Undergraduate Intern - Capitol Reef, Natural Resources

The intern will work full-time with the Capitol Reef National Park (CRNP) Division of Resource Management & Science, assisting with natural resources-related field and office work. Critical elements of the internship include, but are not limited to, the following major responsibilities:

* Conduct rare plant surveys.

* Conduct rangeland restoration activities.

* Conduct avian species monitoring (peregrine falcon, Mexican spotted owl, and songbird banding).

* Native plant seed collection.

* Monitor springs, streams, and riparian areas.

* Enter field data into park databases and ArcGIS.

The plant and wildlife surveys/monitoring typically require long hours in the field and hiking up to 10 miles a day, although 2 to 6 miles per day is more typical. Hikes are generally across rough terrain and off designated trails. Weather conditions will vary from cold winds and rain in the early spring to temperatures nearing 100°F in the summer. Other challenging field conditions include the potential for high winds and gnats, as well as other biting insects.

Candidates should enjoy being outdoors, be physically fit, be methodical and detail-oriented, have experience with GPS, and be able to record data accurately and legibly. Skills using GPS units, digital cameras, and computer software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, ArcGIS) are required. Experience driving four-wheel drive vehicles on dirt roads would be beneficial. Interns would be supervised by the park's Chief of Resource Management and Science, but would work primarily with the park Ecologist.

Job Duration:
The internship runs from May 4 through August 13, 2026, with forty hours/week, four days/week (Monday through Thursday, with occasional schedule changes), for approximately 15 weeks.

Compensation:
The internship provides a wage of $16.00/hour, plus medical benefits.

Housing:
The park provides the intern with one private bedroom in a coed multi-bedroom house with shared living, kitchen, and bathroom facilities.

* Complete some seasonal park employee on-site and online training.

* Successfully complete a background check for access to NPS computers.

* Comply with Capitol Reef National Park and Capitol Reef Field Station regulations, policies, and procedures.

* Complete projects and assignments on time.

* Wear appropriate Utah Valley University clothing and maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.

* As a representative of both UVU and the NPS, maintain a high level of professionalism and flexibility at all times.

* Adhere to the specified dates of the agreement.

* Follow all safety regulations and guidelines; practice safe work habits; properly check out, use, care for, and check in park equipment, vehicles, and property.

* Must be a current student at Utah Valley University (preferably in junior or senior year of program).

* Must have a background and interest in areas of ecology, botany, horticulture, GIS, outdoor leadership, and/or natural resources management.

* Must be willing to live at Capitol Reef National Park throughout the duration of the internship.

* Must be mature, independent, and self-motivated.

* Must be able to hike, load materials, and carry out activities related to the UVU and NPS mission.

To Apply

* Letters of recommendation are to be submitted directly from those who have written them.

* Once your application has been submitted, an email will be sent to your references asking them to submit the letter of recommendation.

* For more information, contact Jessamy Bowie, CRFS Administrative Assistant (jbowie) or Michael Stevens, CRFS Director (michael.stevens).