The National Park Service, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area, is accepting applications for internships in Outreach Education.
All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, marital status, nondisqualifying physical or mental disabilities.
Applicants must be high school graduates and should either be attending a 2 or 4 year college or university or already have earned their degree.
Position Title: Education Intern
Office and Location:
National Park Service
102 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230
Description of Duties:
Fall and Spring Internship - Intern will work directly with the Education Specialist, providing curriculum based programs for pre-K through high school students. The intern will be involved in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating in-park & outreach education programs. Specific duties will include program presentation both in classrooms and outdoors within the national park sites and surrounding areas, curriculum enhancement, activity development, creation of audio and visual programs, analysis of evaluations, and completion of a special project. Programs vary from 30 to 90 minute classroom presentations, in eleven communities, to five-hour outdoor field experiences in the park and surrounding outdoor locations. Interns will also assist with special events and projects.
Educational units encompass science, math, technology, and other educational disciplines and are based on park themes and management objectives.
Summer Internship - Intern will work directly with the Education Specialist and Outreach Education team members to: develop and present day-long or overnight environmental education programs within Curecanti NRA and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP for elementary age students, 70%; assist with day to day program operations, 15%; assist with visitor services at either NPS site, 10%; training and interagency opportunities, 5%. The summer program focuses on local elementary-age students participating in the Advanced Junior Ranger Program. Activities and lessons are flexible, fun, hands-on, and active.
Dates:
Fall - September 5 through November 22 (approximate), 11 week minimum. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Review of applications will begin on April 15.
Spring - February 15 through May 15 (approximate), 11 week minimum. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Review of applications will begin on October 15.
Summer - May 15 through August 15 (approximate), 11 week minimum. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Review of applications will begin on February 15.
The Area:
The headquarters of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area is located 15 miles west of Gunnison (population 7,000) in west-central Colorado. Gunnison offers the basic amenities including grocery stores, restaurants, churches, hospital and clinics, small department stores, an airport, and a four-year college. Two major ski resorts (Crested Butte and Monarch) are within an hour's drive from Gunnison. Montrose (population 14,000) is located about 50 miles to the west. Curecanti National Recreation Area has 40,526 acres (30,228 land and 10,298 water). There are three reservoirs within the recreation area: Blue Mesa Reservoir, 20 miles long with 96 miles of shoreline; Morrow Point Reservoir, 11 miles long with 24 miles of shoreline; and, Crystal Reservoir, 6 miles long with 19.6 miles of shoreline. The 30,330 acre Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park contains 12 miles of the deepest, steepest, and most spectacular scenery of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. It is over two thousand vertical feet from the canyon rim to the surface of the Gunnison River.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Applicants will be ranked according to their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
- Ability to work with all age groups
- Knowledge of child development and corresponding teaching techniques
- Ability to communicate effectively, both speaking and writing
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Knowledge of ecological principles, teaching methodology, life and earth sciences
Applicant Must:
- Possess a valid driver's license
- Be able to work on steep-rocky terrain, at high elevations, in extreme weather
- Be able to lift heavy storage boxes weighing up to 50 pounds
- Wear a uniform (brown pants, tan shirt and an NPS volunteer cap)
Benefits:
- Government furnished housing is available at no cost to the intern
- A weekly stipend of $100.00
- A $50.00 uniform allowance
- Interns are covered for injuries and liability while on duty by the Federal Workers Compensation Act and the Tort Claims Act
- Interns are encouraged to enroll for college credit
- Opportunities for professional development will be available
How to Apply:
Applicants must complete the application below and provide a transcript (photocopies allowed).
INTERNSHIP APPLICATION (143k pdf)
Please mail applications and transcripts to:
National Park Service
Attention: Education Specialist
102 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230
For more information contact:
National Park Service
Attention: Education Specialist
102 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230
Telephone: (970) 641-2337 ext. 203
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mountain Time
Fax: (970) 641-3127
E-Mail: e-mail us
