Gain Professional Experience You’ll Never Forget
With support from our dedicated sponsors, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy facilitates several educational fellowships for youth interested in nonprofit and environmental education careers. Click here to download our info sheet and learn more
About the Fellowships
In 2006, the Olson family of Boulder, Colorado, initiated support for an education fellowship to enable college students and recent graduates to serve in a national park while exploring career options in environmental education and the nonprofit sectors. In 2013, the Bailey Family Trust, began providing funds for a second fellow who would assist the Field Institute program during the summer and fall. The Brown Family Foundation and Sessel Family have also recently joined the team, enabling the Conservancy to host additional Fellows, and enabling the Bailey Family Trust has shifted their focus to graduate students, and now support the Conservancy’s Bailey Research Fellowship.
Each year, with generous support from our sponsors, Rocky Mountain Conservancy offers three education fellowships. Our two summer fellowships are focused on in-person outdoor learning opportunities, and our winter fellowship is focused on digital media and distance learning programs. Education fellowships are designed to encourage highly qualified post-college and graduate level students to apply their passion for outreach and teaching while developing and leading a variety of programs in partnership with Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Fellows will also have the opportunity to connect with park staff in a variety of disciplines and expand their professional networks. All fellowships include housing, a weekly stipend, and the unforgettable experience of working in one of the United States’ premier national parks.
Our education fellowships are designed to provide an on-the-job learning experience in environmental education and the opportunity to explore career options in both the National Park Service and the nonprofit sectors. Fellows develop knowledge of the Conservancy and how we work with our partner agencies, career options in nonprofit and government agencies, and the nonprofit business model. Fellows also develop knowledge of the natural and cultural history of Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding region. Fellows leave the program with a portfolio of work that reflects their ability to plan and implement educational programs, develop outreach materials, and communicate with constituents.
Fellows are selected through a rolling recruitment process, with emphasis on diversity recruitment. Fellows can expect to work approximately 40 hours each week, with a schedule that changes from week to week and varies seasonally. This is a unique, learning opportunity for current students and recent graduates with the nonprofit Rocky Mountain Conservancy and the National Park Service.
| Fellowship Terms (6 months) | Summer: April 1 – September 30 Winter: October 1 – March 31 |
| Available Positions | Two Summer Fellows: outdoor and in-person environmental education
One Winter Fellow: distance learning and educational media development |
| Applications Deadline | We accept applications year-round. Selection decisions are made 2-3 months prior to each start date. |
Summer 2024 Fellowships have been filled. We are accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Winter Fellowship through July 31, 2024.
Click here to download our info sheet and learn more
Qualifications
It is recommended that the candidate be actively pursuing or have recently completed a degree program in environmental education, general education, communication, digital media, recreation or 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 $400/week (paid as $800 every two weeks).
Schedule
The education fellows spend about 40 hours each week working on a wide range of projects with both RMNP and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. The fellowship schedule with both organizations is somewhat variable and depends upon a fellow’s specific projects and Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s program schedule. Please note that due to the nature of our program schedule, some weeks will require more than 40 hours, while others will require fewer. Work hours will occasionally include weekends and evenings. It is expected that all fellows commit to the full 6-month period and spend the full duration working in and around 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 to manage long-term projects and complete assignments on time,
- Desire to work both collaboratively and independently on a wide range of projects,
- Computer experience with the Microsoft Office suite preferred,
- Enthusiasm, a warm disposition, and the ability to handle the stresses of working with diverse groups of participants.
Responsibilities
- Summer:
- Develop and lead interactive outdoor programs for diverse audiences, including K-12 students, youth, and adults,
- Develop and deliver educational tours for adults in and around RMNP,
- Winter:
- Develop and produce educational programs suitable for diverse audiences via distance learning platforms,
- Coordinate and manage technical aspects of live-streamed presentations,
- Assist with social media content development and outreach efforts,
- Assist with program development, planning, and implementation for the Field Institute courses,
- Create educational and promotional materials for Conservancy programs in a variety of media (print, digital audio/video, or in-person),
- Assist RMNP education and interpretation staff with outreach events and programs,
- Drive and/or ride in Conservancy-owned and government-owned vehicles, including the Conservancy’s 14-passenger bus/van (summer only),
- 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 RMNP and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy supervisors and an academic advisor to construct and meet all identified goals.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter by email to opportunity@RMConservancy.org. Be sure to indicate whether you are applying for a summer or winter fellowship in your cover letter. Winter Fellowship applicants should include samples of digital media or distance learning products they have created in the past. All candidates should also be prepared to submit names and contact information for three professional references.