ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

INTERPRETIVE INTERNSHIPS

Summer 2011

Do you enjoy interacting with park visitors and assisting them in understanding and appreciating the park’s 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, 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 a related field. We use the NPS Interpretive Development Program in our training.

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 (June 5 – August 20):

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

East Side Internships duties (June 5 – August 20):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.

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

Participating in two career days to learn about other park operations.

West Side Internship duties (May 31 – August 20 or October 15):

Staffing a historic guest ranch (Holzwarth Historic Site) one day/week, including leading tours through historic cabins.

Researching, developing, and presenting interpretive walks and demonstrations for visitors.

Hiking park trails and staffing overlooks to provide “roving” interpretation to visitors in the field.

Staffing a visitor center information desk.

Issuing backcountry permits to backpackers using a computerized system.

The longer-season internship will also provide experience doing interpretation during the fall elk rut as well as assist with environmental education programs for students.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

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

Possess a valid driver’s license.

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

Be able to walk over rocky terrain at high elevation.

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

A uniform reimbursement is given 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.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

DEADLINES – Applications must be on site by these dates:

SUMMER—February 15

Mail the following:

Cover letter stating your reason for applying and what you hope to achieve from the internship

Dates of availability

Detailed resume listing education, work experience and other interests

Three references, preferably with e-mail addresses

College transcript (unofficial or official)

For East side positions, mail to:

Sue Langdon

Interpretive Internship Coordinator

Rocky Mountain National Park

1000 HWY 36

Estes Park, CO 80517

For West Side positions, mail to:

Michele Simmons

Rocky Mountain National Park

16018 US Highway 34

Grand Lake, CO 80447