Summer 2010

June 6- August 21

Do you enjoy interacting with park visitors and assisting them in understanding and appreciating the parks natural and cultural resources while living and working in a beautiful mountain setting? As an interpretive intern you would gain experience in presenting thematic interpretative programs, operating visitor centers, and gain knowledge on a variety of topics including wildlife biology, botany, forest ecology, geology, and history and park management. Applicants will be ranked according to their knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas: Ability to work with all age groups, ability to communicate effectively, both speaking and writing, Experience or interest in interpretation and/or environmental education, ability to work independently and as part of a team, and skill in enthusiastically sharing knowledge with others

Applicants must be college students or recent graduates majoring in the natural or physical sciences, communication, education, natural science interpretation, recreation and resources management or related a field. In our training we use the NPS Interpretive Development 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. There are two sides to RMNP, the east (Estes Park) side and the west (Grand Lake) side. Check our website: www.nps.gov/romo for more area information.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

East Side Internships duties:

The interpretation staff interacts directly with park visitors. Upon completion of training, the job consists of:

" Researching, preparing, and presenting four different interpretive programs

" Being able to talk about the current issues in the park in a professional manner.

" Providing information to individuals while hiking trails

" Answering questions at visitor centers

" Work with park volunteers, seasonal and permanent staff including communicating well with supervisors.

" Experience two career days to learn about other park operations.

West Side (Summer) SCA positions:

The west side hires two summer intern positions through the Student Conservation Association (www.thesca.org). Dates of Service

" The summer SCAs runs from Late May to mid-August

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

" Possess a valid drivers license

" Be able to walk over rocky terrain

" Wear the approved NPS uniform (brown pants, tan shirt and NPS Volunteer cap) and observe the same personal appearance standards required of NPS rangers

" Public speaking ability and ability to communicate well with the public and park staff.

BENEFITS

" Participate in Interpretive training and learn visitor center operations

" Opportunities for cross-training with other park divisions

" Upon completion of the program, interns will have received the equivalent of a season's experience working for the National Park Service which could be of benefit in applying for future jobs

" Government housing is available at no cost to the intern

" A weekly stipend of $225.00 for an 11 week assignment

" A uniform reimbursement of $20/per pair of trousers, up to two pair

" Interns are covered for injuries and liability while on duty by the Federal Workers Compensation Act and Tort Claims Act