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, Junior Geologist program, and an Evening 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 date. Programs are designed to reach children and families, as well as a wide variety of audiences, and contribute to visitor understanding of and appreciation for park resources. Provide information, orientation, and informal interpretation to visitors at the visitor center and while roving.
• 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 or maintaining park bicycles. Peer-coaching is required of all staff. Intern will complete peer-coaching duties.
• 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 1-2 weekends per month. Learn about the sustainable, off-grid facilities of the field station and their basic operation. Teach field station visitors about the sustainable facilities, conserving natural resources, and aspects of the Colorado Plateau during a field-station orientation, lead guided hikes, and conduct star shows.

Job Duration

The internship runs from May 5 through August 13, 2025; 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 overtime or to take 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 including no visible tattoos, no unnatural hair color or makeup, and professional grooming. More information is available from the park. Brown, black, or khaki pants are required with a belt and polished brown shoes or boots with brown or black socks.
• As a representative of both 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 $15.00/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.