Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is uniquely positioned to address conservation of the fragile alpine environment. The Gardens is spearheading the implementation of the North American Botanic Garden Strategy for Alpine Plant Conservation to understand and protect this special habitat. The Conservation Internship supports our work to conserve the high-elevation plants of the Rocky Mountains.

We are looking for a recent college graduate to assist our Conservation Scientist for approximately four months in the summer of 2026 on projects at the Gardens and in the field relating to our conservation priorities. Work will include projects at and in the Gardens and in the field. Duties include data management, community science, public engagement, and time in alpine areas of Colorado collecting and documenting alpine plants, as well as managing collections on-site at the Gardens. Occasionally, the team will travel overnight and/or camp, including in the backcountry. The ideal candidate will be passionate about plants, conservation, and alpine ecosystems; organized, flexible, self-motivated, a team player, and be interested in developing leadership skills. S/he will also have experience identifying plants in the field using a dichotomous key and be comfortable working outside in tough conditions. This position will overlap with other departments, primarily Horticulture and occasionally Education, and the ideal candidate is ready to take on diverse projects throughout the Gardens.

Duties:

• Assist the Conservation Scientist on various projects relating to the Alpine Strategy including research, field forays, and outreach.
• Assist the Horticulture team in curating and maintaining the Gardens collections.
• Identify alpine plants in the field using a dichotomous key.
• Collect and prepare voucher specimens for herbarium collections.
• Collect and process seeds for seed banking.
• Keep detailed, organized records of field and Gardens activities.
• Manage data, including entering and checking records from the field.
• Supervise volunteers both in the field and at the Gardens.
• Participate in garden events, workshops and educational outreach.
• Engage with Gardens visitors and members.
• Compose newsletter and social media content and blog posts relating to conservation and alpine plants.
• Help with projects and duties as staff needs, across all Gardens operations.

Requirements:

• Recently graduated from college with a focus on environmental science, ecology, plant science, and/or conservation.
• Experience using a dichotomous key to identify plants.
• Practical previous experience in an ecological field setting.
• Valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and a willingness to drive independently to field sites.
• Passion for conservation and ecological research.
• Works well in a team setting and communicates efficiently and effectively.
• Physical requirements: 
• Ability to hike at elevation in remote areas on steep, difficult terrain, in inclement weather (rain, snow, heat, sun, etc).
• Ability to carry up to 50lbs of equipment.
• Ability to spend full days in the field (3+ a week), as well as in an office setting, working in the Gardens, and occasionally overnight camping trips in remote areas.

Internship Details:

• $500/ week stipend (pre-tax), plus shared housing provided in Vail along the bus line.
• Full-time internship starts beginning of June 2026, and ending late September 2026.
• Internship promotes studying and understanding alpine plants, mountain ecosystems, and the inner workings of a small nonprofit botanic gardens.