What is Mosaics in Science?
The Mosaics in Science Internship Program provides youth that are under-represented in natural resource science career fields with on-the-ground, science-based, work experience with the National Park Service. Established in 2013, this multidisciplinary program provides interns with opportunities to work on inventorying and monitoring, research, GIS and other technologies, and interpretation and education projects. After the internships, a career workshop is held in Washington DC where the interns present the results of their work, are exposed to different science careers, and develop skills to apply for a federal job. The program is administered by the NPS Natural Resource Stewardship and Science offices, the NPS Youth Programs Division, and in partnership with Environment for the Americas.
Who is under-represented in natural resource career fields?
2014 data revealed that the National Park Service workforce is 18% racially diverse (African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, others). In STEM fields, this number drops down to 3%, compared to the national average of 6%.
African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Pacific Islanders are considered underrepresented groups in the National Park Service and are encouraged to apply for Mosaics in Science internships.
Is the Mosaics In Science Diversity internship open to international students?
In order to be eligible for Mosaics in Science internships, the applicant must be a US citizen or permanent legal resident.
What are the eligibility requirements for Mosaics?
MIS Intern (entry level internship)
- U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident (“green-card-holder”).
- Between the ages of 18 and 30 years old. Veterans may be up to 35 years old.
- Relevant experience in natural resources, science, technology, or engineering.
- Selected applicant must meet the qualifications for the position, and be able to pass a federal background check.
Direct Hire Authority Resource Assistant (rigorous internship)
- U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident (“green-card-holder”).
- Enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD degree program, and graduate after completion of the internships with a Bachelors (BA/BS). Master’s (MA/MS), or PhD degree from an accredited institution of higher education. Note: persons enrolled in a certificate program do not qualify for DHA positions
- Relevant experience in natural resources, science, technology, or engineering.
- Selected applicant must meet be at least 18 years of age, meet the qualifications for the position, and be able to pass a federal background check.
When will I know if I was selected for a Mosaics internship?
We will contact and interview applicants in February and March 2022 and make final selections as soon as possible.
How long is the internship?
Mosaics In Science internships are twelve or twenty weeks, and start around mid-May. A mandatory, all-expense paid career workshop will be held immediately following the park-based portion of the internship.
How much are interns paid?
Interns are provided a weekly stipend over their term, travel expenses are paid, and the costs of housing are covered. The weekly stipend for DHA-RA interns is $640 and for PLC interns is $600.
Who can I contact for more information about Mosaics?
Please contact us at:
mosaics@environmentamericas.org
For more information about the Mosaics in Science Program, see: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/mosaics.htm
Are you Latino and interested in similar internship positions?
The Latino Heritage Intern Program is a component of an overarching service-wide strategy to address and correct the lack of Latino employment opportunities in the National Park Service. The National Park Service is committed to engaging the next generation through the strategic use of student internships with partner organizations under Cooperative and Task Agreements. For more information on available internships and to apply, visit
www.latinoheritageintern.com.
The application period for this program is open until end of January.