Student Leaders Summer Fellowship 2026

About the Environmental Resource Center: 

The mission of the Environmental Resource Center (ERC) is to provide education and inspire action to cultivate a healthy environment in Idaho’s Wood River Valley. 

The ERC was founded in 1993 by a group of volunteer environmentalists dedicated to the health and vitality of Blaine County. Today, we are a small – but mighty – nonprofit working to tackle large issues on a local scale. Our environmental education programs reach people of all ages and provide individuals with opportunities to gain the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to become stewards and leaders. Our community initiatives work to reduce waste and toxins, which ensure healthy soils and water, while galvanizing the community to protect our natural resources. 

About the Fellowship: 

The ERC seeks the next generation of local environmental leaders to participate in its 2026 Fellowship program. Our fellowship program is focused on taking concepts learned in the classroom and applying it to real world problems. We believe that leaders are made through experiences that expand their capacity for courage, competence, and communication. The 2026 Fellowship Program will run approximately 12 weeks, from late May to late August. The program is flexible; Fellows can work part-time or full-time, depending on their visions for the summer. 

What You’ll Do: 

As a fellow at the ERC, you have the opportunity to choose between many different focus areas including: 

• Community events/Recycling (Sustainability programming?): Running recycling programs at local events, including Hailey Rocks, Ketchum Alive, and the annual Fourth of July rodeo. This focus is for applicants interested in sustainability or natural resources. This includes working on our PUP program.
• Action support work: Work in partnership with the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA). Fellows will have the chance to run Junior Ranger programs at the SNRA visitor center, as well as campground programs at many of the different campgrounds in our area. Fellows will also have the opportunity to run bear safety and education programs called Bear Patrol. 
• Education: Teaching various educational lessons to local schools, summer camps and student groups through our Growing Great Minds program. Providing educational programming during Allen and Company. Safe routes to school biking programs. This focus is for applicants interested in working in education. 

Qualifications: 

Required: 

• Willing and able to represent the ERC in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. 
• Mandatory availability in the evenings from July 2nd-4th to help run recycling at the Hailey Rodeo. 
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group. 
• US Citizen or Permanent Resident 
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). 
• A personal vehicle for off-site work locations. 
• Must be physically able to hike while carrying up to 40 pounds of gear on uneven and steep terrain, on and off trail, in a variety of weather conditions. 
• Must be able to work in an environment with high temperatures, poisonous plants, and biting insects. 
• Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks. 
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Preferred: 

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resource management, biology, ecology, environmental studies, public policy, education, or a related field. 
• A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of environmental studies.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children and adults in an educational setting. 

Compensation:

The Student Leaders Summer Fellowship is a paid position. Wages start at $18-21 /hr dependent on education and experience. 

The ERC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are an equal opportunity employer and provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by local, state, or federal laws. 

Quotes From Past Fellows: 

“This program was extremely beneficial to not only my mental attitude, but also my confidence. It showed me that I could be placed in a situation without being sure of how to use my skill sets, and, with enough hard work, emerge with a ton of vital experience.” 

- Summer Fellow 2020 

“Thank you! I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to do meaningful work with the ERC. I have a new perspective on the valley’s environment’ and came out of the summer passionate to continue studying environmental science. I can’t wait to use the skills I learned and apply them to my studies, future employment, everyday life, or even take them back to work with the ERC in later years. I hope students have the same opportunity I had for summers to come!” 

- Summer Fellow 2020