Polk Internship - Archaeology

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: POLK INTERNSHIP- ARCHAEOLOGY
Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park. As the official philanthropic and collaborative partner of Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon Conservancy’s mission is to inspire generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of the Grand Canyon. GCC raises private funds, operates retail shops within the park, and provides premier educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region.  

Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) sponsors summer internships as part of the Eugene T. Polk Science Fellowship. For the summer of 2025, GCC is seeking a paid intern for the Vegetation Program at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  

The 2025 Eugene T. Polk Archaeology Intern will support Grand Canyon National Park’s Cultural Resource Management Program by helping complete archaeological surveys, compliance monitoring, and ruins preservation activities in the park. Projects could include a combination of the following: archaeological site inventory survey, archaeological site condition monitoring, monitoring park projects near archaeological sites, bison effects monitoring, hands-on stabilization, architectural documentation, data entry, report writing, map making, and file organization.

The intern will work as a crew member along with other archaeologists for the Cultural Resources Program. Throughout the summer, various projects will assign the intern field and office duties. The duration of individual projects will vary.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program
• Possess a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle
• The ability to drive a work vehicle for work-related tasks
• Available for the internship dates: May/June 2025 start, 16 weeks 
• The ability to live at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Housing will be provided 
• The ability to perform fieldwork associated with this project
• Must have experience in variable conditions, camping/backcountry experience 
• Ability and willingness to work long hours (10 hours per day)

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 
• Experience conducting archaeological fieldwork and entering data into Microsoft Access databases; experience in the archaeology of northern Arizona is a benefit.
• Experience using GPS units, digital and film cameras, and geographic information systems (GIS) is a benefit.
• Ability to read a topographic map and use a hand-held compass.
• Skilled in hiking, orienteering, and backpacking in remote canyon settings.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision during portions of the day, and ability to work as part of a team for extended periods of time.

WORKING CONDITIONS 
• Must be in good physical condition with no limitations that would affect mobility in remote areas 
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, stoop, and lift for long hours while conducting vegetation stewardship    actions
• Fieldwork associated with this project includes hiking and backpacking in variable environmental conditions, extensive camping, and working long hours.
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle

GCC CORE VALUES 
GCC has identified four core values representing how we interact with our employees, partners, visitors, supporters, and followers. Our values include:  
• Integrity: We are honest, respectful, inclusive, caring, and accountable for our actions. We operate at a high level of excellence, utilizing our resources to their best and fullest potential.
• Education: We are a dynamic learning organization uniquely positioned to cultivate the “awe” of the  Grand Canyon.
• Service: We embrace our role as a valued partner of the National Park Service at Grand Canyon National  Park and will provide the highest level of excellence in every interaction with employees, partners,  visitors, supporters, and donors. 
• Connection: We foster a sense of wonder and adventure for the Grand Canyon.

TOTAL COMPENSATION
The internship is a full-time, non-exempt, and seasonal position. It is not benefit-eligible and has a base salary paid bi-weekly. The intern will be compensated $600.00 per week for the internship term. Housing will be provided at no cost to the intern. 

HOW TO APPLY
For more information or to apply, please e-mail a cover letter, resume, and reference contact information to Donelle Huffer at donelle_huffer@nps.gov.
You may also submit your information via postal mail to:
Grand Canyon National Park, Science and Resource Management, Attn: Donelle Huffer, PO Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023-0129. 
Grand Canyon Conservancy is Grand Canyon National Park's official nonprofit partner. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.