Education and Outreach Internships

An education intern helps a student explore a pine tree.

NPS

Education and Outreach Program Internship Opportunities

Rocky Mountain National Park has a well known education and outreach program focused on providing curriculum-based programming. Interns assist NPS staff as program instructors. They also complete projects and administrative tasks required to help run this well established program.

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Area Information

Rocky Mountain National Park is located in northern Colorado approximately 70 miles northwest of Denver. The park can be accessed on the east side from the Town of Estes Park and on the west side from the Town of Grand Lake.

The park is 415 square miles and spans across the montane, subalpine and alpine ecosystems. Many species of wildlife call the park home, including elk, bighorn sheep, coyote, mountain lion, yellow-bellied marmot, pika, American black bear and over 280 species of birds. Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States, provides access to the alpine tundra and connects the east and west sides of Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer season. There are over 350 miles of designated hiking trails within the park.

Qualifications

Rocky Mountain National Park seeks interns of exceptional ability, who think and act creatively, who have demonstrated communication and problem solving skills, and who are fully computer literate. Candidates must be dedicated to and experienced with learner-centered education with children.

It is recommended that the candidate be actively pursuing a career in environmental education, interpretation, or general education. Personality should include flexibility, a warm disposition, and the ability to handle the stress of children in stride. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties include preparing and facilitating environmental education activities at schools and in the field, to a variety of diverse audiences.

About 60% of the work occurs outdoors at elevations of 7,800 feet to 12,000 feet, often in extreme weather including cold, snow and high winds. Programs are physically active lasting from 2 to 5 hours. Moderate hiking is required. Valid driver’s license required. About 40% of the work is office based preparing for programs and completing evaluation paperwork.

Environmental Education interns work with K-12 classroom field trips, have a Monday-Friday workweek, and these internships are hosted during the school year. Outreach interns help facilitate family activities at Junior Ranger Headquarters, Moraine Park Discovery Center and special events, connecting with park visitors and non-classroom educational visits.

Dates of Service

• Winter/Spring Environmental Education Internships: typically January through mid-May.
• Spring Outreach Team Internships: typically January - April.
• Summer Outreach Team Internships: typically mid-May through mid-August.
• Fall Environmental Education Internships: typically mid-August through mid-November.

The time commitment is 40 hours/week. All internship positions are open until filled, and are typically filled 3-4 months before the position begins to allow time for a federal background check to be completed. Interested applicants can submit an application at any time.

Benefits

• These positions come with a $450/week stipend and park housing in a dorm setting.
• Federal resume training.
• Professional development opportunities as available.

For additional information, email us at [e-mail].

How to Apply?

Positions are open until filled. Submit your application via email at [e-mail].

Please include the following:

1. A detailed resume listing education, work experience, and other interests.
2. A list with three references - please provide: the reference name, their relationship to you, their e-mail address, and phone number.
3. In your email, please specify which internship (education or outreach) and which season(s) you are applying for.