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. 

• Internships take place late May - early August (10 week program)
• 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) 
• Part-time and full-time positions available
• Positions in San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties
  • In-person and hybrid (in-person & virtual) 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 

Summer 2023 Academic Internship Application is closed

Program runs Tuesday late May through early August (10 weeks total).

Business Administration & Operations:

• Business Administration Academic Internship (San Francisco)
• Public Affairs & Special Park Uses Academic Internship (San Francisco)
• Sustainability Academic Internship (San Francisco)

Historic Preservation & Site Management:

• Museum Program Academic Internship (San Francisco)
• Historic Landscape Preservation Academic Internship (San Francisco)
• Park Landscape Academic Internship (San Francisco)

Outreach, Media, & Visitor Programs:

• Presidio Community Outreach Academic Internship (San Francisco)
• Muir Woods Community Outreach Academic Internship (San Francisco & Marin County)
• Muir Woods Visitor Services Academic Internship (Marin County)
• Digital Media Academic Internship (San Francisco)
• Visitor Experience Academic Internship (San Francisco)

Wildlife & Habitats:

• Golden Gate Raptor Observatory Academic Internship (Marin Headlands)
• California Giant Salamander Conservation Academic Internship (Marin County)

Learn about this years internship opportunites by watching the 2023 Academic Internships Webinar here.

Summer 2023 application is closed. Check back here in early 2024 for information on next year's Academic Internship Program.

1. Fill out an application form

2. Submit your resume and cover letter in a single PDF file to Internships@parksconservancy.org

Other questions? Please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. For questions not listed, email us at Internships@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
  • Jennifer Gasang, ICCE Executive Director, jlgasang@sfsu.edu
  • Institute for Civic and Community Engagement (ICCE), icce@sfsu.edu
• City College of San Francisco
  • Jimmy Ly, Career Counselor, jimly@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, email us at Internships@parksconservancy.org.