Vegetation Internship

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: POLK INTERNSHIP- VEGETATION
Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park. As the official philanthropic and collaborative partner of Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon Conservancy’s mission is to inspire generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of the Grand Canyon. GCC raises private funds, operates retail shops within the park, and provides premier educational programs on the region's natural and cultural history.  
Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) sponsors summer internships as part of the Eugene T. Polk Science Fellowship. GCC is currently seeking a paid intern for the Summer of 2026 at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for the Vegetation Program.  
This internship will support Grand Canyon National Park’s Vegetation Program on the South Rim. The Vegetation Program coordinates various activities, including invasive plant management, native habitat restoration, site landscaping, seed collection, threatened and endangered species monitoring and surveying, and forest health assessments.  
The intern will live and work in the South Rim Developed Area and be part of a 10+ person vegetation stewardship team. Most work will focus on the South Rim Developed Area, with periodic work on the North Rim and the Inner Canyon. The intern will be able to hike and explore Grand Canyon National Park while collecting seeds and cuttings for future habitat restoration projects. The intern will also survey for and remove high-priority invasive species throughout the developed areas.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The primary objectives of this internship will include:
• Monitoring and maintaining habitat restoration projects
• Collecting seeds and cuttings
• Assisting with plant propagation in the greenhouse and nursery
• Planting, seeding, mulching, and irrigating habitat restoration sites 
• Inventorying, surveying, and mapping native, invasive, and rare plant species
• Conducting forest health assessments
• Controlling priority invasive plant species
• Post wildfire recovery 
• Using GPS units, compasses, digital cameras, tablets, and multiple data forms to collect data in the field
• Working alongside volunteer groups and youth conservation corps to complete the above-listed work

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program
• Possess a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle
• The ability to drive a work vehicle for work-related tasks
• Available for the internship dates: April 5, 2026, through June 27, 2026, or September 19, 2026
• The ability to live on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, housing will be provided
• The ability to perform fieldwork associated with this project
• Must have experience in variable conditions, camping/backcountry experience 
• Ability and willingness to work long hours (10 hours per day)
 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND CHARACTERISTICS
• Skilled in the use of Trimble or Garmin GPS units, digital cameras, Microsoft Office products, including    Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access, and geographic information systems (GIS) 
• Ability to read a topographic map and use a compass 
• Skilled in canyon hiking, orienteering, and backpacking in remote canyon settings 
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision or as part of a team for extended periods 
• Basic knowledge of habitat restoration techniques
• Interest in learning Colorado Plateau flora 
• Background in biological sciences with an interest in learning botanical identification skills

GCC CORE VALUES 
GCC has identified four core values representing how we interact with our employees, partners, visitors, supporters, and followers. Our values include:  
• Integrity: We are honest, respectful, inclusive, caring, and accountable for our actions. We operate at a high level of excellence, utilizing our resources to their fullest potential.
• Education: We are a dynamic learning organization uniquely positioned to cultivate the “awe” of the  Grand Canyon.
• Service: We embrace our role as a valued partner of the National Park Service at Grand Canyon National  Park and will provide the highest level of excellence in every interaction with employees, partners,  visitors, supporters, and donors. 
• Connection: We foster a sense of wonder and adventure for the Grand Canyon.

WORKING CONDITIONS 
• Must be in good physical condition with no limitations that would affect mobility in remote areas 
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, stoop, and lift for long hours while conducting  vegetation stewardship    actions
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle
 

TOTAL COMPENSATION
The internship is full-time, non-exempt, and seasonal. This position is not benefit-eligible and has a base salary paid bi-weekly. The intern will be compensated $740.00 per week for the duration of the internship. Housing will be provided at no cost to the intern. 
 

HOW TO APPLY
Applications are currently being accepted through February 21st, 2026. 
Please visit our website at: https://www.grandcanyon.org/about-us/employment/ 
We ask that you include a resume and cover letter with your application. For questions, please contact Lonnie Pilkington at Lonnie_pilkington@nps.gov.

Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.