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Polk Internship - Vegetation

Grand Canyon Conservancy
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POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: POLK INTERNSHIP- VEGETATION

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.  

This internship will support Grand Canyon National Park’s Vegetation Program on the South Rim. The Vegetation Program coordinates various activities, including invasive plant management, native habitat restoration, site landscaping, seed collection, threatened and endangered species monitoring and surveying, and forest health assessments.  

The intern will live and work in the South Rim Developed Area and be part of a 10+ person vegetation stewardship team. Most of the work will focus on the South Rim Developed Area, with periodic work on the North Rim and Inner Canyon. The intern can hike and explore Grand Canyon National Park while collecting seeds and cuttings for future habitat restoration projects. The intern will also survey for and remove high-priority invasive species throughout the developed areas. 

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

         The primary objectives of this internship will include:

  • Monitoring and maintaining habitat restoration projects
  • Collecting seeds and cuttings
  • Assisting with plant propagation in the greenhouse and nursery
  • Planting, seeding, mulching, and irrigating habitat restoration sites 
  • Inventorying, surveying, and mapping native, invasive, and rare plant species
  • Conducting forest health assessments
  • Controlling priority invasive plant species
  • Using GPS units, compasses, digital cameras, tablets, and multiple data forms to collect data in the field
  • Working alongside volunteer groups and youth conservation corps to complete the above-listed work

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 18, 2025, through August 9, 2025
  • The ability to live at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Housing will be provided 
  • The ability to perform field-work 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 QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND CHARACTERISTICS

  • Skilled in the use of Trimble or Garmin GPS units, digital cameras, Microsoft Office products including                            Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access, and geographic information systems (GIS) 
  • Ability to read a topographic map and use a compass 
  • Skilled in canyon hiking, orienteering, and backpacking in remote canyon settings 
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision or as part of a team for extended periods 
  • Basic knowledge of habitat restoration techniques
  • Interest in learning about Colorado Plateau flora 
  • Background in biological sciences with an interest in learning botanical identification skills 

 

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
  • 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

Applications are currently being accepted through February 28th, 2025. 

Please visit our website at: https://www.grandcanyon.org/about-us/employment/

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. If you have questions, please contact Lonnie Pilkington at 928-638-7753 or Lonnie_pilkington@nps.gov. 

 

Grand Canyon Conservancy is Grand Canyon National Park's official nonprofit partner. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.