Student interns working at this lake project provide environmental stewardship (80%) and interpretative assistance (20%). Environmental stewardship activities may include manual control of invasive plant species, mowing, weeding, fence removal and repair, trail/road maintenance, and sign inventory and maintenance. Use of basic hand tools and small engine equipment needed, prior experience is a plus, but training provided. John Martin is also home to three listed species and thus stewardship will also include assisting natural resource management staff in species identification/monitoring, habitat maintenance, boundary exclusion maintenance, data collection/management and coordination with other federal agencies such as state, USFWS and USGS. Interpretive assistance will include the implementation of the Corps’ Water Safety Program by presenting water safety programs at schools, parks, special events, assisting with guided dam tours, and accompanying Park Rangers during vehicle and boat patrols.
Location
Hasty, CO
Schedule
June 1, 2026 - November 13, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Environmental stewardship activities may include manual control of invasive plant species, mowing, weeding, fence removal and repair, trail/road maintenance, and sign inventory and maintenance. Accompanying Park Rangers during vehicle and boat patrols.
Marginal Duties
John Martin is home to three listed species and thus stewardship will also include assisting natural resource management staff in species identification/monitoring, habitat maintenance, boundary exclusion maintenance, data collection/management and coordination with other federal agencies such as state, USFWS and USGS. Interpretive assistance will include the implementation of the Corps’ Water Safety Program by presenting water safety programs at schools, parks, special events, and assisting with guided dam tours.
Required Qualifications
General biological/ecological knowledge of interior/western state plant/animal species and ecosystems. Outdoor manual labor work, exposure to the elements. Use of basic hand tools (shovels, rakes, hammer, etc.) and small engine equipment (string trimmers, chainsaws, etc.). Must be 18 years or older
Preferred Qualifications
Use of more advanced/power hand tools and larger engine equipment, prior experience is a plus, but some training can generally be provided. Working toward, or received, a bachelor's degree in wildlife, natural resource management, recreation, or similar field.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Living arrangements will be up to the selected interns. Compensation includes living/housing allowances. Rental properties are available in nearby towns including Lamar, Las Animas and Lajunta.
Compensation
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended
Additional Benefits
Defensive Driving Training
Interpretive Skills
Off-Road Vehicle Safety
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
