Position Description:  This position will work with the Restoration Ecology Program at Rocky Mountain National Park.  Selected candidates will be involved with a wide range of natural resource management activities including both manual and herbicide based invasive plant control, vegetation monitoring, planting and seeding of native plant species, mulching and erosion control, surveying for rare and unique plant species, and nursery and greenhouse operations specific within the vegetation program.  In addition there will be opportunities to work on other park based projects depending on interest of the member and availability of projects. These are developmental opportunities and will give the selected candidates a wide range of experience and skill development in natural resource management.

In order to give selected candidates  a well-rounded experience to develop a variety of job skills, they may also have opportunities to work on other projects, and with other work groups and park staff from natural and cultural resources, facility management, interpretation, and visitor and resource protection. Selected candidates will work with both park staff and volunteers to accomplish tasks, and may be given opportunities to present their work to groups in informal settings.

The selected candidate will receive training in various field operations and safety protocols, mentorship from park staff, as well as have other training opportunities throughout the duration of the position. 

One requirement of the program is that candidates must be enrolled in an accredited university during the internship.  If the candidate is not currently enrolled in an accredited university, Rocky Mountain Conservancy can help the candidate to meet these requirements.

Location:  Selected candidates will be based in Estes Park, CO on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park.  Candidates will be placed in dormitory style housing provided by the park.  Most of Park housing is concentrated in one area of the park and provides a great community for people new to the area, with an outdoor volleyball court and areas to gather outside.

Estes Park is a town of about 6000 year round residents, but feels bigger due to tourism in the range of 4 to 5 million visitors annually.  It sits nestled in the mountains at an elevation around 7500 ft.  Entertainment includes a movie theater, bowling alley, escape room, minigolf, mountain coaster, outdoor music, and weekend festivals among other things.  There are a couple grocery stores, as well as numerous restaurants and coffee shops.  There is no public transportation, so having a car is the most beneficial means of getting around.

The surrounding area and the Park provide numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, bird watching, biking, wildlife viewing, and fishing.  The Park ranges in elevations from 7500 ft to over 14,00 ft and hosts over 350 miles of trails.  Weather in the summer can be quite variable where on any given day it could be 80 degrees and sunny and then quickly change to 30 degrees with wind, rain, hail, or even snow.

Approximate Season Dates: May 18 - September 5, 2026  (16 weeks)