Internship and Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers and interns gain valuable experience with the Sonoran Desert Network and Desert Research Learning Center.

Interns and volunteers play a variety of essential roles at the Sonoran Desert Network and Desert Research Learning Center. Some volunteers help with scientific activities, including

• field work at some of the network's 11 national parks and monuments,
• data entry,
• identifying animals captured by wildlife cameras, and
• assisting with streams and springs monitoring.

Others lend a hand with landscaping, groundskeeping, general facility maintenance, and light construction around the Desert Research Learning Center. There may also be opportunities to assist with public programs.

Internships allow students and recent graduates to gain field experience and complete independent projects to fulfill academic requirements. These require a more intensive commitment (typically 3–12 months). Travel stipends and on-site housing (located where eastern Tucson, Arizona, meets Saguaro National Park) may be available. Past interns have specialized in botany, hydrology, data management, and cartography (including GIS), working with our field crews and data management staff. We welcome international volunteers.

Have a skill to share? Contact Sarah Studd or Andy Hubbard for more information about volunteer and internship opportunities. Additional opportunities may be available from the 31 other NPS Inventory & Monitoring networks across the US.