Getting started in a career with the Department of the Interior (DOI or Interior) for land management and conservation is exciting and rewarding. DOI and our partners offer many opportunities to begin learning about a career and preparing for after graduation — whether from high school, trade school, college, or beyond.
Get Experience
To learn about the field and build connections, you can volunteer or intern with DOI. Learn more about DOI opportunities for college students and recent graduates.
Public Land Corps (PLC)
The Public Land Corps is a work and education program that expands youth services opportunities and serves important conservation and societal objectives. Individuals who are economically, physically, or educationally disadvantaged may receive preference for enrollment in the Corps. Those who meet specific requirements may be eligible for noncompetitive appointment to Federal jobs upon successful completion of the program.
Check out opportunities with our PLC partners!
- Conservation Legacy
- Geological Society of America
- MobilizeGreen
- Student Conservation Association
- Western Transportation Institute
Other Internships and Volunteer Opportunities with DOI Partners
Consider learning more about DOI opportunities for college students and recent graduates and look for opportunities at other conservation organizations, such as:
- Ancestral Lands Conservation Corp
- Community Volunteer Ambassadors (CVAs)
- Fish & Feathers Internship Program
- FWS Directorate Fellows Program (DFP)
- GeoCorps America
- Greening Youth Foundation
- Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) National Internship Program
- Historic Preservation Training Center (HCTP)
- Latino Heritage Internship Program (LHIP)
- Mosaics in Science
- Native Forward Scholars Fund
- Native Youth Climate Adaptation Leadership Congress
- NPS Academy
- NPS Cultural Resources Diversity Internship Program (CRDIP)
- Pre-law Summer Institute
- Scientists-in-the-Parks (SIP)
- Stewards Individual Placement Program
- Youth Conservation Corps
Meet People
Attend events related to land management and conservation. You'll meet mentors and peers who can help guide you. Check out DOI career events.
Stay Updated
Keep learning about current issues and policies in conservation. This helps you understand the field better. Check out all the careers available to you.
Apply
Once you have experience and education, start applying for jobs with the Department of the Interior. Learn more about how to prepare and apply for DOI jobs, and access our tips for building a federal government resume and nailing the interview. When you’re ready, look for DOI jobs on USAJOBS and start applying.
Keep Learning
The field is always changing. Keep learning new things to stay relevant and make a difference in conservation. Check out the Diversity Joint Venture for Careers in Conservation.