Sustainability Summer Intern
Live. Work. Explore. as a part of our Support team in Grand Canyon National Park!
Grand Canyon National Park Lodges operates 6 hotels, 7 retail shops, and various restaurants and dining facilities in the historic Grand Canyon Village. No matter what your job is, you will be a proud steward of the park and play an essential role in providing warm and friendly hospitality to our guests! As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Grand Canyon National Park is a place of remarkable beauty, peace, scenic grandeur and top-notch hospitality.
We’re hiring a Sustainability Summer Intern to Live. Work. Explore. this season!
Job Summary:
Assists with and helps coordinate multiple sustainability and environmental programs related to environmental compliance, environmental stewardship, and NPS contractual requirements.
The Details:
Position Type: Seasonal
Season Dates: Late May/early June 2026 - August 2026 (10-12 weeks)
Pay: $16.45 per hour
Schedule: Typical schedule is 40 hours, 5 days per week (may include weekends, evenings, and holidays)
Why Grand Canyon South Rim?
We are a welcoming community who work hard, share a real passion for the environment, and enjoy crafting memorable experiences for our guests. As part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, we are the primary authorized concessionaire at the Grand Canyon South Rim, and proud stewards of the park.
Life at the South Rim:
- Low-cost employee housing (dormitory-style) and on-site employee meals (cafeteria-style)
- Free on-site laundry facility, free shuttle service, and Wi-Fi (limited bandwidth)
- A fast-paced, exciting work environment with plenty of upward mobility and growth opportunities
- Meet people of all ages from all over the country and world!
Benefits:
- Sick Pay
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Program
- Learning and Development Program
Perks:
- Free Grand Canyon National Park pass
- Rec Center – Fitness Equipment, Computers, and Free WiFi
- Paid Day off on your birthday
- Discounted mule rides
- Free Grand Canyon Railway Train Rides
- Retail, Lodging and Travel Discounts
- Planned employee trips and activities
- $350 Referral Bonus Program
- The adventure of a lifetime!
Responsibilities
Assist in preparing for and developing sustainable business strategies and new environmental programs for Xanterra including program development pertaining to Xanterra’s concession contract with the National Park Service. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Oversee all waste diversion programs implemented at Xanterra operations:
- Compost collection in all kitchens and bin transport
- Operation Shrively Apples
- Recycling supersacks, as needed
- E-Waste recycling
- Cardboard recycling, if implemented
- Oversee data collection and analysis related to the above waste diversion programs.
- Assist with design and performance of required annual July Waste Audit.
- Research requirements and tabulate points for 2027 Green Restaurant Association re-certification for El Tovar, AZ Steakhouse, and Harvey House Café.
- Review and become familiar with Xanterra’s ISO 14001 EMS programs.
- Assist as requested with training of new staff in all departments where the Waste Diversion programs are implemented (includes but not limited to Food & Beverage kitchen staff and managers, Lodging housekeeping staff and managers, Porter staff and managers).
- Assist as requested with Sustainability internal inspections of all operations including Phantom Ranch for compliance with ISO 14001 programs.
- Develop and maintain a positive and productive relationship with the Xanterra department directors, managers, and staff.
- Attend any Green Team meetings.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Student or recent graduate in a Bachelors’ degree program in sustainability, environmental science or related field
- Must have a valid drivers’ license.
- Ability to drive (or learn to drive) a box truck for transporting waste diversion containers.
- Ability to positively interact with a wide variety of personalities.
- Demonstrated ability to clearly and effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrated competency with Microsoft Office and/or similar applications.
- Good organizational skills and ability to work with minimal supervision to complete assigned tasks in a timely and professional manner.
- Interest in hiking within the Canyon is a plus, not required.
Physical Requirements include:
Constantly: Stand, walk, sit, handle.
Frequently: Reach outward/above, lift/carry up to 50lbs.
Occasionally: Hike, climb, crawl, squat/kneel, bend, lift/carry over 100lbs, push/pull up to 100lbs.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.