Historical Research and Database Management of US Mexico War Soldiers and Sailors

National Park Service • Brownsville, TX

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Semester of Service Program offers students an unpaid, project-based volunteer opportunity to support Federal missions and gain practical experience and career-ready skills. This 90-day Spring 2027 assignment is with the National Park Service at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park in Brownsville, Texas. Volunteers will conduct genealogical research, enter genealogical data into the online National Park Service U.S.-Mexican War Soldiers & Sailors Database, and work closely with National Park Service employees. The position is hybrid, combining in-office work and eligible telework, and requires volunteering 8–20 hours per week. The program is intended for eligible students who remain enrolled at least half-time and in good academic standing throughout the assignment. This is an unpaid volunteer role; volunteers are not Federal employees and receive no compensation, stipend, or hiring preference.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national studying in the U.S. or abroad. International students on valid U.S. student visas may participate if they meet applicable immigration, visa, and agency authorities; for background-check eligibility, they must have maintained continuous residence in the United States for three years.
• Complete any remote work domestically within the United States.
• Be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited educational institution located within the United States throughout the 90-day opportunity.
• Be in good academic standing as defined by the educational institution.
• Students graduating before May 1, 2027 are not eligible.
• Commit to volunteering 8–20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days.
• Contact a school official to sign a Semester of Service approval form confirming current half-time enrollment and good academic standing.
• Complete required onboarding documentation assigned by the Department of the Interior and the academic institution.
• Agree to volunteer without compensation and acknowledge that volunteers are not Federal employees.
• Not be a current Federal employee.
• Attach a copy of transcripts to the application package for verification.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Microsoft Excel is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct genealogical research.
• Enter genealogical data into the online National Park Service U.S.-Mexican War Soldiers & Sailors Database.
• Work closely with National Park Service employees.

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 the Federal Tort Claims Act.
• Workers' compensation for service-related injuries.
• Structured onboarding and ongoing supervision.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed