Next Generation Ranger Corps

Next Generation Ranger Corps is sponsored by National Park Service (Saguaro National Park) in partnership with Friends of Saguaro National Park (FOSNP). This program aims to create youth employment and economic opportunities in Southern Arizona. FOSNP recruits and hires local youth interns to be placed with Saguaro National Park, working with the Division of Interpretation, Education, and Outreach.

Next Generation Ranger Corps - Saguaro National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Skip to global NPS navigation Skip to this park navigation Skip to this park information section Skip to the footer section A large group of past and present NextGen rangers attend the first Next Generation Ranger mingling/networking event.

The Friends of Saguaro National Park (FOSNP) and Saguaro National Park joined together in early 2015 to establish a Next Generation Ranger Corps (Next Gen) program -- designed to enable young people interested in a career with the NPS to discover the agency and its different operational divisions, by providing college students an experiential, engaging, and supportive learning and working opportunity at Saguaro National Park.

The FOSNP NextGen internship program seeks to expand Saguaro National Park's outreach to underrepresented young people of southern Arizona; strengthen the Park's connection to local schools; provide targeted training, mentoring, and work experiences for qualified participants; achieve greater levels of engagement with underserved communities; provide competitive hourly wages to participants; achieve Park resource protection objectives; and create an ethic of conservation and resource stewardship.

Applicants must be 30 years old or younger, or 35 or younger if a veteran. Applications due August 22, 2026, email resume or inquiry to elizabeth_hudick@nps. gov Start Date: October 18, 2026 Pay: $19.

89 per hour, 40 hours per week Work alongside park staff to create a professional-level short film for the park (including storyboarding, filming, and editing) Produce interpretive digital products that support operational needs in interpretation, outreach, and education Perform digital asset management on extensive collection of images, audio, and video files Join interpretive teammates in shared activities such as visitor center operations, outreach events, and public programming Critical Skills, Experience, and Education: Ability to manage own tasks and duties independently Film experience a plus (please include up to three samples of past work if available) Experience using Adobe software (particularly PremierePro) Experience in and/or willingness to hike on/off trail in rugged terrain in a variety of weather conditions Interest in nature and appreciation of the natural world Must complete federal background check process Valid driver’s license is required NextGen Rangers helps manage invasive species in the park such as Buffelgrass.

NPS Photo Invasive Plant Management Crew Member Start date: June 15th, 2026 End date: December 4th, 2026 (with possibility to extend an additional 6 months) Pay: $19. 89/hour, Full-time at 40 hours per week. Accepting applicants until position is filled.

Description: We’re looking for enthusiastic interns who love working outdoors and learning about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem! As part of our team, you’ll help protect the natural resources of Saguaro National Park. This position will focus on wildfire fuel reduction through invasive plant management.

The work will require the use of herbicide, hand tools, hiking off trail, and being outside for the full 10-hour workday under a variety of environmental conditions. Our crew typically works four 10-hour days, Tuesday through Friday. No specific prior skills are required — just an interest in the natural world, a positive attitude, and experience working or recreating outdoors in high-temperature environments.

While invasive plant management will be the primary focus, you’ll have opportunities to support a variety of other resource projects as needs arise. Cross-training may include: Boundary fence maintenance and wildlife-friendly retrofits Riparian and rare plant surveys Wildlife camera monitoring If you’re passionate about conservation and eager to gain hands-on experience in desert ecology, we’d love to have you on the team!

To apply or request more information, send your resume or questions to us at sagu_invasive@nps. gov Do any of these positions look interesting? Keep an eye on this page for future opportunities!

Trail crew working to make the trails a better experience for everyone. NPS Photo Crew Leader of Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) POSITION CLOSED Interested applicants should email their resume and any inquiries to SAGU_YCC@nps. gov, due by April 6th, 2026.

Pay: $22. 36/hr (WG-05 equivalent); 40 hrs/week. A commitment of 640 hours is mandatory Saguaro National Park is looking for two Next Generation Rangers (18-30 years old) to work with the Trails Youth Conservation Corps summer program.

The YCC is an 8 week, co-ed youth employment program hosted in June and July. Program participants range from 15 to 18 years old, and there will be a total of 6 crew members. The YCC program focuses on conservation work, environmental education and outdoor recreation.

Work weeks require camping Monday-Friday. When working in the backcountry, you will have ten consecutive 8-hour days. Due to remote, rugged conditions and environmental expectations, you will need to be capable of carrying around 40lbs of supplies and sustenance in your pack.

Three weeks of training will be provided upon hiring.

Trail maintenance such as clearing drains, brushing, and reworking trail tread Working with Resource Management and Maintenance teams Camping throughout the week, including in the backcountry Providing logistical and safety support for day-to-day operations Facilitating daily environmental education lessons to the crew Critical Skills, Experience and Education: Past experience in trails / conservation work Camping and backpacking experience Ability to work well in a team environment Ability to be communicative, adaptable / flexible Experience educating and mentoring the youth, specifically with knowledge of the Sonoran Desert landscape Trails Intern - POSITION CLOSED Interested applicants should email their resume and any inquiries to SAGU_YCC@nps.

gov, due by April 6th, 2026. Pay: $22. 36/hr (WG-05 equivalent); 40 hrs/week.

A commitment of 640 hours is mandatory Saguaro National Park is looking for two Next Generation Rangers (18-30 years old) to work with the Trails Youth Conservation Corps summer program. The YCC is an 8 week, co-ed youth employment program hosted in June and July. Program participants range from 15 to 18 years old, and there will be a total of 6 crew members.

The YCC program focuses on conservation work, environmental education and outdoor recreation. Work weeks require camping Monday-Friday. When working in the backcountry, you will have ten consecutive 8-hour days.

Due to remote, rugged conditions and environmental expectations, you will need to be capable of carrying around 40lbs of supplies and sustenance in your pack. Three weeks of training will be provided upon hiring.

Trail maintenance such as clearing drains, brushing, and reworking trail tread Working with Resource Management and Maintenance teams Camping throughout the week, including in the backcountry Providing logistical and safety support for day-to-day operations Facilitating daily environmental education lessons to the crew Critical Skills, Experience and Education: Past experience in trails / conservation work Camping and backpacking experience Ability to work well in a team environment Ability to be communicative, adaptable / flexible Experience educating and mentoring the youth, specifically with knowledge of the Sonoran Desert landscape Facilities Management Assistant Intern Position Closed Applications due January 31st, 2026.

Interested applicants should email their resume to john_teeter@nps. gov We are looking to fill two position with our maintenance team. These NextGens will work in the Rincon Mountain District (east) & the Tucson Mountain District (west) of the park.

The selected individual will get a hands-on overview of all areas of modern Facilities Management & Maintenance in the National Park Service. Pay: $19. 30/hour, 40 hours/week The selected NextGen interns will gain knowledge and experience in trade skills such as plumbing, electrical, carpentry, asset inventory and management, performing and documenting condition assessments on roads, buildings, and trails.

Interns will also assist with contract surveillance, asset management, labor tracking database and software. They will also be given opportunities for additional cross-training and professional training opportunities in all areas of park management. Next Generation ranger checking out a library book NPS Natural Resource Librarian/Archivist Position Closed Applications due August 23, 2024.

Email cover letter and resume or send an inquiry to Don_Swann@nps. gov Start Date: September 10, 2024. 6-month position, full-time.

Salary: $19. 30-21. 52 per hour Schedule: 8:00 a.

m. to 4:30 p. m.

, Tuesday through Saturday (with some flexibility!) Duty Station: East district, Saguaro National Park, 3693 South Old Spanish Trail.

Help current and future biologists track long-term ecological changes at the park by: Making historic “legacy” scientific data on saguaro cacti, wildlife, and other natural resources available for use by other scientists Organizing paper and digital files from studies in Saguaro National Park Writing brief summaries of research results Potential for data analysis Posting data and reports to NPS Data Store website to make them accessible to scientists, educators, and the public Critical Skills, Experience, and Education: The ideal candidate will have: Strong, proven organizational skills Interest in science and nature Comfort with basic computer applications Ability to be a good team player 19-30 years old (or 35 for veterans) Diverse work experience in natural resource management Professional development and training opportunities (e.g. Wilderness First Aid, computer skills) Cross-training in other national parks skills such as education Public Lands Corps hiring authority eligible once 640 hour minimum has been met Next Generation Ranger Raeshaun walking away while working at the Tucson Festival of Books.

NPS Indigenous Interpretation Next Generation Ranger Position Closed Saguaro National Park is seeking Indigenous adults with a passion for learning and teaching about the rich ecosystems and cultural history of the Sonoran Desert. Dates: Starting spring/summer 2024 with flexible term of service. Salary: $17.

54 - 19. 55 per hour Schedule: 40 hours/week, with some flexibility. May be required to work weekends and holidays.

Benefits: Park housing may be provided. Will receive Public Land Corps preferential hiring authority after service. Duty Station: Red Hills Visitor Center, Tucson Mountain District (west), Saguaro National Park For more information and to apply, please email resume and cover letter to: Spencer Burke at spencer_burke@nps.

gov Applications open until filled. Next Generation Ranger interns will work as part of Saguaro National Park’s interpretation, education, and outreach team at the Red Hills Visitor Center, providing orientation and information to park visitors.

Work closely with park staff and Tribal community members to expand cultural interpretation, help run the park‘s cultural demonstration program, and participate in exhibit design and collaboration meetings. Research, develop, and present guided interpretive programs and hikes Interest in National Park Service interpretation and working with Indigenous audiences.

Enrolled member of one of Saguaro’s associated tribes Must complete federal background check and have a valid driver’s license. O’odham, Yoeme, or other indigenous language skills preferred. NextGen Ranger assists with SAGU's Tortoise Monitoring program.

NPS Photo Natural Resources NextGen - Desert Tortoise Monitoring Position Closed Start date: July 1st, 2024 End date: October 31st, 2024 Pay: $17. 54/hour, Full-time at 40 hours per week. Accepting applicants until May 31st (or when position is filled).

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team as a Desert Tortoise Tech at Saguaro National Park. You will play a crucial role in studying and conserving the iconic desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai) within the park’s unique Sonoran Desert ecosystem. Responsibilities include: Conduct fieldwork focused on desert tortoise research, including population surveys, habitat assessments, and monitoring.

Collaborate with biologists, ecologists, and other researchers to collect data on tortoise behavior, distribution, and health. Track tortoise movements, nesting sites, and burrows. Hike off-trail in the desert environment while carrying equipment (up to 20 lbs) on a regular basis.

Endure extreme conditions during the summer season, including high temperatures and arid environments. Experience in field research, especially with reptiles or desert ecosystems. Physical fitness and ability to hike in rugged terrain.

Strong observational skills and attention to detail. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Passion for conservation and a desire to contribute to the protection of desert wildlife.

Familiarity with tortoise behavior and ecology is a plus. To apply or request more information, please submit resume, cover letter, and references to: e-mail us Please include “Desert Tortoise Technician” in the subject line. Work with Sunny the Saguaro at special events and community festivals.

Community Outreach Intern - POSITION IS FILLED pay: $16. 13 / hr, 20+ hours per week The Community Engagment and Outreach Intern will work to strengthen the Park's connection to the Tucson community through our associations with federal, tribal, state, and local agencies, non-profit organizations, schools and other stakeholders. Spanish language, both written and verbal, is preferred.

Next Generation Ranger Lizbeth goes through a junior ranger booklet with a group of visitors. NPS/JCamp Interpretation Next Generation Ranger POSITION CLOSED Applications accepting on a rolling basis but due August 22, 2025. Email resume or send an inquiry to spencer_burke@nps.

gov Start Date: September 30, 2025 Schedule: 40 hours/week, with some flexibility. Likely required to work weekends and holidays. Duty Station: Tucson Mountain District (West) or Rincon Mountain District (East), Saguaro National Park Saguaro National Park is seeking an enthusiastic person who loves learning and teaching about the wonders of the Sonoran Desert.

This paid one-year internship is designed for young people (18-30) from the Tucson area. This position will provide hands-on experience in National Park Service interpretation, opportunities to work with other park operations, and Public Land Corps hiring eligibility.

Work as part of Saguaro National Park’s interpretation, education, and outreach team Provide information to park visitors Research, develop, and present guided walks and talks Candidates must be between the ages of 18-29 Familiarity with the Sonoran Desert ecosystem, Saguaro National Park, and Tucson attractions Interest in Public Lands and National Park Service careers Completed at least college-degree seeking program Must complete federal background check process Spanish, O’odham, and Yaqui/Yoeme language skill preferred NextGen Ranger Intern pointing out aquatic organisms with small group of children Environmental Education and Youth Programs Applications accepted through June 30, 2026.

Email resume or send an inquiry to SAGU_Education@nps. gov Start Date: October 12, 2026 Schedule: 8:00 a. m.

to 4:30 p. m. , Tuesday through Friday + alternating Saturdays Duty Station: West district of Saguaro National Park Collaborate, Create, Break, Repeat!

Prepare and facilitate curriculum-based programs in the park, in classroom, and via distance learning to all audiences Design and create original interpretive activities, props, visual aids, games, and promotional materials. May include digital graphic design work as well as crafting 3-dimensional objects.

Prepare and facilitate non-curriculum-based events and activities such as youth volunteer programs, family-friendly interpretive programs, evening programs, offsite outreach events Strengthen the park’s relationship with local communities Join interpretive teammates in shared activities such as visitor center operations, outreach events, and public programming Critical Skills, Experience, and Education: Demonstrated ability working with youth of all ages Experience in and/or willingness to hike on/off trail in rugged terrain in a variety of weather conditions Ability to provide friendly customer service and public communication Have completed at least two years of a college degree seeking program; preferably in education, communication, sciences, recreation or related fields Valid driver’s license is required Ability to manage own tasks and duties independently Must complete federal background check process Must be 18-30 years old (at internship's start date) Spanish language skills a plus O’odham or Yoeme language skills a plus Diverse work experience in interpretation Professional development and training opportunities (e.g. Wilderness First Aid, curriculum-development, professional conferences, etc.) Cross-training with all park divisions including resource management, trails, backcountry, etc. Public Lands Corps hiring authority eligible once 640 hour minimum has been met Last updated: July 27, 2026