Individual Placement - Needles Park Ranger

Canyonlands National Park Intern

Share this stunning red rock wilderness with visitors from around the world. Help visitors plan their visit and discover more about this unique high desert landscape. Energetic, dependable people with a love for national parks are required. This position will serve Canyonlands National Park by:
1) Increasing visitor service and satisfaction.
2) Providing resource presence and protection.
3) Increasing visitor appreciation of and knowledge about park resources and values. Interns will:
1) Become knowledgeable about park resources and proficient at explaining them.
2) Impart accurate, compelling reasons for existing park regulations.
3) Develop a short interpretive program that effectively imparts resource, park and safety information to visitors.

Schedule:

August 23, 2026 - November 21, 2026 (13 week Backfill)

Key

Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include:

Staffing the visitor center desk to provide orientation, answer questions, and help visitors plan backcountry trips, 50%;
Developing and presenting formal and informal interpretive programs which may include patio talks, evening programs, and "pop-up" programs on trails, 10%;
Attending formal and informal training to learn about park resources and operations, 10%;
Roving scenic overlooks, park trails, and potentially 4WD roads to contact visitors, 15%; and Assisting park staff with various projects, 15%.

Marginal Duties:
Canyonlands National Park is a dynamic work environment, and SCA members may be asked to assume reasonable duties and responsibilities in addition to those listed above.

Required Qualifications:

Successful applicants will have:
Ability to work independently on assigned projects while being an engaged, collaborative member of a team;
Ability to maintain a positive attitude and consistently be courteous and polite to visitors;
Skill at oral communication and tactful discussion of controversial subject matter; A valid state-issued driver's license and be at least eighteen years of age. This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.

Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications:

Public Speaking (some experience);
Earth Sciences (some experience);
History (some experience);
Resource Management (some experience).

Hours:

40 per week

Living Accommodations:
Housing is a shared park apartment or house with private bedroom. Basic kitchen dishware/cookware and utensils are provided. You should bring your own bedding, towels, toiletries, and other needed personal items. Washer/dryer and workout facilities are available.

Location

Description:

Much of the park is wilderness and staff reside within the park, enjoying unparalleled access to explore this remote landscape. Hiking, backpacking and 4WDing are very popular here. The town of Monticello, UT is located 55 miles from the Needles District and is a small, rural town that provides basic services. There is a grocery store, gas stations and a few restaurants, as well as hotels to serve visitors to the area.

Major services are available in Moab, Utah (72 miles), or Cortez, Colorado (100 miles).

Compensation: $1,100 - one time RT travel allowance $600 - weekly living allowance Free Housing All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information:
Required

Additional Benefits:
Defensive Drive Training Interpretive Skills Off-Road Vehicle Safety Ameri Corps:
Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement: SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.