POLK Internship Vegetation

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: POLK INTERNSHIP- VEGETATION
Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park. As theofficial philanthropic and collaborativepartner of Grand Canyon National Park Grand Canyon Conservancys mission is to inspiregenerations of park champions tocherish andsupport the natural and cultural wonder of the Grand Canyon. GCC raises private funds operates retail shops within the park and provides premier educational programs on the regions natural and cultural history.
Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) sponsors summer internships as part of the Eugene T. Polk Science Fellowship. GCC is currently seeking a paid intern for the Summer of 2026 at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for the Vegetation Program.
This internship will support Grand Canyon National Parks 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 work will focus on the South Rim Developed Area with periodic work on the North Rim and the Inner Canyon. The intern will be able to 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
Post wildfire recovery
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

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 fullest potential.
Education: We are a dynamic learning organization uniquely positioned to cultivate the awe of 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.

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

TOTAL COMPENSATION
The internship is full-time non-exempt and seasonal. This position is not benefit-eligible and has a base salary paid bi-weekly. The intern will be compensated $740.00 per week for the duration of the internship. Housing will be provided at no cost to the intern.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are currently being accepted through February 21st 2026.
Please visit our website at: ask that you include a resume and cover letter with your application. For questions please contact Lonnie Pilkington at

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program
Possess a valid drivers license and personal vehicle
The ability to drive a work vehicle for work-related tasks
Available for the internship dates: April 5 2026 through September 19 2026
The ability to live on 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 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 Colorado Plateau flora
Background in biological sciences with an interest in learning botanical identification skills