The Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) program, managed in partnership between Conservation Legacy’s Stewards Individual Placement Program and the National Park Service’s (NPS) Volunteers-In-Parks program, is now recruiting paid interns for the Fall 2025 cohort.

About the Community Volunteer Ambassador Program:

This exciting 48-week professional internship, taking place from September 2025 through August 2026, offers a unique opportunity for young adults (ages 18-30, or 18-35 for veterans) to work alongside National Park Service (NPS) staff and volunteers, helping to build stronger connections between parks and communities.

Participants in the Fall cohort will serve at thirty-two national park sites across the country, where they will support volunteerism and engagement activities that bring parks and communities together. Among these sites are six commemorating America’s 250th Anniversary of Independence and located in Boston, Charleston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

This internship is a great opportunity for individuals passionate about conservation, public lands, and community organizing to gain hands-on experience while making a real impact!

Meet a Community Volunteer Ambassador, Nicole Enriquez-Montoya!

Nicole is the current Fall 2024 Community Volunteer Ambassador serving at Big Cypress National Preserve. Her role at Big Cypress National Preserve has centered around connecting people to the preserve through volunteer coordination, event planning, and outreach.

A big focus has been helping with onboarding volunteers, keeping in touch with them throughout their service, and finding meaningful ways to recognize their work. One of Nicole’s proudest projects so far has been organizing an Earth Day Cleanup with volunteers from the east coast of Florida, especially Miami, an area where people often feel disconnected from public lands and resources on the west coast. Helping volunteers build a connection to their “backyard” was a truly meaningful moment for her!

“Events like this, remind me that people want to care for wild spaces [and] they just need opportunities to do it. It was a great reminder that even small actions can have a big impact, both on the land and in the community,” said Nicole.

Throughout her Community Volunteer Ambassador role, Nicole has grown professionally and personally. She attributes the internship to developing her problem solving, social media content creation, and partnership building skills. Personally, Nicole mentioned, “..I’ve gained more confidence in my voice, my leadership, and my ability to adapt to whatever the day throws at me.”

Ready to Make an Impact? Apply Now:

Do you know someone who’s passionate about conservation or eager to strengthen the connection between the public and the National Park Service? Encourage them to apply for the Community Volunteer Ambassador program!

Learn more and apply by June 13, 2024: CVA Listings & How to Apply | Become a Community Volunteer Ambassador (cvainternships.org)

Stewards Individual Placement is dedicated to fostering an inspiring and welcoming environment. Community Volunteer Ambassadors develop valuable skills while actively contributing to the National Park Service’s mission and fostering strong connections with local communities.

For any application questions, please contact James Gasaway, Stewards Program Director, at jgasaway@conservationlegacy.org.