National Park Service

Geologic Resources






For the more information about the geologic resources of the National Park Service, please visit http://www.nature.nps.gov/geology/.

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More Information

GSA Foundation Video

GSA - Educating a New Generation of Geologists from Steve Filmer on Vimeo.

Photo of Christopher Hughes at Bryce Canyon National Park Photo of Laura Clarke at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Photo of Levi Moxness at Badlands National Park Photo of Alexander de Moor at Denali National Park & Preserve Photo of John Niles at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
GIP program participants gain outstanding field experience, build their resumes, and provide essential geoscience assistance to parks.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What type of experience does the Geoscientists-In-the-Parks (GIP) program provide?

    2. Take a look at past projects and participants

  2. What should I expect from the GIP program?

    3. GIP program participants can expect to:

    • work for 3-12 months on a challenging, worthwhile project in a unique setting,
    • experience stimulating projects and a wide variety of geoscience opportunities,
    • work either independently or closely with a mentor,
    • spend a large portion of your time outside, especially if the project is field-based,
    • work directly with park visitors, especially if the project is an interpretation position,
    • bring your own field gear (especially broken-in field boots!), unless noted otherwise in the position description,
    • park provides housing, or a housing allowance (depending on availability),
    • receive a stipend paid by one of NPS' program partners to help defray living expenses during the duration of your assignment,
    • spend time engaged in one of the most unique, career-enhancing experiences of your life!

  3. How do I find out which GIP positions are available this year?

    4. All current GIP positions are advertised on our partners’ websites.

  4. Who is eligible for GIP positions?

    5. GIP positions are open to geoscientists who are legally able to work in the United States and possess a valid driver’s license. Past participants may be eligible; please see our partners’ websites for eligibility requirements.

    Non-US citizens must apply through the NPS International Volunteers-in-Parks Program (IVIP) at: http://www.nps.gov/oia/topics/ivip/ivip.htm

  5. How do I apply for a GIP position?

    6. All current GIP positions are posted on our partners’ websites.

  6. When should I apply? When do the projects begin?

    7. The application process varies with each partner. Typically, our partners advertise for Spring and Summer positions during the Winter, and for Fall and Winter positions during the Summer, see program calendars.

  7. Application tips…

    8. Whether you are interested in applying through GSA or NAGT, carefully review the partner’s website before applying.

    Be sure to address specific questions you may have before aggreeing to accept a GIP position.

    • Questions regarding the application process should be directed to the partner organization sponsoring the position (GSA, or NAGT).
    • Questions regarding the individual projects, specific duties, and other arrangements for each position should be directed to the host park.
    • Questions regarding the NPS Geoscientists-in-the-Parks Program should be direct to Lisa Norby, GIP Program Manager, lisa_norby@nps.gov.

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Last Updated: March 08, 2012