Individual Placement - National Capital Region Business Operations Fellow

Position Summary 

The position will primarily assist with development and implementation of a “Secret Shopper” program for the area parks in support of Commercial Services Management team members. The position will frequently make planned daily travel trips to observe, engage, document, and report the quality and adequacy of NPS Commercial Services operations. In addition to regular pay, the Student Conservation Association will reimburse approved expenses associated with Commercial Services monitoring activities conducted under the implemented secret shopper program, including meals, admissions, tickets, rentals, and similar pre-approved expenses. The technical equipment required (e.g., a laptop computer, mobile phone, or similar) will be provided to support official duties. This position requires the ability to utilize personal credit/debit card for reimbursable duty related expenses.

 

Hosting Organization

NPS National Capital Region

 

Location 

Washington, DC

 

Schedule 

June 29, 2026 - June 25, 2027

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Program Monitoring (50%): Promote and support Commercial Services Management initiatives and help execute program goals.
  • Work with NPS National Capital Regional Office and Area parks to start and develop a new “secret shopper” program based on existing template models used in other parks.
  • Work with parks to assist with in-person field evaluations of NPS contracted concessions operations as part of a secret shopper program.
  • Participate in recreational, sports, and food and beverage activities as if a subjective member of the public.
  • Report emergencies to parks while observing environmental and safety concerns.
  • Observe and report public rates as part of the record. Research online platforms of Concessioner operations.
  • Serve with the NPS Coordinator to monitor the completion of various program aspects of NPS Concessions monitoring.
  • Provide Park support for project development and execution.
  • Use problem-solving and creative thinking skills to recommend ideas for continual improvement and development of existing programs.
  • Assist with program communications and record keeping (e.g., attend meetings, take notes, keep webpages updated, respond to external correspondence, create presentations and digital records).

 

Marginal Duties 

• Reporting (25%):
  • Communicate NPS Concessions mission goals and objectives through observational monitoring reports. Report these findings for the administrative record.
  • Develop reports as follow-up and create files of administrative record with real-time field notes and photographs as necessary.
  • Compile information to assist with the creation of reports for project supervisors.
  • Compile files for administrative record, specific to contracts being evaluated.
  • Use NPS template files, and make recommendations for custom modifications specific to the activity being observed.
  • Receive mentorship in the coordination of collaborative replies to correspondences and reports. This will include relaying instructions to staff, collecting information, and consolidating/coordinating the submittal of information.
  • Create small weekly presentations of findings.
  • Assist in the creation of additional communication products as necessary.

 

• Training/Professional Development(25%): of the position will be focused solely on individual professional development (NPS Concessions financial review, training, skill development, working with other NPS departments in individual interests, etc.)
  • Support National Capital Area Office with financial reporting for Concessions.
  • Support Concessions Staff with maintaining accurate administrative record keeping of park franchise fees. Participating in data analysis of financial reports.
  • Work with individual parks to gain understanding of complex needs and diverse offerings within the Park Service.
  • Participate in relevant NPS sponsored training.

 

Age Requirement

Adults 18 or older