Federal
Morale, Well-being, and Recreation Internship
U.S. Coast Guard · Department of Homeland Security
About This Position
This position is part of the Morale, Well-Being, and Recreation (MWR) Internship Program, which offers both paid and unpaid internship opportunities. The program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in recreation, youth services, business operations, special events, marketing, and more within the United States Coast Guard's MWR programs.
Qualifications
Internship candidates should: Be actively enrolled in a degree program in Recreation, Hospitality, Fitness, Sports Management, Child & Youth Development, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field. Be in good academic standing. Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills. Show professionalism, initiative, and enthusiasm for working in a dynamic, service-focused environment.
Major Duties
Internships are available at the following Coast Guard locations: Base Portsmouth, VA Base Kodiak, AK U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT Coast Guard Yard, Baltimore, MD Base Borinquen, PR Responsibilities As an MWR Intern, you will: Assist with planning and delivering community recreation and special events. Support fitness and wellness programming and outreach. Work with youth and child development programs (location dependent). Gain exposure to food & beverage, lodging, and recreational business operations. Contribute to social media and marketing efforts. Provide quality customer service to military members and their families. Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and cross-functional team projects. Complete a final project or summary presentation of your experience.
Conditions of Employment
Must be a U.S. Citizen or legal resident eligible to work in the United States. Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university. Must be able to pass a background check. Must apply at least 60 days prior to your desired internship start date. Must meet any physical requirements relevant to the location (e.g., standing, lifting, working outdoors). If selected, a suitability background investigation will be conducted for your position. Assignment decisions-including participation and continued placement-are at the sole discretion of the Community Services Command (CSC) or hosting command.
Education
You must be currently enrolled at least half-time in an accredited college or university. A transcript or verification of enrollment may be required. Some internships may qualify for academic credit-please confirm with your institution.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Applications will also be reviewed based on: Resume and education. Alignment with program goals. Availability and preferred location(s). Optional cover letter or advisor recommendations.
Additional Information
Housing and some meals are provided at select locations. Internship length and duties vary by site and season. Interns are not federal employees but may be eligible for limited benefits depending on funding and assignment. This is a valuable opportunity to gain real-world experience while supporting service members and their families. Please review supplemental links (located on the internship webpage) for: Duty descriptions. Program expectations. Application process details. https://www.coastguardmwr.org/internships.
How to Apply
Submit your application via email to: [email protected] Subject Line: [Your Last Name] - MWR Internship Application - [Preferred Location] Please include: Your resume. Cover letter/Essay (include location of interest and desired semester on cover). Official transcript. Letter of recommendation. Also include: Preferred internship dates. Location preferences (ranked, if multiple). Whether you are seeking a paid or unpaid position. Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted no later than 60 days before the desired internship start date.
Required Documents
Resume. Academic transcript or proof of enrollment. (Optional) Cover letter. (Optional) Advisor letter (if seeking academic credit).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Morale, Well-being, and Recreation Internship position at U.S. Coast Guard?
The salary range for this position is $0 - $15/hr. This is a NF-1 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Morale, Well-being, and Recreation Internship job located?
This position is located in Kodiak, Alaska. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Internship candidates should: Be actively enrolled in a degree program in Recreation, Hospitality, Fitness, Sports Management, Child & Youth Development, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field. Be in good academic standing. Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills. Show professionalism, initiative, and enthusiasm...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Jul 27, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does NF-1 mean?
NF-1 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.