Contact: Sierra Willoughby, 719-378-6341

Contact: Luke Anders, 719-378-6342

MOSCA, Colo. - Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve will be hosting a Scientists in Parks paid summer internship program, and a Southwest Conservation Corps paid internship position for the 2026 summer season.

The Natural Resource Management Assistant position, offered through the Scientists in Parks program, will work with the Resource Management Branch, which includes the park biologist, archeologist and geologist. The intern will assist with ongoing scientific research, inventory and monitoring of park conditions in the field. Monitoring, data collection and reporting for dark sky conditions will be a primary focus.

The intern will also work directly with the Interpretation, Education and Visitor Services Branch to prepare and present dark sky and astronomy-themed public evening programs. They will also assist park rangers with public information and engagement at the visitor center and on roving field patrols in and around the main dunes area.

This Scientists in Parks internship runs for 12 weeks, from late May to mid-August, coinciding with many summer breaks at schools and universities. Applicants from the San Luis Valley are highly encouraged to apply. This position is ideal for degree-seeking college students, recent graduates or current high school students who have taken science and/or communications coursework.

Applications for this position will be accepted until Feb. 15 or until 60 completed applications are received. Interested parties are encouraged to apply early. For more information and to apply, visit Go.nps.gov/GRSA_Jobs.

The park is also collaborating with Southwest Conservation Corps in recruiting an Interpretation Assistant intern through their Individual Placement program to assist interpretive staff in the Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services Branch. This paid position runs for 33 weeks from mid-March to late October and will focus on creating and presenting public programs, orienting visitors while patrolling outdoor areas and staffing the visitor center information desk.

This internship offers opportunities to work alongside other park professionals outside of the interpretation team to learn more about the mission of the National Park Service. Applications, benefits and additional information for the Interpretive Assistant position can also be found at Go.nps.gov/GRSA_Jobs.

For specific questions about these summer paid internship opportunities, contact park ranger Luke Anders at 719-378-6342 or [email protected]

-NPS