Gain Professional Experience You’ll Never Forget

With support from our generous donors, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy offers educational fellowships for young adults interested in careers in nonprofit and environmental education.

All 2026 fellowship positions have been filled! We are no longer accepting applications for 2026.

About the Fellowships

Since 2006, the Conservancy has facilitated fellowships that give recent college 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. Each fellowship is unique and tailored to the individual’s skills, interests, and career goals.

Fellowship term: mid-April 21 through mid-October, annually 

First review of applications: December 1, annually  

These fellowships are designed for highly motivated individuals passionate about outreach and education. Successful fellows thrive in a self-directed environment, where there is a balance between Conservancy-assigned and fellow-selected projects. Each fellowship includes:

• On-the-job training and experience in a variety of environmental education programs and settings
• Opportunities to develop and lead programs individually and in partnership with both Rocky Mountain Conservancy (RMC) and Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) teams
• Housing and utilities are provided at no cost along with a stipend for living expenses
• Professional development and networking opportunities with park and nonprofit staff

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Interviews for the summer fellowship begin in December. Each position averages 35-40 hours per week, with schedules that vary throughout the fellowship. A full 6-month commitment is required.

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 and delivery, participant communication, and outreach
• A professional portfolio of educational and outreach work products

Additional Information

Click here for our printable 2026 RMC Education Fellowship Info Sheet

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 should have enthusiasm for conservation and science communication, and 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, outdoor recreation/tourism, natural resource management, or a related field. In addition, experience volunteering or working with nonprofit organizations and an interest in public outreach is desired.

Living Allowance & Housing

Fellows are provided with housing (including utilities) for the duration of their fellowship. Accommodations are located near Conservancy headquarters in Estes Park, CO, in shared housing units operated by Rocky Mountain National Park. Fellows receive a living stipend of $450/week (paid as $900 every two weeks).

Schedule

The education fellows spend about 40 hours each week working on a 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.

Click Here for a sample summer work schedule and example work activities throughout the fellowship.

Required Skills:

• Dedication to environmental and outdoor education, with the ability to lead programs for children, teens, and adults 
• Adept communication skills, both written and spoken, for diverse audiences and using various media 
• Strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to organize ideas and information quickly 
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage long-term projects and complete assignments on time 
• Desire and ability to work both collaboratively and independently 
• Computer experience with Canva and the Microsoft Office suite, including Word and Outlook, preferred 
• Enthusiasm, a warm disposition, and the ability to handle the stresses of working outdoors with diverse groups of program participants 

Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead interactive outdoor programs (i.e. guided hikes, pop-up table talks, and educational bus tours) for diverse audiences, including families, youth, and adults
• Assist with development, planning, and implementation for a range of Conservancy programs 
• Support RMNP education and interpretation programs, such as school field trips and Jr. Ranger programs
• Create outreach and promotional materials for Conservancy programs
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with RMNP staff and volunteers, as well as with other Conservancy partners, program participants, and community members
• Assist Conservancy and park staff with outreach events
• Drive and/or ride in Conservancy-owned vehicles, including the Conservancy’s 15-passenger buses
• Click Here for a sample summer work schedule and example work activities throughout the fellowship

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 2026 fellowship positions have been filled. We are no longer accepting applications for 2026.