[Hiring] Interdisciplinary Resource Protection and Law Training Content Update @Office of the Secretary of the Interior

Role Description

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: Department of Interior Office of Employee Development (Remote)
• Work Schedule and Flexibilities: Flexible to student's school schedule with an expectation that they will be available during business hours for occasional meetings. Remote (100% work off site)
• Number of Positions: 1
• Term: Spring 2027 (90 day term between mid-January and mid-June)
• This vacancy will be open until Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at 11:59pm ET. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages.

The DOI Office of Employee Development provides training and professional development for employees responsible for cultural and natural resource management across the Department of the Interior. The National Park Service (NPS) Interdisciplinary Resource Protection and Law (IRPL) course is an established professional development course that provides interdisciplinary training on the legal and policy framework governing resource protection and management.

The student volunteer will support a structured review of IRPL course content to help ensure that training materials remain current, accurate, and relevant. The project will involve:

• Reviewing existing course materials and authoritative legal and policy sources
• Identifying content that may require revision
• Documenting recommended updates
• Developing a sustainable system for tracking course content and future changes

The student will work with Cultural Resources Training Program staff, course instructors, and subject-matter experts to understand how changes in laws, regulations, policies, guidance, and professional practice affect training content. The student will not provide legal advice or independently determine the substantive accuracy of legal information; rather, the student will conduct research and organize information for review by qualified DOI subject-matter experts.

The project provides an opportunity for a student to gain practical experience in:

• Federal resource management
• Environmental and cultural resource law and policy
• Adult learning
• Curriculum development
• Information management
• Project management

Qualifications

• Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs.
• Ideal applicants would have an interest in developing adult training in federal resource management and/or have an interest in cultural resources, natural resources, environmental policy, public lands, law or a related field.
• Must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution.
• Must be in good academic standing as defined by your institution.
• Attach a copy of your transcripts to your application package for verification.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S National studying in the U.S. or abroad.
• Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited educational institution throughout the 90 day Semester of Service opportunity.
• Students graduating before May 1, 2027 are not eligible.
• Selectees will be responsible for contacting a school official to sign a Semester of Service approval form indicating you are currently enrolled at least half-time and in good academic standing.
• Qualifying educational institutions must be located within the United States.
• Be in good academic standing as defined by your institution.
• Commit to volunteering 8 - 20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days.
• Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Department of the Interior and your academic institution.
• Agree to volunteer. This position is unpaid. No compensation, stipends, or hiring preference will be granted from this work.
• Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees.
• Not be a current federal employee.

Benefits

• Meaningful project work with clear deliverables, regular supervision and federal mentorship.
• Hands-on application of academic knowledge in real-world Federal operations.
• Exposure to Federal missions, workplace culture, and potential career pathways.
• Coverage under Federal Tort Claims Act.
• Workers' compensation for service-related injuries.
• Structured onboarding and ongoing supervision.