Summary:American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Capitol Reef National Park, is seeking one Member to serve with the law enforcement division.
For more information about ACE, please visit our website at usaconservation.org
Start Date: April 19, 2026
Estimated End Date: September 12, 2026
- a 21-week minimum commitment is required *
Location Details/Description: Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT
For more information about Capitol Reef please visit the NPS website.
Position Overview: The ACE recruited intern will gain hands-on experience in visitor resource protection while working alongside National Park Service (NPS) law enforcement and resource management staff. In the field, the intern will engage with visitors on trails and in the backcountry, educating them on park regulations, Leave No Trace principles, and safe recreation practices, while assisting with site clean-up, backcountry monitoring, and permit compliance.
The intern will also monitor, document, and analyze backcountry use with in the park. The intern will serve as point of contact for other divisions for data collected via the park's backcountry permit system. This work will develop skills in data management, planning, and interdepartmental coordination, providing insight into how resource protection and visitor management intersect.
A key component of the position includes exposure to Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and canyoneering programs and potentially canyoneering programs, offering hands-on experience in backcountry safety and emergency response. Candidates should be prepared for physically demanding tasks, including hiking with up to 40 pounds and potential overnight backpacking.
Schedule: Four - ten hour shifts
Position Benefits
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our usaconservation website.
Housing: The Park will provide housing in a 5-6-bedroom dormitory. The intern will have a private room with a shared bath, shared kitchen and common areas. Housing is located approximately a 5-minute walk from the duty station.
Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $500 to spend on eligible gear purchases.
Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support.
Qualifications
Required:
- Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
- Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
- Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
- A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
- Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
- ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
- ** WFA required, WFR preferred
- To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our usaconservation website.
Preferred
- Pursuing or holding a degree in natural resources, environmental science, recreation management, or a related field, and/or relevant experience in visitor services, backcountry management, or resource protection.
- Experience or interest in backcountry recreation, such as hiking, backpacking, climbing, or canyoneering.
- Familiarity with visitor education, permit systems, or compliance monitoring.
- Ability and willingness to work in physically demanding conditions, including hiking with packs up to 40 pounds, extended backcountry travel, and variable weather.
- Interest in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and backcountry safety practices.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and comfort with data entry or administrative support tasks, including managing permit systems and visitor use data.
- Effective communication skills for interacting with visitors and collaborating with park staff.
- Enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn unique technical skills related to backcountry resource protection and visitor management
Physical Demands, Work Environment And Working Conditions
- Physical Demands: Requires ability to hike over rough terrain with 40+lbs of gear and basic knowledge of canyoneering & rope management
- Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
- Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently hike with up to 40+ lbs of gear.,
- Environmental:
- Ability to perform physical labor for extended periods of time (e.g., digging, bending over, hauling material, hiking);
- Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, and otherwise maintain good physical condition;
- Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise
- Travel: This position does not require unique travel
Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources. The member may also encounter poisonous insects and snakes, elevation and sun exposure, 4 wheel driving conditions.
Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS/CARE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS/CARE. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS/CARE, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS/CARE and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website at usaconservation dot org. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Member Manager Vanessa Rogan.
ACE values an inclusive workforce - if you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!
ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.
Salary: $800 per week