2026 Interpretation Internship

Job Description

Critical elements of the job include but are not limited to the following major responsibilities:

  • Interpretation and Education. Assist visitors in gaining an understanding of and appreciation for the unique features of Capitol Reef National Park. Research, develop, and present interpretive and educational programs including a geology talk, an evening program and a pop-up program using National Park Service methods of interpretation. Outlines are available for reference and use. Intern is required to submit written outlines by specific due dates. Programs are designed to reach a wide variety of audiences, including children and families, and contribute to visitor understanding of and appreciation for park resources. Intern will provide information, orientation, and informal interpretation to visitors at the visitor center and while roving on park trails.
  • Customer service. Provide accurate information and professional customer service to all park visitors. Staff the Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center alongside park rangers, guides, interns, and volunteers.
  • Projects and Special Assignments. Assist park staff with projects and collateral duties, such as collecting phenology data, creating signs, or maintaining park bicycles. Intern will perform peer-coaching of other interpretive programs.
  • Safety and Care of Government Equipment. Follow all safety regulations and guidelines; practice safe work habits; properly check out, use, care for, and check in park equipment, vehicles, and property.
  • Communications. Communicate and cooperate with others (supervisors, park staff, bookstore staff, and maintenance staff) to promote an effective and successful partnership. Follow the chain of command.
  • Field Station Management. Serve as the on-site Assistant Site Manager for Capitol Reef Field Station as needed. Learn about the sustainable, off-grid facilities of the field station and their basic operation. Teach field station visitors about the sustainable facilities, resource protection, and aspects of the Colorado Plateau during a field-station orientation. Possibly lead guided hikes and/or night sky programs.

Job Duration

The internship runs from May 5 through August 15, 2026; following a 9-hour/day work schedule (one work week will be Tuesday through Saturday and the other work week will be Wednesday through Saturday). This schedule will be modified to incorporate some weekend work at the field station. Opportunity for taking time off is limited and may not be possible.

Obligations of the Intern

      • Attend seasonal park employee training and online training as possible.
      • Comply with park regulations, policies, and procedures.
      • Complete projects and assignments on time.
      • Wear appropriate UVU/Capitol Reef Field Station (CRFS) clothing and maintain a professional appearance. Clothing should be business casual and grooming should follow National Park Service standards for professional appearance (no unnatural/bright hair colors or distracting adornments). More information is available from the park. Brown or khaki pants are required (with a belt), and brown shoes or boots with brown or dark socks.
      • As a representative of the NPS, UVU, and CRFS, maintain a high level of professionalism and flexibility at all times.
      • Adhere to the specified dates of the agreement.
      • Follow all safety regulations and guidelines; practice safe work habits; properly check out, use, care for, and check in park equipment, vehicles, and property.

The Facilities

The Capitol Reef Visitor Center, built in the 1960s, is located at the junction of Utah State Route 24 and the park's Scenic Drive. Open year-round, summer visitation can reach 2,000 daily. The visitor center was recently renovated and new exhibits were installed in early 2022.

Compensation

The internship provides a wage of $16.00/hour, plus medical benefits.

Housing

The Park provides the intern with one private bedroom in a coed multi-bedroom house with shared living, kitchen, and bathroom facilities. Rules apply, including no pets or family in shared housing. Housing in the local community may be available, but is the responsibility of the intern if they chose to live outside the park.

 

Intern Qualifications

  • Must be a current student at Utah Valley University (preferably in junior or senior year of program).
  • Must have background and interest in areas of biology, botany, geology, recreation, natural resources, natural history, human history, education, or interpretation.
  • Must be willing to live in shared housing provided by the park or be responsible for finding housing in the local community throughout the duration of the internship.
  • Must be mature, independent, and self-motivated.
  • Must be able to carry out activities related to visitor services and resource interpretation.

Cordell Roy Scholarship

The Cordell Roy Scholarship has been set up to pay for student fees for internship credit for the Capitol Reef Interns.

Cordell Roy Scholarship

To Apply

  • Job listing will be available in January 2026.
  • For more information contact Jessamy Bowie, CRFS Administrative Assistant ([email protected]) or Michael Stevens, CRFS Director ([email protected])