Individual Placements- National Park Service Structural Fire Protection (NPF)

Student Conservation Association•Boise, ID

About The Position

The National Park Service Structural Fire Protection internship gives students enrolled in fire protection engineering, fire administration, or fire investigation degree programs practical work experience related to the duties of a fire protection technician. Interns support park efforts to establish and maintain effective structural fire prevention and protection programs that reduce risks of death, injury, property loss, and damage to historic collections from structure fires. Positions are located at NPS sites across the United States. Interns do not perform wildland or structural firefighting activities. Duties vary by park location, and additional tasks may be specific to each work site. The position runs from May 16, 2027, through July 24, 2027, and is scheduled for 40 hours per week. Housing is provided by the site; accommodation types vary and may include a shared apartment, shared house, dormitory, or remote cabin. Compensation includes a $650 round-trip travel allowance and a $600 weekly living allowance, subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. The position is AmeriCorps-eligible, with a stated value of $1,565. A personal vehicle is needed to travel to and from work and to town for amenities; most parks lack public transportation.

Requirements

Be a U.S. citizen seeking a four-year degree in fire protection engineering, fire protection administration, fire services administration, or fire investigation.
Have a driver's license to drive government vehicles.
Complete a background investigation to gain access to government computer systems.
Have a personal vehicle for travel to and from work and to town for amenities; most parks do not have public transportation.
Have good oral and written communication skills.
Be able to work as a member of a team.

Nice To Haves

Have completed the junior year of college.
Have knowledge of fire protection systems, building construction, and fire codes and standards.

Responsibilities

Perform annual fire and life safety building inspections.
Develop or update evacuation plans for park buildings.
Assist with developing inspection, testing, and maintenance plans for fire protection systems in park buildings.
Conduct training classes on portable fire extinguishers.
Perform monthly portable fire extinguisher checks and establish a tracking program for extinguishers throughout parks.
Establish a fire hydrant inspection and flow test program.
Establish a hot work permit program.
Revise a park's structural fire management plan (SFMP).
Assess fire protection in historic buildings and recommend ways to improve protection from structure fires.
Review plans for new construction and provide feedback to the Regional Structural Fire Marshal (RSFM).
Provide occasional data entry or paperwork support, as determined by the on-site position supervisor.