Engage in hands-on essential and technical training, professional workplace skills, and leadership development
  • Participate in career development and networking opportunities
  • Get involved in numerous high impact, academic, vocational, professional, and personal growth experiences 

Applications for summer 2022 now closed. Thank you for applying!

Learn about current internship positions by watching the 2022 Academic Internships Informational Webinar here!

Applications for summer 2022 now closed. Thank you for applying!

Other questions? Please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. For questions not listed, email Mackenzie Segraves; Program Manager for Park Internships at msegraves@parksconservancy.org.

For information about academic credit and other educational related questions contact:

• College of Marin
  • Alex Jones, Student Transfer and Career Center, arjones@marin.edu
• San Francisco State University
  • Kami Yamamoto, Programs and Outreach Coordinator ICCE, kyamamoto1@sfsu.edu
  • Institute for Civic and Community Engagement (ICCE), icce@sfsu.edu
• City College of San Francisco
  • Jimmy Ly, Career Counselor, jimly@ccsf.edu
  • Brett Berning, Employment & Training Specialist III, bberning@ccsf.edu

To comply with federal and state laws all interns must have a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to receive the taxable internship stipend. The process to obtain a SSN or ITIN can be very lengthy so please plan accordingly. You may find more information here:

• Social Security Administration
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number information

Please also note that stipends are a taxable event. Taxes are not withheld from stipends. Stipends are a per diem to cover costs associated with the internship (such as commuting expenses).

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. If you still have questions, contact Mackenzie Segraves; Program Manager for Park Internships at msegraves@parksconservancy.org.