Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter, located in Park City, Utah, is seeking interns for the Summer 2025 season to be involved with a wide range of activities and projects. This person will assist with conservation and restoration efforts on the Preserve as well as nature interpretation in the EcoCenter, at community events, and on the Swaner trails.  This person will report to the Director of Conservation.

During the course of this internship, the intern will experience a wide range of conservation projects and outreach opportunities, making this the perfect internship for a student or recent graduate who wants the opportunity to explore a variety of career options or refine their interests in the environmental or non-profit field.

This intern will gain hands-on experience in implementation of restoration and land management projects, including identification of native and non-native plant species. They will gain an understanding of the complex issues surrounding community conservation including local partnerships, conservation easements, and recreational use. The intern will also develop outreach and interpretation skills, enabling the intern to effectively communicate and teach about the natural world. The intern will learn about non-profit organizations and management, the day-to-day operations of a community center, and the many facets of USU Extension work.

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

• Assisting with a broad range of land management and habitat restoration projects such as monitoring of nest boxes, maintenance and installation of restoration plantings, trail camera deployment and monitoring, and management of noxious weed species on the Preserve including pulling and monitoring.
• Working at the EcoCenter exhibit hall interacting with visitors, assisting with guided Preserve tours and lectures, and leading restoration volunteer groups.
• Creating interpretive materials to educate visitors and trail users about the Swaner Preserve. Using other skills to further the Swaner mission, such as assisting with social media content associated with their work.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A commitment to habitat restoration, conservation, and outdoor education.
• Coursework or experience relevant to the fields of habitat restoration, conservation, wetland science, ecology, science communication etc.
• Ability to work in a wide variety of environments and weather conditions.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Valid driver’s license to perform essential job responsibilities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to speak Spanish is a plus.
• Experience in outdoor field work is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• An outgoing, optimistic, and can-do attitude.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV” 

2. 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 each department performs. 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 extreme heat and extreme cold. Additionally, indoor or outdoor work environments may include being confined or in narrow spaces for periods of time. The incumbent may also be exposed to loud noises or vibrations from equipment, and conditions that may affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and poor ventilation. Bending, crawling, and crouching may be required. Incumbents may be required to lift, push, and/or pull objects up to 50 pounds and be required to walk and/or stand for long periods of time.

50 pounds and be required to walk and/or stand for long periods of time.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion, empowering people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. Utah State provides high-quality education to 27,500-plus students locations throughout the state, including at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.

Utah State is committed to cultivating a community of inclusive excellence where all perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

*updated 04/2024

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023