Grand Teton National Park – Summer Resources Internship Announcement 2024 (Two positions available)

The Division of Science and Resource Management in Grand Teton National Park is seeking two interns in the summer of 2024.

 Science Communications Internship

Grand Teton National Park is offering unique opportunity for a motivated individual to join our team as a Science Communication Intern. In this role, you will be assisting our efforts to communicate important scientific findings to the public in an engaging and accessible manner. You will develop content to be used across a variety of platforms, both printed and virtual, to ensure that park science reaches diverse audiences.

Duties of the interns will include:

  • Develop and translate complex scientific findings into easy-to-understand and interesting content for the public.
  • Collaborate with park staff to ensure accuracy and relevance of communication materials.
  • Develop and implement a variety of science communication strategies tailored to different audiences.
  • Utilize creativity to make science engaging.
  • Assist other staff members with development of communication materials.

We’re seeking an intern with a background in natural, physical, or cultural resources or in biological sciences, passionate about engaging people in park science. The ideal candidate possesses strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and can convey complex concepts clearly and engagingly. While graduate-level or higher undergraduate students are preferred, we welcome applications from individuals with relevant experience and enthusiasm. Creativity, attention to detail, adaptability, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential. Don’t miss this opportunity to use your communication skills and love of science to make a meaningful impact. For more information or to apply, email holly_mckinney@partner.nps.gov.

Vegetation Science and Resource Management Internship

This position offers experience with a diversity of science and natural resource tasks. For five weeks, the intern will work under the direction of a University of Wyoming graduate-level student researcher studying the effects of different habitat restoration techniques on sagebrush steppe community success. For seven weeks, the intern will integrate with Grand Teton National Park staff to assist with a range of native plant material, invasive plant management, and habitat restoration objectives.

University of Wyoming Sagebrush Data Collection:

  • Project goal: to quantify the effects of seed mixes, tilling treatments, and soil texture on shrub establishment and native species diversity in sagebrush steppe restoration.
  • Collect ocular estimates, shrub count, and shrub height data from recently restored sagebrush steppe plant communities, identifying plants to species using taxonomic keys.
  • Collect soil samples for texture analysis.
  • Conduct photo-monitoring of restoration plots.
  • Manage data collected, compiling into master datasets ready for analysis.
  • Prepare preliminary summaries of findings.

Grand Teton National Park Vegetation Crew Potential Opportunities:

  • Collect native seed for future restoration work.
  • Assist in the native plant nursery (water and care for plants, re-pot plants, weed).
  • Map and monitor vegetation.
  • Manual invasive plant treatment.
  • Whitebark pine direct seeding and data collection at backcountry sites.

The position requires skills in plant identification and ecology and an interest in land management or ecological restoration. Requires the ability to focus on details and accurately record and manage data. Requires the ability to work well in small crews and independently. Requires undergraduate coursework in biology, with preferable coursework in ecology or botany. The work environment is outside, often working for consecutive days in direct heat and sun, with potential for thunderstorms, biting insects, and interactions with bears and other large mammals. For more information or to apply, email Laura Jones, Branch Chief-Vegetation,  laura_jones@nps.gov or Anne Beeman, Graduate Student University of Wyoming, abeeman@uwyo.edu.

ALL applicants must be U.S. citizens, a student in the spring or summer 2024 semesters and be continuing in an academic program during fall 2024. Applicants should be able to work independently once provided direction and training. A current driver’s license and good driving record are also necessary. Housing for these (8- to 10-week) positions will be provided at the University of Wyoming-National Park Service Research Center at the historic AMK Ranch on the shore of Jackson Lake in view of the beautiful Teton Range, along with an hourly wage of $7.25 (minimum wage in WY). Start and end dates are flexible but are expected to be between late-May and early September 2024.

How to apply: Interested students should submit a resume, names and contact information for three references, their expected graduation date, and a short statement of interest and skills related to the internship(s) with Grand Teton National Park via email to the appropriate contact listed above by 5:00 PM (MST) on April 5, 2024. Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received so early application is encouraged.

More information about Grand Teton National Park can be found at www.nps.gov.

Diverse students and students with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.