Schedule: Friday–Sunday, with occasional weekday or evening events. 15–21 hours/week, from May–September.

Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter in Park City, Utah, is seeking a motivated, people‑oriented intern to support our community engagement efforts. As a key representative of Swaner, this intern will welcome and assist guests, orient visitors to the Preserve and EcoCenter, and help share the story of Swaner at community events. By interpreting the natural world for visitors, the intern will help advance our mission to preserve the land and the human connection to it, educate communities about the value of nature, and nurture both the ecosystem and the people who depend on it.

Candidates must have a positive attitude, be willing to learn, work well as part of a team, and enjoy working outdoors in a variety of environments and weather conditions. Candidates must be professional in interactions with staff, volunteers, and the public as a representative of USU Extension and the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter. Candidates professional, academic, and lived experience will be taken into consideration during the hiring process. Candidates should support and help create a respectful workplace culture where all are welcome.

Throughout this internship, you’ll gain hands-on experience connecting guests with nature, supporting community engagement, and contributing to a mission-driven nonprofit - all while spending your summer surrounded by wildlife, wetlands, and a vibrant community of nature nerds. This is an ideal opportunity for students or recent graduates exploring careers in environmental education, conservation, community engagement, or nonprofit work.

This position reports to the Visitor Experience Coordinator.

• Provide a welcoming, fun, and engaging experience for all EcoCenter visitors
• Lead guided nature walks on the Preserve
• Facilitate and plan interpretive nature programming for families and guests
• Open and close the EcoCenter, including register, gift shop, building, and event tasks
• Operate the climbing wall while following all safety procedures
• Support the upkeep and enrichment of the EcoCenter and its exhibits
• Develop hands-on educational activities for on-site visitors and outreach programs
• Represent Swaner at off-site community events to increase awareness and participation
• Assist in creating digital outreach content

Candidate's professional, academic, and lived experience will be taken into consideration during the hiring process. Candidates should support the organization’s mission and help create a respectful workplace culture where all are welcome.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license to perform essential job responsibilities, such as driving university vehicles and transporting materials for events
• Must have access to reliable transportation to and from work site
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Ability to communicate effectively in English
• Ability to work weekends and occasional evenings
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to pleasantly interact with a wide variety of individuals
• Basic computer and math skills
• Professional communication and teamwork skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish
• Content knowledge in:
  • Environmental studies
  • Natural sciences such as watersheds, ecology, or zoology
  • Sustainability
  • Conservation
• Customer service experience
• Passion for the outdoors and nature

Job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
• Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

The environment and physical requirements may change depending on the specific function of the work performed in this role. Incumbents may be in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, in an office space, event space, or public space are protected from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Incumbents may nearly continuously sit and often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing).

Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to temperature changes, precipitation, and other weather events. This position requires moderate physical effort. Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position, including lifting up to 25 pounds, walking on uneven ground, and standing. Employees must adhere to safety precautions and may be required to use protective equipment. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed.

The Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter is a 1,200 acre nature Preserve and a 10,000 square foot LEED Platinum building with interactive exhibits about the surrounding environment. We offer weekly nature tours, wildlife viewing opportunities, summer camps, environmental education for children and adults, evening lecture series, and a gift shop with local and ecofriendly art.

Swaner's Mission
Preserve the land and the human connection to the natural landscape, educate the local and broader communities about the value of nature, and nurture both the ecosystem and the people connected with it.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

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*updated 12/2025

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*updated 10/2025