Internship Opportunities at South Mountain Recreation Area
The staff of the South Mountain Recreation Area are seeking highly motivated individuals with an interest in the natural sciences, parks and recreation, environmental studies, Spanish, history, education, archivist studies, or library sciences to act as interns for the 2025 season. The South Mountain Recreation Area, which encompasses Greenbrier, Washington Monument, Gathland, and South Mountain State Parks, South Mountain State Battlefield, and the Appalachian trail has extensive opportunities for interns to apply and further their skill sets in a working environment. Selected interns will all receive the opportunity to experience first hand what it is like to work in a busy park during the summer and to develop a vast understanding of state park operations, resources management, environmental education, or history while working in a fun outdoor setting. Full and part time unpaid internships with flexible schedules are available. Job descriptions and primary duties can be tailored to meet the intern’s area of interest. Details on various areas of study are listed below. Those interested in this opportunity should contact Ranger Cheryl Seaver at the email listed below for further details.
Cheryl Seaver
Park Ranger
South Mountain Recreation Area
21843 National Pike, Boonsborro MD 21713
- Spanish interpretation:
Interns working in Spanish interpretation will assist park staff in communicating with visitors, relaying information, fielding questions, and educating visitors about the park’s new day-use reservation system. Interns will aid park staff in translating information about the park, rules and regulations, frequently asked questions/statements, program advertisements, and signage to better communicate with park patrons. Interns may also have the opportunity to help expand the park staff’s knowledge/ability to interact directly with Spanish-speaking visitors, and develop/lead bilingual nature programs and hikes.
- Historical interpretation and cultural resources management:
Interns working in historical interpretation will develop and present a variety of historical interpretive programs for park visitors, including but not limited to: talks and tours about historic resources, battlefield hikes, living history program, as well as staffing and functioning as docents in our park museums. The park also has opportunities to perform research concerning historical resources at South Mountain State Battlefield.
- Nature based interpretation, environmental education, and natural resources management:
Interns working in nature based interpretation and environmental education will act as the main point of contact for park patrons and will develop valuable skills in developing and presenting educational programs to park patrons that relate to the state’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources. Other main job duties may include presenting campfire programs to campers, assisting with special park events, or assisting with conservation work around the park. Interns working on the natural resources management aspect of the program will assist with the completion of projects related to preserving and enhancing the unique natural feature of our park complex. Projects will include but are not limited to: invasive species removal, pollinator habitat restoration and maintenance, trail construction/closures, reforestation initiatives, and forest pest management.
- Park operations:
Interns working in park operations will have the primary responsibility of assisting park staff with day use/campground operating procedures and basic maintenance. Interns will aid daytime visitors and campers in voluntarily complying with park rules/regulations, assist staff with traffic direction, and provide basic information to park patrons. Projects will include: operating/maintaining park facilities, and completing various day-use and campground maintenance projects. Interns may also join staff in leading summer work or volunteer crews with the primary responsibility of completing various maintenance based projects throughout the park system.