Colorado College Charlie Blumenstein Stewardship Assistant

The Nature Conservancy • Hayden, CO

26d • $17 • Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado College Charlie Blumenstein Stewardship Assistant performs and participates in research, monitoring, management operations, maintenance, and visitation on The Nature Conservancy’s Carpenter Ranch Preserve. The 906-acre Carpenter Ranch preserve is managed as a platform for community-based conservation and is an active ranch. This position has an emphasis on water and wildlife conservation that will be integrated with work alongside preserve managers on adaptive management of the ecologically and historically significant property, opportunities to engage with visitors and community partners, and strategic initiatives in northwest Colorado that include conservation of ecosystems, water, and sustainable livelihoods. This is a 10.5-week position starting June 1, 2026 through August 12, 2026. The Colorado College Charlie Blumenstein Stewardship Assistant assists with water and wildlife-focused research on The Nature Conservancy’s Carpenter Ranch and other properties in the Yampa River Conservation Area, as well as completing priority management and maintenance tasks to support conservation, visitation, and agricultural operations. Following a one-week orientation and training, the Stewardship Assistant will live in housing on the Carpenter Ranch Preserve. This person will gain valuable experience in conservation science, on-the-ground stewardship, and environmental education and outreach projects, with an emphasis on water and wildlife conservation. Duties include working with staff and volunteers to: collect data and monitor rivers, streams, other natural features, plants, animal species, and/or other natural communities; map natural resources and facilities; repair and maintain trails, fences, buildings, tools and equipment; greet and guide visitors; patrol, open and close preserve buildings; respond to visitor inquiries; administer and coordinate volunteer days, and gather and synthesize information relevant to Yampa River Conservation Area strategies.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. lawn mower, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment)
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g. First Aid, CPR)
• Must be a Colorado College student working toward completion of an undergraduate degree program, returning for a minimum of one academic semester after summer 2026

Nice To Haves

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to obtain a driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Work independently and in team settings.
• Interact with visitors, donors, and other diverse guests, providing a safe and positive experience.
• Completion of an independent project relevant to the position and conservation, for presentation at the end of the position.
• Completion of the TNC Youth Certifications.
• Lead groups of youth while performing stewardship activities.
• Work in variable weather conditions, in remote locations, on difficult terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Perform work requiring considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain, including using hand and power tools (weed trimmers, lawn mowers).
• Work may necessitate long hours, holidays and weekends as needed.

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED