Individual Placement - AmeriCorps Park Ranger Member

Position Summary 

The member will obtain experience working at a national park in the field of visitor services and interpretation. They will staff a visitor center desk at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, rove park trails to engage with the public, and prepare and present interpretive programs on geology, ecology, and history of the resource. They will work with National Park Service staff on a variety of collateral duties such as assisting with astronomy programming, outreach and special events, and writing social media posts.

 

Location 

Gunnison, CO

 

Schedule 

May 4, 2026 - September 19, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Staffing a visitor center desk and providing accurate information and orientation to the public
• Preparing outlines and presenting interpretive programs on geology, ecology, and history
• Researching park resources
• Roving park trails with the goal of engaging with the public

 

Marginal Duties 

Assist with tasks and duties such as astronomy programming, special events and outreach, creating media products, assisting with social media, photography, collecting dark sky data, performing minor labor or custodial work, assist with search and rescue activities as requested as qualified, and helping complete administrative tasks.

 

Required Qualifications 

• Must have valid U.S. driver’s license
• Genuine interest in working with the public and learning park resources.
  Good communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently or with a team
• A genuine desire to work with the public, and some prior experience
• Passion for the environment
• Ability to hike and conduct field operations as part of a team and/or independently in an outdoor setting
• Ability to take orders and follow directions, ability to work collaboratively and supportively in a group environment
• Bachelor’s degree in related field(geology, environmental or outdoor education, interpretation, geography, ecology, etc.) and/or some work experience that is relevant to the position (park ranger, naturalist, environmental educator), preferably fora land management agency
• A general understanding and knowledge of a broad range of subjects including geology, biology, ecology, weather, 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
• Computer literate
  • MS Word
  • MS Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Internet
• Ability to learn NPS policy and procedures; Driver’s license required; Personal vehicle required for off-duty time.

 

 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Degree in geology, geography, biology, history, or related field
• Experience working in visitor services with the public in a park setting
• Artistic skills in graphic design or other visual arts
• Desire to pursue a career with the National Park Service and/or other land management agency

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

National Park Service government housing is provided. Interns will be housed in a shared two-bedroom apartment. Each resident will have their own bathroom and bedroom and share the living room, kitchen, and dining room with a roommate. WiFi is available in apartments. There is not cell phone reception. Laundry facilities are on site. Apartments are located in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park about 1-mile from the visitor center and directly above the administrative offices. Housing is located about 15 miles from the town of Montrose, CO.

 

Compensation  

• Living allowance - $680/week
• Travel Allowance - $1,100/one time

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

 

Personal Vehicle Information

• Required

 

Additional Benefits 

• First Aid/CPR
• Interpretive Skills
• AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.