Gain Professional Experience You’ll Never Forget
With support from our generous donors, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy offers educational fellowships for youth interested in careers in nonprofit and environmental education.
About the Fellowships
Since 2006, the Conservancy has facilitated fellowships that give college students and recent graduates the opportunity to serve in a national park while exploring careers in environmental education and the nonprofit sector. Thanks to early support from the Bailey Family Trust and ongoing support from the Olson family and the Brown Family Foundation, the Conservancy now offers three education fellowships annually. Two are focused on in-person outdoor learning in the summer, and one supports digital media and distance learning during the winter.
These fellowships are designed for highly motivated individuals passionate about outreach and education. Each fellowship includes:
· On-the-job training in environmental education
· Opportunities to lead programs in partnership with RMNP
· Housing and a weekly stipend
· Professional networking with park and nonprofit staff
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Interviews for the winter fellowship start in September. Interviews for the summer fellowship start in December. Each position averages about 40 hours per week, with schedules that vary seasonally.
What You’ll Gain as a Rocky Mountain Conservancy Fellow:
As a fellow, you will have the opportunity to build real-world experience in both the nonprofit and public sectors. Our fellowship will help you develop:
· A deep understanding of the Conservancy’s work and partnerships
· Knowledge of the region’s natural and cultural history
· Skills in program planning, communication, and outreach
· A portfolio of educational and outreach work
Additional Information
Summer Education Fellowship Information
Winter Education Fellowship Information
| Fellowship Terms (6 months) | Summer: April – October Winter: January – June |
| Available Positions | All 2025 Fellowship positions have been filled. Two summer and one winter fellowship is available each year. |
| Applications Deadline | Applications are accepted throughout the year. Please indicate which fellowship you are applying for in your cover letter.
First review for winter fellowship: September 1. First review for summer fellowships: December 1. |
Qualifications
This is a unique learning opportunity for current college students and recent college graduates with the nonprofit Rocky Mountain Conservancy and the National Park Service. Fellows must be eligible to work in the United States. It is recommended that the candidate be actively pursuing or have recently completed a degree program in environmental education, general education, communication, digital media, outdoor recreation/tourism, or natural resource management. In addition, experience volunteering or working with nonprofit organizations and an interest in public outreach and conservation is desired.
Living Allowance & Housing
Fellows are provided with housing for the duration of their fellowship. Accommodations are located on or near Conservancy headquarters in Estes Park, CO, in shared housing units operated by Rocky Mountain Conservancy or RMNP. Fellows receive a stipend of $450/week (paid as $900 every two weeks).
Schedule
The education fellows spend about 40 hours each week working on a wide range of projects. The exact work schedule may vary week to week, depending on the Conservancy’s program schedule and each Fellow’s specific projects. Work hours will include weekends and evenings. It is expected that all fellows commit to the full 6-month period and spend the full duration at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Required Skills
- Dedication to environmental and outdoor education, with the ability to lead programs for children, teens, and adults,
- Demonstrated ability to think and act creatively,
- Adept communication skills, both written and spoken, for diverse audiences and using various media,
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to organize ideas and information quickly,
- Demonstrated ability to independently manage long-term projects and complete assignments on time,
- Desire to work both collaboratively and independently,
- Computer experience with the Microsoft Office suite, including Word and Outlook, preferred,
- Enthusiasm, a warm disposition, and the ability to handle the stresses of working with diverse groups of program participants.
Responsibilities
Summer:
- Summer Fellowships for 2025 have been filled. These positions will be open again in 2026. First review of applications in December, 2025.
- Develop and lead interactive outdoor programs for diverse audiences, including families, youth, and adults,
- Develop and deliver educational bus tours for a general audience in and around RMNP,
- Support RMNP education and interpretation programs.
- Click here for more information on the Summer Fellowship.
Winter:
- The Winter Fellowship has been filled for the 2025 term. This position will be open again in 2026. First review of applications in September, 2025.
- Develop and produce educational programs suitable for diverse audiences via distance learning platforms.
- Coordinate and manage technical aspects of live-streamed presentations given by park staff and researchers,
- Create digital educational materials (video, audio, visual, print, etc.) that will be available for download on the Conservancy’s website.
- Click here for more information on the Winter Fellowship.
General:
- Assist with program development, planning, and implementation for the Field Institute courses,
- Create outreach and promotional materials for Conservancy programs,
- Assist RMC and RMNP education and interpretation staff with outreach events,
- Drive and/or ride in Conservancy-owned and government-owned vehicles, including the Conservancy’s 15-passenger bus,
- Establish and maintain positive working relationships with RMNP staff and volunteers, as well as with other Conservancy partners, program participants, and community members.
If completing the fellowship as an internship for a degree program, the candidate will work with Rocky Mountain Conservancy supervisors and an academic advisor to construct and meet all identified goals.
To apply:
All 2025 fellowship positions have been filled.
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references (name, email, phone number) by email to opportunity@RMConservancy.org.