Ecology Intern Curecanti National Recreation Area (CURE) and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (BLCA)

Summary

American Conservation Experience a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking two members to serve as ecology interns at Curecanti NRA and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. For more information about ACE please visit our usaconservation website.

Start Date: May 4 2026

Estimated End Date: October 31 2026

*a 26-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: This position will be duty-stationed at Curecanti NRA near Gunnison CO where dorm-style housing is available.

Curecanti National Recreation Area (CURE) is located in western Colorado stretching along the Gunnison River between the towns of Montrose and Gunnison. Encompassing over 43000 acres the recreation area preserves a striking landscape of deep water reservoirs high desert mesas and rugged canyon country. Formed by a series of dams along the Gunnison River Curecanti includes three reservoirs-Blue Mesa Morrow Point and Crystal-offering expansive views and diverse recreational opportunities. Blue Mesa Reservoir the largest body of water in Colorado is especially known for boating fishing and its scenic shoreline cliffs.

The area reflects both natural geologic forces and modern engineering with steep canyon walls carved over millions of years and dramatic rock formations shaped by uplift and erosion. Ancient volcanic and sedimentary rock layers tell a story of Colorados dynamic geologic past. Curecanti supports a wide variety of plant and animal life adapted to its semi-arid climate including sagebrush communities pinyon-juniper woodlands elk bighorn sheep bald eagles and kokanee salmon. Together its expansive waters and rugged landscapes make Curecanti a distinctive blend of recreation wildlife habitat and geologic history.

For more information about Curecanti National Recreation Area and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park please visit the NPS website

Position Overview: The individuals in this position will serve as an ecology Intern at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area in Colorado.

• Conduct field assessments and mapping of ecosystems within BLCA and CURE including vegetation communities soils hydrology wildlife habitat incorporating multiple land-use perspectives and stakeholder input.
• Conduct invasive species control using the appropriate integrated pest management tools and methods
  (e.g. herbicide treatment with a backpack sprayer hand tools for manual/mechanical removal etc.).
• Conduct ecological restoration and native plant community protection to include soil preparation
  seeding planting watering mulching erosion control and sign and fence installation and maintenance.
• Collaborate with NPS staff to support resource stewardship goals provide technical information to visitors and stakeholders regarding ecology and management and contribute to interdisciplinary resource management efforts.
• Assist with the development and/or update of monitoring protocols ecological restoration plans project plans management plans and reference guides.
• Conduct field monitoring activities such as vegetation surveys photo-point documentation invasive species mapping and data entry/analysis; assist with reporting outreach and administrative support related to management objectives.
• Assist interpretive staff with the development and delivery of ecology-focused educational programs highlighting plant identification ecological processes invasives species restoration and protection of native plant species

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Four - ten hour shifts

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (16 weeks) the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility or view general information on our usaconservation website.

Housing: Housing is available at Elk Creek in Curecanti NRA. There is a housing reimbursement of $380/month to help offset the cost of housing.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures clear guidance on prohibited activities and networks for support. The member may have specific training related to invasive species management ecological restoration and field assessments and monitoring.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident as required by U.S. government contracts.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional positive and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone and be a positive contributing member of a group.
• A valid drivers license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets beginning of term feedback forms end of term evaluations and for longer terms a mid-term evaluation.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement
• To learn more about eligibility requirements please visit our usaconservation website.

Preferred:

• Bachelors Degree in related field (Geography Ecology Biology etc.) and/or some work experience that is relevant to the position preferably for a land management agency.
• Time management. The ability to coordinate and manage a complex assemblage of data through an involved sequence of events within prescribed constraints of time and budget. The ability to make sound constructive judgments and decisions related to text development.
• Basic knowledge of park resources park audiences and effective techniques that support project plans developed by others that offer opportunities for varied audiences to form their own intellectual and emotional connections to the resource meanings.
• A general understanding and knowledge of a broad range of subjects including geology biology ecology anthropology and American history. A high technical competence in each field is not assumed but a general familiarity with and keen interest in each field is required.
• Experience with conducting initial research to locate reference materials on a diversity of subject matter areas and carrying out an extensive research project. Of particular importance is the incumbents skill at locating and developing professional sources of information that supplement their own basic knowledge.
• Writing and editing skills. A highly developed ability to use written language as a communication device. A demonstrated skill in writing in an active interesting style is a fundamental requirement for this position.

Physical Demands Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires working outside walking and hiking on uneven sometimes steep terrain with equipment and materials bending and lifting up to 50 lbs driving 4WD vehicles on rock/dirt roads (current state driver license required) and handling tools and equipment. Office work requires frequent sitting and standing and manual dexterity for use of computers and other office equipment.
• Environmental: Mostly outdoor in field with variable terrain and weather experienced in Colorado. Environments can be extremely hot dry cold wet snowy and icy.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise in a busy office setting or low to moderate noise in the field.
• Travel: This position requires daily vehicle travel on paved roads/highways and/or dirt/rock roads. Occasional overnight camping in the backcountry may also be required.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold rocky terrain biting and stinging insects and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties one will be provided by the NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) typically provided by the NPS will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACEs online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Western Member Manager Vanessa Rogan.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability qualifications attitude and job-related factors. Every qualified employee member or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment hire training transfer promotion compensation demotion termination benefits employee activities and general treatment without regard to race color religion age sex creed national origin pregnancy ancestry citizenship status genetic information veteran or military status physical or mental disability sexual orientation medical condition marital or parental status political affiliation ethnicity hair texture or style arrest record caste hereditary status endogamy or any other classification protected by applicable local state or federal law.

Required Experience:

Intern