The Natural Resources Intern will work primarily outdoors, conducting field-based research throughout Monocacy National Battlefield. Daily activities include hiking off established trails, locating and assessing trees, collecting field data, and documenting natural resource conditions across the park.
The internship is based from a modern office facility with access to standard amenities; however, most work will take place in the field during the summer months. Interns should be prepared to work in hot and humid weather, walk long distances on uneven terrain, lift and carry equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, and spend extended periods standing outdoors.
Monocacy National Battlefield typically hosts four to six summer interns, providing opportunities to collaborate with peers while gaining experience across multiple National Park Service disciplines.
The Natural Resources Intern will assist the park’s Resource Management Division in monitoring the spread and impact of Beech Leaf Disease, an emerging threat affecting American beech trees throughout the eastern United States.
Working alongside park biologists, the intern will locate and evaluate American beech trees, document disease conditions, and collect field data that supports long-term conservation planning. The information gathered during the internship will help park staff better understand disease distribution and prioritize future monitoring and treatment efforts.
Primary responsibilities include:
Throughout the internship, the participant will gain firsthand experience with National Park Service natural resource management while contributing to an important conservation initiative that supports the long-term stewardship of park ecosystems.
The internship provides practical experience in field biology, ecology, forestry, conservation, and geographic information systems (GIS).
The intern will develop skills in plant identification, tree health assessment, disease monitoring, GPS data collection, GIS mapping using Esri products, and natural resource inventory techniques.
Additional learning opportunities include exposure to invasive plant management, ecological monitoring, conservation planning, and the National Park Service decision-making process for managing natural resources. By the conclusion of the internship, the participant will have gained valuable field experience applicable to careers in ecology, forestry, environmental science, conservation biology, and land management.
The Natural Resources Intern will receive day-to-day guidance from the park biologist while working under the overall supervision of the Chief of Integrated Resource Management.
Mentorship will include field instruction, project planning, technical skill development, and regular opportunities for professional feedback. Interns will also have opportunities to collaborate with other natural resource interns working within the park and surrounding National Park Service sites.
The park encourages interdisciplinary learning by providing opportunities to work with staff across multiple divisions, allowing interns to better understand how resource management, interpretation, maintenance, cultural resources, and park operations work together to support the National Park Service mission.
Regional networking opportunities and inter-park field experiences may also be available throughout the internship.
Preferred qualifications include:
Previous experience with GIS, GPS, or ecological fieldwork is helpful but not required.
Monocacy National Battlefield encompasses several centuries of history, which reflect events of both national and local significance. Here you can experience 1,647 acres of rolling farm fields, historic buildings, and sweeping panoramas along the scenic Monocacy River. Located about one hour from Baltimore and Washington, DC, little has changed here since the 1864 battle. Although the landscape appears rural, the park is located less than two miles south of the city of Frederick, Maryland, which has numerous amenities.
Stipend: $17.20/Hour
Duration: 11 Weeks (Full-Time)
Location: 4632 Araby Church Road, Frederick, Maryland 21704
Monocacy National Battlefield is located just south of Frederick, Maryland, a vibrant historic city that offers convenient access to grocery stores, restaurants, healthcare facilities, shopping, and outdoor recreation.
The park is surrounded by rolling farmland, forests, and scenic landscapes while remaining only minutes from downtown Frederick. Summer weather is typically warm and humid, making proper hydration and outdoor preparedness essential for fieldwork.
Outside of work, interns can enjoy hiking, cycling, community festivals, farmers markets, and local events such as First Saturdays and Alive @ Five. The park’s location also provides convenient access to nearby National Park Service sites, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and the Appalachian Mountains, offering numerous opportunities for recreation, cultural experiences, and professional networking.
Yes, park housing is available.
Yes, a personal vehicle is required, and you must have a valid driver’s license.
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