header image: nps.govUS Department of InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
Visitors hiking in a park.
Support the National Park Service
Getting Involved

Getting involved with the National Park Service can be as simple as picking up a single piece of trash during your stay at a park, or as involved as pursuing a career with the federal government. Friends groups, associations, volunteers and everyday park visitors all have the potential to contribute in some way to the protection of our national treasures.

 
An employee and volunteer kneel on the ground to create a cover for an archeological find.
A volunteer creates a field jacket around some isolated bones of the rhino at Wind Cave National Park.

Volunteer
Volunteers come from all over the world to help preserve and protect America's natural and cultural heritage for the enjoyment of this and future generations. History buffs, amateur naturalists, re-enactors, artists, campground hosts, gardeners and many more volunteers of all ages give of their time and expertise to help our National Parks.
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Youth Programs
Through youth programs, young people develop a life-long commitment to support our national parks and protect our natural environment and cultural heritage. At present, there are over 25 youth programs operating throughout the National Park System.
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Internships
Across the nation, interns apply knowledge from the classroom while gaining experience and meeting professionals in the field or office.  Possible fields range from archeology to interpretation to web development.
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Partnerships
The National Park Service works with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world. Friends groups assist parks in supporting needed park programs and projects that have been beyond the reach of limited appropriated dollars.

 
National Park Foundation

Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation is the official national charitable organization for America's National Parks. The National Park Foundation stewards a tradition of private support for the parks begun by the American people more than a century ago.  Your support for the National Park Foundation ensures that the evolving history and rich heritage of our Nation remains vital and relevant.
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Employment
The employees of the National Park Service care for the special places that are the heritage of America. This work requires a wide range of skills in a variety of disciplines from biology to law enforcement to computer programming.
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