Apply Now for Spring/Summer 2021
Accepting applications with the expectation that we will be able to offer internships next year. Final intern positions and housing availability will not be determined until late winter 2021, depending on the impact of pandemic safety measures and emergency order requirements. Applicants will be kept informed. NOTE: We are no longer offering AmeriCorps positions.
COVID-19 Information
Please visit our main Volunteer Information page for important information and updates on COVID-19 and our Internship program.
About the Delaware State Parks Internship Program
The Delaware State Parks Internship Program provides opportunities for qualified students and career-focused graduates to apply learned theory and experience to practical situations and to observe an organization first-hand. A quality field experience facilitates and enhances educational and vocational processes. The Delaware State Parks Internship Program is a training program that provides practical work experience and valuable training in the many and varied careers in the state park system. Interns in the program engage in education, management, administration, and environmental stewardship activities to increase and promote the environmental awareness of our visitors.
Interns apply for a specific position and are assigned to a specific site with a field expert who will mentor and supervise the intern’s activities. Interns are expected to work closely with the field expert to design an individual plan detailing duties and requirements including: daily schedules, responsibilities and length of the internship.
Open Intern Positions
These internship positions fill quickly. Interviews are scheduled and placements made as applications are received, so apply now!
Click here for our intern application form
PT = Part-time hours of 20 -29/ week
FT = Full time hours of 30 + /week
Rock Climbing Intern
Position Location: Alapocas Run and Wilmington State Parks
Folk Art Education Intern - Position Filled
Position Location: Alapocas Run State Park
Collections Management Intern
Position Location: Auburn Valley State Park
Horticulture Intern
Position Location: Bellevue State Park Year Round
Hospitality Facility Manager Intern
Position Location: Bellevue State Park
Office Administration Intern
Position Location: Bellevue State Park
Conservation Program Research Apprentice
Position Location: Brandywine Zoo Year Round
Zoo Camp Educator Intern
Position Location: Brandywine Zoo
Revenue Supervisor Intern
Position Location: Cape Henlopen State Park
Special Events Coordinator Intern
Position Location: Cape Henlopen State Park
Environmental Framework Analyst Intern
Position Location: Delaware Coastal Programs
Policy Intern
Position Location: Delaware Coastal Programs
Environmental Educator Intern
Position Location: DNERR
Research Intern
Position Location: DNERR
Graphic Design Intern
Position Location: Dover Central Office
Social Media Intern
Position Location: Dover Central Office
Historical Transcription Intern
Position Location: DSSP Remote Position
Cottage Assistant
Position Location: DSSP Indian River Marina
Dock Supervisor Intern
Position Location: DSSP Indian River Marina
Historical Clothing & Performance Intern
Position Location: First State Heritage Park
Environmental Educator Intern
Position Location: Multiple Parks
Environmental Stewardship Intern
Position Location: Multiple Parks Immediate start - Fall/Winter
Environmental Stewardship Intern
Position Location: Multiple Parks Spring / Summer
There are 2 teams available for parks located in the north and the south.
Historical Interpretation Intern
Position Location: Multiple Parks
Outdoor Summer Camp Intern
Position Location: Multiple Parks
Cultural and Historic Intern
Position Location: Trap Pond State Park
Environmental Stewardship Intern
Position Location: Trap Pond State Park
Historical Research Intern
Position Location: White Clay Creek State Park
Horticulture Maintenance Intern
Position Location: Wilmington State Parks
Parks Management Intern
Position Location: Wilmington State Parks
Commitments
- Start and end dates vary and are flexible, depending on the position and assignment site.
- Length of term varies between 12 weeks, 6 months, 9 months or 12 months.
- Number of hours required depends on the position and the assignment site; this can be very regimented or very flexible. Some positions will require as little as six to 10 hours per week with a very flexible schedule. Others require 30 to 40 hours on an established schedule that the intern agrees to.
- Position status: Interns are considered to be volunteers, and are not employees of the State of Delaware. The Division of Parks and Recreation does not provide Workmen’s Compensation or any other insurance coverage for interns.
- Governed by Internship Policy: Interns agree to adhere to the Internship Policy.
Benefits
In addition to outstanding training and hands-on learning, there are tangible benefits to Delaware State Parks interns:
- Stipend: Interns are considered volunteers and are not paid for their service. Interns may elect to receive a stipend to help cover expenses incurred during their volunteer intern service. The more hours an intern serves, the greater the costs likely to be incurred. As a result, the stipend is a fixed amount of $100 per week for service of 30 or more hours per week or $50.00 per week for service of between 20 – 30 hours/ week, paid biweekly as a direct deposit into the intern’s bank account.
- Taxes: No taxes are withheld from the stipend. Interns electing to receive the stipend will complete IRS Form W-9 Request for Tax-Payer Identification as self-employed and will receive a Form 1099 at the end of the year that reports the amount of income from the stipend. The stipend is not a wage, but does count toward the total income on which the intern’s tax obligation is based. Interns receiving less than $600 in a calendar year are not subject to receiving a Form 1099.
- Housing: Some housing is available, at no fee, for interns providing full-time hours (30 or more per week). If selected for housing, in most cases the intern should expect to share a room with other interns in a Division Intern house, duplex or dorm facility. The facilities are furnished and include kitchen, housewares, and laundry. Utilities are included. Wi-Fi, cable, TVs and computers are NOT provided.
- Activities: Interns receive free admission to all Delaware State Parks and the opportunity to attend most programs and activities at no fee.
How to Apply
Important Application Information
- Carefully review program information. Contact the Volunteer and Intern Office with any questions.
- Review position descriptions and locations.
- TIP: Increase chance of selection by applying for multiple sites and/ or positions
- You can use the same application to apply for multiple positions or sites.
- Complete our online Intern Application Form
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Once your application is received, an email will be sent confirming delivery and instructing you to submit a resume either by email or fax:
- Email DNREC_HelpYourPark@state.de.us
- Fax (302) 736-7968
Brandywine Zoo Applicants Only -- 2-Step Process:
- Do not complete Internship Application - Complete Brandywine Zoo Internship Inquiry Form
- Candidates will be reviewed against available positions.
- Selected candidates will receive application instructions via email.
RAPID PLACEMENT – Apply Early!
- Slots frequently fill quickly – Apply as soon as possible.
- The review and interview process begins immediately upon receipt of the application and resume
- Decisions are made quickly. Available positions are secured immediately upon successful interview and criminal history background investigation (provided by the Division at no charge to the intern.)
Delaware State Parks encourages candidates of all abilities to apply.
Need more information? Contact the Volunteer and Intern Office at (302) 739-9183 or DNREC_HelpYourPark@state.de.us
Internship Policy
SUMMARY: Delaware State Park Internship Program provides opportunities for qualified students and career focused graduates to apply learned theory and experience to practical situations and observe the organization up close. A quality field experience facilitates and enhances the educational and vocational process. The DELAWARE STATE PARKS internship is a training program that provides practical work experience and valuable training in the many and varied careers in the State Park Service.
- As a training program, Interns are assigned to a specific site and Field Expert who will mentor and supervise the intern activities. Interns are expected to work closely with their Field Expert to design an individual plan detailing internship duties and requirements including daily schedules, responsibilities and the duration of the internship.
- It is the intern’s responsibility to ensure that all academic provision and requirements are fulfilled during the internship. For the internship experience to benefit of the intern, participation in all orientation and training programs is expected. Monthly reports and submission of a completed project demonstrating learning experience are required at the conclusion of the internship.
- Interns serve as a representative of Delaware State Parks and are expected to learn about and uphold the agency’s policies, programs and to comply with the expectations set forth by your supervisor including dress code, conduct and customer service standards.
- At no time shall the intern displace regular employees. Interns serve under close supervision of Field Expert and park staff.
- Interns are considered volunteers in Delaware State Parks, and as such are not considered employees of the State of Delaware. The Division of Parks and Recreation does not provide Worker’s Compensation or any other insurance coverage for volunteers or interns.
- Interns are not entitled to wages or payment for the time spent in the internship. Some Interns receive a stipend paid to help with living expenses, but this in no way alters the volunteer nature of neither the intern’s service nor the intern’s status as a volunteer and not an employee of State of Delaware. No taxes are withheld from the living allowance. A Form 1099 will be sent at the end of the year reporting the stipend income. Though not a wage it does count towards total income on which tax obligation is based.
- The intern understands that there is no expectation for paid employment with DELAWARE STATE PARKS at the conclusion of the internship;
- Interns in all positions are required to undergo and successfully pass a Background Investigation conducted by the Division as a part of the screening process.
- Acceptance as an Intern is contingent upon successful completion at all levels of screening.
- Only United States Citizens or those eligible to work in the United states with a US Social Security number may participate in the Delaware State Parks Internship Program.
- The Division reserves the right to reject a candidate for any reason which the Division, in its sole judgment, determines will or may affect the best interests of the Division. Furthermore, the Division reserves the right to withhold the reason(s) for such refusal.
- The Division of Parks and Recreation accepts the service of all Interns with the understanding that such service is at the sole discretion of the Division. Interns agree that the Division and the Intern may at any time, for any reason, decide to terminate the Intern’s relationship with the Division. Notice of such a decision should be communicated in writing as soon as possible.
Contact: Lisa Timbers
89 Kings Hwy., Dover, DE 19901
Fax: (302) 736-7968
Other Ways to Volunteer
Individual or Group Projects
For anyone volunteering for just a few hours, or for a long-term commitment.
Volunteer Hosting Program
For long-term volunteers looking to combine camping in your RV, motor home or equipment with volunteering.
Join a Friends Group
Friends are vital partners in all the work we do in Delaware State Parks. If you are interested in becoming a new member of one of our Friends organizations, visit our Volunteer homepage and use the Individual or Group Volunteer Application link there.
