Forest Service Internship, USDA Forest Service
Park County, Colorado
Mid-May through Mid-August
Overview:
During the 2019 summer season, The Pike National Forest-South Park Ranger District will have several Forest Service Internship opportunities available. The South Park Ranger District includes 540,296 pristine acres ranging in elevations from 7,100 to 14,285 feet.
Most of the district is located in Park County, Colorado with a small portion in Teller County, Colorado. A very active mining industry once thrived in
South Park, and when the local village of Tarryall (or Grab-all as many called it) turned a cold shoulder to newcomers, the town of Fairplay was born. Today, Fairplay is the main hub of
South Park and draws in visitors from all over the world for hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, ATV-ing, and much more.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Internship positions will be available in Recreation, Visitor Services, Wildlife and Roads. Depending on individual interests, duties vary widely and may include: staffing visitor centers; providing area information to forest users; staffing special events such as Burro Days and Railroad Day; developing and presenting educational programs on the area; conducting fish and wildlife surveys and monitoring, assisting the district bulldozer operator; trail maintenance and monitoring; restoration projects; and assisting with public education on rules and regulations. There will also be opportunities for cross-training between departments depending on interests.
Qualifications:
Applicants need to be currently enrolled in a college or university working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree. Majors can include but are not limited to Environmental Sciences, Parks and Recreation, History, Education, Social Sciences, or Biology. We are looking for outgoing students who enjoy working and communicating with adults and children. Experience working in an environmental setting and presenting education programs is helpful but not required.
Training:
All interns will be provided with two weeks of training which includes an orientation to the Forest Service, South Park Ranger District, interpretive and education program development, First Aid, CPR and duties training. On the job training is provided by experienced Forest Service staff members prior to the interns being placed in the field, generally in pairs or groups.
Work Schedule/Transportation:
The Internship positions in 2019 are expected to run mid-May through mid-August (Also accepting applications for Fall 2019). Dates are flexible to accomodate school schedules. Interns work a 40-hour workweek which may include weekends. A daily stipend of $15.00 is given for each day worked. A driver's license is required. Daily assignments may include using a government vehicle to drive to various areas within the district. The intern is responsible for travel to and from school/residence and the Forest for the summer season.
Uniforms:
This is a uniformed positon and the uniform is provided. The intern uniform consists of green jeans, a shirt of choice, a green vest and a green ball cap. As some mornings can be cold and some positions and duties require Forest Service staff to work outdoors, outerwear is also provided. Intern is required to provide sturdy footwear, especially if in a field-going position.
Housing:
Housing is available and is shared by other interns and seasonal staff. The housing is furnished with basic necessities. Bed linens, pillows, blankets, and towels will beed to be brought with you. Housing is FREE OF CHARGE. All utilities are included. Each housing unit has a full kitchen. Cable Television is also included as well as local telephone usage. Cell Phone service works best with Verizon and AT&T, though other carriers work intermittently if Fairplay.
Application Procedure:
For those interested in the Forest Service Internship, send a resume and two letters of recommendation to the Internship Coordinator. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applicants will be given first consideration.
Pike National Forest
South Park Ranger District
C/O Tammy Porter
PO Box 219
Fairplay, CO 80440
For more information about the Internship Program, contact Internship Coordinator Tammy Porter at (719) 836-3851, email: tammylporter@fs.fed.us
To learn more about the South Park Ranger District check out the district web page at: www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/sopa
An internship with the South Park Ranger District will be an unbelievable opportunity for a student to get experience in the field of Recreation Management, Wildlife Biology, and Public Service in the most visited National Forest in Colorado. It will also be a great chance for a student to travel to a unique and stunning region of the country amongst the Rocky Mountains and Pike National Forest. There are plenty of interesting activities that attract visitors to our area including: mountain biking, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, interpretive programs, horseback riding, and camping.
