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

EPIC • Gunnison, CO

4h • Onsite

About The Position

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 43,000 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 Colorado's 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

Requirements

• 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 driver's 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

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's 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 incumbent's 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern