employer cover photo
employer logo
employer logo

National Parks Conservation Association

Engaged employer

Great Mission, but feeling Stagnant - Anonymous employee National Parks Conservation Association Employee Review

3.0
31 Oct 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great mission, smart, passionate people. Most employees go home between 5-6 every night, and many of us get to travel to national parks as part of our jobs. Good workplace culture, especially among lower-middle levels of staff.

Cons

Executive leadership is mediocre. Most VPs have been at NPCA for 10-15 years, and would be hard-pressed to find top-level jobs at other organizations, so they aren't going anywhere anytime soon. Which means the up-and-coming staff rise to a certain point, then leave. New CEO comes from corporate environment and has struggled to put his imprint on the organization, as he doesn't seem sure how to contribute. When VPs disagree with one another, no one has the power to make a decision over the other's objections, so conflicts remain unsolved. Recently, the organization has been talking to oil companies involved in a new park proposal in Texas--strange bedfellows considering our focus on fracking, climate change, etc.

Explore other reviews about National Parks Conservation Association

5.0
4 July 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

4 day workweek, fully remote, excellent health and 401k benefits. Congenial work environment, inspiring mission. Very dynamic and driven colleagues.

Cons

Happiness can depend on what department you land in. Promotional pathways can be paved with confusing or unrealistic demands.

2.0
16 Oct 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

NPCA is a great place to work for folks interested in national park issues and the inner workings of a Big Green. The benefit of a 4-day work week keeps people happy generally, but there are alarming internal politics that cause morale dips. It is also a financially unstable organization that fails to support its partner groups. During my time here, I heard people say they had suicidal ideation and considered self-harm because they were overworked and felt they had no escape. Many people don't leave because they don't think they can do better. To make matters worse, many people saw their portfolios atrophy because of the lack of priorities from leadership, making them more unemployable with each passing year. Career growth is limited unless you are a favorite. On the other hand, you will be connected to a fantastic network of amazing people, and the benefits are competitive.

Cons

-Not a JEDI-focused organization. Constant "recommitments" with no clear direction or action to support groups on the ground working on JEDI issues. Eye rolling at BIPOC working on JEDI issues from senior leadership. -No clear promotion guidelines, creating a breeding ground for favoritism -Unclear priorities create frustration and finger-pointing culture -People spend their whole careers here asking for higher pay, promotions, etc, but don't feel they can actually do meaningful work because of the power structure -Leaders are in conflict with one another, which trickles down to their staff. -No cost of living pay raises. 2% each year flat, regardless of performance. You can take a look at tax documents if you want more information on pay inequity within the organization. -Culture of bullying and backstabbing

1
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All