Environmental Stewardship and Visitor Services

Position Summary 

Student interns working at this lake project provide environmental stewardship (80%) and interpretative assistance (20%). Environmental stewardship activities may include manual control of invasive plant species, mowing, weeding, fence removal and repair, trail/road maintenance, and sign inventory and maintenance. Use of basic hand tools and small engine equipment needed, prior experience is a plus, but training provided. John Martin is also home to three listed species and thus stewardship will also include assisting natural resource management staff in species identification/monitoring, habitat maintenance, boundary exclusion maintenance, data collection/management and coordination with other federal agencies such as state, USFWS and USGS. Interpretive assistance will include the implementation of the Corps’ Water Safety Program by presenting water safety programs at schools, parks, special events, assisting with guided dam tours, and accompanying Park Rangers during vehicle and boat patrols.

Location 

Hasty, CO

Schedule 

June 1, 2026 - November 13, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Environmental stewardship activities may include manual control of invasive plant species, mowing, weeding, fence removal and repair, trail/road maintenance, and sign inventory and maintenance. Accompanying Park Rangers during vehicle and boat patrols.

Marginal Duties 

John Martin is home to three listed species and thus stewardship will also include assisting natural resource management staff in species identification/monitoring, habitat maintenance, boundary exclusion maintenance, data collection/management and coordination with other federal agencies such as state, USFWS and USGS. Interpretive assistance will include the implementation of the Corps’ Water Safety Program by presenting water safety programs at schools, parks, special events, and assisting with guided dam tours.

Required Qualifications 

General biological/ecological knowledge of interior/western state plant/animal species and ecosystems. Outdoor manual labor work, exposure to the elements. Use of basic hand tools (shovels, rakes, hammer, etc.) and small engine equipment (string trimmers, chainsaws, etc.). Must be 18 years or older

Preferred Qualifications 

Use of more advanced/power hand tools and larger engine equipment, prior experience is a plus, but some training can generally be provided. Working toward, or received, a bachelor's degree in wildlife, natural resource management, recreation, or similar field.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Living arrangements will be up to the selected interns. Compensation includes living/housing allowances. Rental properties are available in nearby towns including Lamar, Las Animas and Lajunta.

Compensation  

• $375/week Living Allowance
• $75/week Commuting Allowance
• $800/Month Housing Allowance (6 total)
• NTE $650 Reimbursable Travel funding if not local

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits 

• Defensive Driving Training
• Interpretive Skills
• Off-Road Vehicle Safety
• AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.