Shenandoah Backcountry Support Interns | NPS 19 NERO 0017

Opportunity Information: Apply for NPS 19 NERO 0017

The Shenandoah Backcountry Support Interns opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number NPS 19 NERO 0017) is a National Park Service cooperative agreement under the Department of the Interior that supports an education-focused internship program in Shenandoah National Park. The purpose is to place eight youth interns in roles that blend practical field experience with structured learning about how public lands are managed, how visitor use is supported, and how a park program office operates. Interns are recruited by the recipient organization and then trained by NPS staff, with the intent that they work both alongside park employees and, when appropriate, independently. Across the internship, the emphasis is on real-world exposure to conservation stewardship, visitor services, and the operational responsibilities that keep backcountry areas safe and sustainable.

A key point in the posting is that it is not an open call for applications. It is a public notice stating NPS intends to make a task agreement award under an existing master cooperative agreement that has already been competed, or under a single-source justification. In other words, the announcement is informational rather than a solicitation where new applicants can submit proposals in response.

The interns work is described in three main areas. First is visitor education, public outreach, and permitting, which focuses on communicating backcountry opportunities while also making sure visitors understand safety considerations, applicable regulations, and low-impact practices so they can act as responsible co-stewards. Second is patrols, field work, and emergency response, covering on-the-ground monitoring of visitor impacts, basic maintenance of infrastructure that supports backcountry use, and direct visitor assistance when issues arise in remote settings. Third is wilderness and backcountry program support, which introduces interns to the behind-the-scenes work that guides field operations and outreach, including planning, research, analysis, and documentation. Safety is highlighted as a central element across all tasks, and the program intentionally sets aside time for professional development to help interns build skills and connections that can lead to longer-term careers in public land management and conservation. The announcement also notes that interns will share their experiences with the broader community, reinforcing an outreach and learning component beyond the park itself.

Administratively, the opportunity is categorized as a discretionary cooperative agreement within an education activity area, tied to CFDA number 15.931. Eligible applicants are limited to nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education). The posting lists an award ceiling of $262,760 and anticipates up to two awards. The notice was created on May 15, 2019, with an original closing date of May 24, 2019, reflecting the timeline for public notice rather than a traditional open application period.

• The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Shenandoah Backcountry Support Interns" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.931.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 15, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 24, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $262,760.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

Apply for NPS 19 NERO 0017

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