What are the responsibilities and job description for the Individual Placements - NPS Structural Fire Protection position at Student Conservation Association, Inc?
Position Title: National Park Service Structural Fire Protection Individual Placement
Position Summary
The National Park Service (NPS) Structural Fire Protection program provides students enrolled in fire protection engineering, fire administration, or fire investigation degree programs an opportunity to gain practical work experience that will augment academic training related to the duties of a fire protection technician.
Participants will support efforts to establish and maintain an effective park structural fire prevention and protection program, reducing the risks of death, injury, property loss, and damage to historic collections from the effects of structure fires. Positions are located at NPS sites across the United States.
Schedule
May 17, 2026 - July 25, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Participants will not be performing wildland or structural firefighting activities.
As a NPS Structural Fire Protection Individual Placement, you may be responsible for the following duties, which can vary by park location:
- Perform annual fire and life safety building inspections.
- Develop or update evacuation plans for park buildings.
- Assist with the development of inspection, testing, and maintenance plans for fire protection systems.
- 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 the fire protection of a historic building and make recommendations for protecting the building from structure fire better in the future.
- Review plans for new construction and provide feedback to the Regional Structural Fire Marshal (RSFM).
Additional tasks will be specific to each work site.
More information about this internship opportunity can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/articles/structural-fire-protection-internships.htm
More information about the NPS Structural Fire Program can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1231/index.htm
Required Qualifications
Applicants are U.S. citizens seeking a four-year degree in the following degree programs: fire protection engineering, fire protection administration, fire services administration, or fire investigation degree programs.
A driver’s license is required to drive government vehicles.
A background investigation will be required to gain access to government computer systems. A personal vehicle is needed to travel to and from work and travel to town for amenities, such as groceries. Most parks do not have public transportation available.
Applicants should have good communication skills (oral and written) and be able to work as a member of a team.
Marginal Duties
As determined by Position Supervisor On site
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred applicants have completed their junior year of college and have obtained knowledge of fire protection systems, building construction, and fire codes and standards.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Depending on the National Park Service site, housing may be provided in a shared apartment, shared house, dormitory, or remote cabin.
Compensation
$650 - Roundtrip travel allowance
$467 - weekly living allowance
Housing provided by the site. Depending on the National Park Service site, housing may be provided in a shared apartment, shared house, dormitory, or remote cabin.
*All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
A personal vehicle is needed to travel to and from work and travel to town for amenities, such as groceries. Most parks do not have public transportation available.
Additional Benefits
AmeriCorps: Not eligible
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.
Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.