Visitor Services Individual Placement at Canyonlands National Park

Nichols College; Dudley; On-site; USD 24,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

An internship opportunity at Canyonlands National Park focusing on visitor services and backcountry management. Participants will be trained in ranger skills, lead interpretive hikes, and manage permits while living remotely at the park. Ideal candidates must be adaptable and enjoy the outdoors, with opportunities for educational awards upon completion.

Benefits

Living allowance of $600/week

Housing and utilities covered

AmeriCorps Education Award available

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license required.
• Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods.
• Ability to carry a 30+ pound backpack over challenging terrain.

Responsibilities

• Provide information and issue permits at the ranger station.
• Lead interpretive hikes and perform day patrols.
• Assist with maintenance tasks and support volunteers.

Skills

4WD operation

backcountry camping

leave-no-trace principles

basic interpretation

visitor services

physical endurance

community integration

Job description

Visitor Services Individual Placement at Canyonlands National Park

Recruitment began on June 11, 2025

and the job listing Expires on July 11, 2025

Internship Exploring General Business & Beyond

This is a visitor services and backcountry individual placement based at the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park. The goal of the position will be to develop knowledge and practical skills in backcountry visitor use management. The participant will be trained in backcountry ranger skills (4WD operation, backcountry camping, leave-no-trace principles, basic interpretation, and visitor services) and backcountry permit system operations. This training will result in the participant engaging in backcountry permit and information services at the Hans Flat Ranger Station, backcountry patrols, and leading interpretive hikes.

Schedule

July 27th, 2025 – November 22, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Staff the Hans Flat Ranger Station information desk: provide information to visitors, issue backcountry permits, answer phone inquiries, and monitor radio traffic; Perform day patrols and lead interpretive hikes in the Horseshoe Canyon Unit of Canyonlands NP; Perform Preventative Search and Rescue patrols at the Horseshoe Canyon Trailhead; Perform multi-day backcountry patrols in the Maze District of Canyonlands NP.

Marginal Duties

Support the Horseshoe Canyon Volunteer program by ferrying supplies to the Horseshoe Canyon Unit of Canyonlands NP; Assist with maintenance, vehicle, and facility upkeep at the Hans Flat Ranger Station; Assist with other collateral duties and projects in support of the Maze Ranger Operation.

Required Qualifications

The participant must have a valid driver’s license and must be comfortable sleeping and working outside for up to several days at a time. Duties can be strenuous: carrying a 30+ pound backpack over rough and sandy terrain in both cold and hot weather, loading and unloading materials during supply runs to town, and assisting with facility maintenance tasks such as weeding, trail work, or minor road repairs. A high-clearance vehicle is required to reach the ranger station and housing area from the nearest highway.

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

The participant should be comfortable living in an extremely remote location with no local services (nearest grocery store, gas station, and services are 2+ hours away) and limited internet access. The ability to integrate into a small community of peers and coworkers and be a productive and positive member of that community is essential. The participant will also need to be willing and prepared to train on 4WD operation and backcountry safety/living skills and perform solo, backcountry patrols up to seven days in length (following proper training) with minimal support.

Hours

Living Accommodations

Housing is a shared, potentially co-ed two-bedroom, two-bathroom, furnished apartment with private bedroom (full-sized bed) and bathroom for each participant. 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 on site.

Compensation

Living allowance – $600/week Housing, electricity, water, and propane provided at no charge. Reimbursements for uniform pants (up to $50) and hiking boots/shoes (up to $100)

AmeriCorps Education Award- $4,826 (Upon completion of 1200 service hours)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

Interpretive Skills

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

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 aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. 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.

This position may be eligible for AmeriCorps enrollment. However, the SCA has not yet received confirmation of a grant award for this program. If funding is awarded, you may qualify for an AmeriCorps Education Award. If not, you will serve in a non-AmeriCorps role with the same living allowance and benefits. If selected, you will be updated on AmeriCorps funding status before your start date.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The 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 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.