Placements
Most Northwestern students are placed at national park units in the American West, or in Alaska. Placements are determined by the opportunities provided in parks and by students’ interests.
Past placements are a good indication of the range of possible opportunities. In recent years students worked in Alaskan national parks at Katmai, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Ashley National Forest, Mammoth Cave National Park. There have also been several placements with National Forests and National Wildlife Refuges.
Students who are admitted to the program are assigned to work with a national parks officer or researcher for about 8 weeks during the summer (specific dates depend on the position). In previous summers students have had very rich experiences working and studying natural resources management issues and the effects of climate change on the national parks.