NPS Special Use Permit Program Modernization

You will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs. Specifically, applicants should have: Completed one full year of associate's or undergraduate education Strong writing, research, organizational, and analytical skills. Experience or interest in public administration, policy, risk management, pre law/law, emergency management, recreation management, or natural and cultural resource management would be beneficial. Preferred qualifications: The position is particularly well suited for an individual who can work with complex information, identify practical solutions, communicate clearly with different audiences, and manage multiple assignments in a collaborative environment. Make an impact while you learn. The Semester of Service Program offers students a volunteer project-based opportunity to support real Federal missions, gaining hands-on experience and valuable career-ready skills. The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration aligning with each agency's strategic priorities.

• Location: Remote (100% work from home) Work Schedule and Flexibilities: 20 hours per week; Duration up to 120 Days (January-April) Number of Positions: 1 Term: Spring 2027 (90 day minimum term between mid-January and mid-June) This vacancy will be open until Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at 11:59pm ET or until 50 applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages. Primary Responsibilities The participant will assist with the development, review, and refinement of Special Use Program policy and training materials. Work will include supporting the Phase I and Phase II policy rewrite; reviewing existing guidance, procedures, and related materials; identifying areas where clarification, standardization, or additional guidance is needed; and helping translate policy into practical tools that can be used by park employees to support improving public facing understanding and support of Special Use programs at the Park level. The participant will also support the continued redevelopment of program training. This work may include developing or revising lesson content, job aids, scenarios, templates, reference materials, and other products designed to improve consistency and reduce operational risk. Particular attention will be given to issues affecting public safety and law enforcement personnel, where clear procedures and practical guidance can help reduce exposure and improve decision-making especially when faced with Constitutional decisions. A significant component will involve supporting progress on Corrective Action Plan findings. The participant may assist with tracking action items, organizing supporting documentation, drafting materials tied to identified corrective actions, and helping move outstanding items toward completion. The participant may be asked to support and produce the development, revision, and implementation of Special Use Program policy, training, and program resources. Work may include drafting, editing, and formatting policy documents and instructional materials; reviewing existing materials for consistency, clarity, and usability; identifying gaps, redundancies, and areas requiring additional explanation or standardization; developing case studies and realistic permit scenarios; creating templates, checklists, decision tools, quick-reference guides, and job aids; organizing and documenting feedback from parks, regions, program offices, law enforcement, public safety personnel, and other stakeholders; and assisting with testing, piloting, and refining materials based on user feedback, assisting with SharePoint and Microsoft Teams resources, and creating web-ready program content. The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program, as authorized under 5 U.S.C §31114 and 5 CFR Part 3085, enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration. These assignments are designed to align with each agency's strategic priorities, offering participants practical experience within Federal operations while supporting the advancement of targeted initiatives.