An education intern helps a student explore a pine tree.
NPS
Education and Outreach Program Internship
Rocky Mountain National Park has a well known education and outreach program focused on providing curriculum based programming. Interns assist park staff as program instructors. They also complete projects and administrative tasks required to run this well established program.
Area Information
Rocky Mountain National Park is located 70 miles northwest of Denver and consists of 415 square miles of high mountain scenery carved and sculpted by glaciers. Wildlife includes elk, bighorn sheep, coyotes, mountain lions, marmots, pikas, black bears and a variety of birds. Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S. provides access to the alpine tundra while connecting the east and west sides of the park. There are over 355 miles of trails within the 97% designated wilderness 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 forty 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.
