Internship - Environmental Education & Interpretation Intern

Conservation Begins Here

Environmental Education & Interpretation Intern

Position Summary

The individual in this position will serve for 20 weeks as an Environmental Education and Interpretation intern at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (NP) and Curecanti National Recreation Area (NRA). The intern will work with the Interpretation and Education Division assisting with a variety of visitor services. The intern will assist with interpretive and educational programming, provide visitor services at park visitor centers, assist with outreach and special events and provide accurate information to visitors while roving on park trails. The parks are co-managed and the duty station for the internship is at Curecanti NRA near Gunnison, CO. The individual in this position will report to the Education Specialist and work collaboratively with the interpretation team. The overall goal is to increase visitor engagement with Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP and Curecanti NRA.

Schedule

April 21, 2025 - September 5, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with curriculum-based environmental education programming primarily for students in grades 2-7
• Assist with summer interpretive programming for youth in the parks and off-site
• Present interpretive programs such as star talks with a laser pointer and/or evening ranger programs at the campground
• Rove park trails to perform informal interpretation of park resources in the field
• Assist with educational and interpretive projects such as developing field trips, interpretive programs, and materials
• Provide quality visitor services by staffing park visitor centers
• Perform collateral duties in alignment with the intern's personal/professional interests

Marginal Duties

Assist with collateral duties such as creating media products, assisting with social media, collecting dark sky data, performing minor labor or custodial work, assist with search and rescue activities as requested or needed, and complete administrative tasks.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently or with a team
• A genuine desire to work with children, and some prior experience
• Experience leading/facilitating youth through structured activities
• Able to engage and manage groups of youth and/or adults for 2+ hours
• Passion for the environment and working outdoors
• Ability to hike and conduct field operations as part of a team and/or independently in an outdoor setting;
• Ability to take orders and follow directions, ability to work collaboratively and supportively in a group environment
• Bachelor's degree in related field (environmental or outdoor education, interpretation, geography, ecology, etc.) and/or some work experience that is relevant to the position (park ranger, naturalist, environmental educator), preferably for a land management agency
• A general understanding and knowledge of a broad range of subjects including geology, biology, ecology, anthropology, and American history. A high technical competence in each field is not assumed, but a general familiarity with, and keen interest in each field is required
• Computer literate; MS Word; MS Excel; PowerPoint, Internet
• Ability to learn NPS policy and procedures
• Driver's license required
• Personal vehicle required for off-duty time

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in environmental education and interpretation;
• Experience working with youth in an outdoor setting;
• Artistic skills in graphic design or other visual arts;
• Desire to pursue a career with the National Park Service and/or other land management agency

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

National Park Service (NPS) housing provided. Likely dormitory style with private bedroom, shared bathroom with one person and shared common living areas such as kitchen and living room. Washer and dryer in unit. NPS housing is 0.2 miles (0.3 km) from duty station. Connectivity can be challenging – AT&T and Verizon cell phone providers seem to get best service.

Compensation

• One-time roundtrip travel allowance - $1,100
• Weekly living allowance - $680
• Monthly housing allowance - $200 (covers cost of NPS housing)
• Hours served in this SCA Position are not eligible to be applied towards Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

• First Aid/CPR
• Interpretive Skills
• AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.