Center for Public Lands Undergraduate Internships
The Center for Public Lands is creating internship opportunities to provide undergraduates with hands-on experiences that connect them to meaningful careers in public lands and conservation. These internships aim to foster skills, networking, and job readiness in fields that protect and manage our natural resources for future generations.
Our program empowers undergraduate students to engage in real-world internships focused on public lands, conservation, and environmental stewardship. With a mission to inspire the next generation of leaders in these fields, we offer diverse experiential learning opportunities that bridge the gap between academic studies and career pathways. Interns will gain insight into the challenges and opportunities within the public lands sector, develop professional skills, and contribute to meaningful projects that promote sustainability and resource management.
Structured as an upper-level course through Western Colorado University, students participating in this program have the opportunity to earn either upper-division course credit or independent project-required credits, depending on their academic needs. This provides a valuable opportunity for students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations, gaining practical experience while also earning academic credit towards their degree.
The structure of the internship is flexible to accommodate different interests and skill sets, allowing students to collaborate with professionals in fields such as wildlife conservation, land stewardship, environmental education, and policy advocacy. Interns are expected to complete a series of deliverables such as hours logs, weekly reports, and a final portfolio that documents their projects and achievements. In addition, interns will participate in weekly check-in meetings with their supervisors to discuss progress, set new goals, and receive ongoing support.
The program encourages professional development through practical activities, including research, writing, networking, and contributing to meaningful projects that support public lands and community engagement. Students will have opportunities to enhance their skills in areas such as project management, public relations, environmental advocacy, and policy analysis, all of which are essential for pursuing a career in public lands management.
Internship opportunities are offered each semester and can range from 1-3 credits. In this way, we aim to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and connections they need to pursue a career with our public lands, while also fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving and protecting natural resources.
Internships
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The Interdisciplinary Public Lands Internship with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offers a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on conservation and environmental stewardship experience in Gunnison County, Colorado. In partnership with Western Colorado University's Center for Public Lands, this internship provides participants the chance to work alongside public land professionals, receiving mentorship and career development. Interns will engage in various stewardship tasks such as trail maintenance, campground improvements, wilderness patrols, and public outreach. This position offers practical experience in recreation management, teamwork, and communication, making it an ideal opportunity for those pursuing careers in public land management and conservation. Participants will also receive career coaching to align their experience with academic interests, and internship credit is available through Western Colorado University.
The internship is set to begin on May 19 and end on August 26, with a minimum commitment of 450 hours. Interns will be based at the Western Colorado Center for Public Lands, working on BLM lands throughout Gunnison County. In addition to gaining valuable technical skills, interns will benefit from a living allowance of $5,670, professional development training, and an education award of $1,956 upon successful completion of the internship. Other benefits include eligibility for healthcare, child care assistance, student loan forbearance, and access to various federal program benefits. This AmeriCorps position is perfect for students interested in environmental stewardship and public lands management, offering them the chance to make a meaningful impact in rural communities while building a strong foundation for their careers.
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The Interdisciplinary Public Lands Internship with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) provides a comprehensive opportunity to gain hands-on conservation and environmental stewardship experience. In partnership with Western Colorado University's Center for Public Lands, this internship offers the chance to work across a range of disciplines, including archeology, hydrology, fire/fuels management, timber, and wildlife conservation, all within the Gunnison Ranger District of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forest. Interns will work closely with USFS staff, assisting in various field activities, such as trail maintenance, wildlife monitoring, and forest management. This internship also provides an opportunity for career coaching to connect practical experiences with academic interests, and internship credit is available through Western Colorado University.
The internship runs from May 19 to August 26, with a minimum of 450 hours. Participants will be based at Western Colorado University and serve on USFS lands throughout Gunnison County, spending most of their time in outdoor fieldwork, with occasional overnight camping and backpacking opportunities. AmeriCorps Members in this internship will receive a living allowance of $5,670, professional development training, and an education award of $1,956 upon completion. Other benefits include healthcare, child care assistance, student loan forbearance, and access to various federal program benefits. This is an ideal opportunity for students with an interest in environmental stewardship and public land management, providing hands-on experience and a strong foundation for future careers in conservation and land management.
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The Ecology Research Internship offers an exciting opportunity for students to contribute to a Master's thesis project focused on evaluating the impact of Beaver Dam Analogues (BDAs) on evapotranspiration in Spring Creek, Taylor Park, Colorado. This research, conducted by a graduate student in collaboration with expert committee members, explores how BDAs affect vegetation distribution and water loss. The intern will assist with collecting high-resolution UAV-based multispectral imagery, plant identification, and drone flight operations. Additional responsibilities may include data organization and preprocessing, with exposure to machine learning and remote sensing techniques. This internship offers valuable fieldwork experience, requiring travel to remote locations with rugged terrain and some exposure to outdoor risks.
The internship will run during the summer of 2025 for a 10-week period, from early June to August, with potential for continued help in the fall. Interns will gain hands-on experience in plant identification, UAV flight operations, and geospatial data analysis, contributing to a better understanding of nature-based solutions for water conservation and land management in montane environments. This internship is ideal for students interested in ecology, remote sensing, and environmental conservation.
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The Macroinvertebrate Sample Processing Internship offers an opportunity to assist in the processing of macroinvertebrate samples collected during the Summer 2025 field session in the Burrows Creek fen complex. This internship is focused on lab work, including sorting, counting, and identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates to the genus and family level using dichotomous keys. Interns will also be responsible for labeling vials of samples, entering data into Excel sheets, and ensuring that the samples are properly stored in ethanol.
Interns will gain valuable lab experience, build knowledge in aquatic macroinvertebrate identification, and contribute to a larger research project assessing the impact of mining pollution mitigation on aquatic ecosystems in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. The internship will take place during the Fall 2025 semester (10-week block), with the potential to extend into Spring 2026 if sample processing is not completed. This position offers a chance to work closely with Western professors, graduate students, and potentially the Mountain Studies Institute, while gaining skills that will be beneficial for future ecological and environmental careers.
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The Water Conservation Screening and Panel Internship offers an exciting opportunity to assist in the planning and coordination of a community screening of the documentary series Thinking Like Water, hosted by Western Colorado University’s Center for Public Lands and the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District (UGRWCD). This event, scheduled for April 2025, will include a screening followed by a panel discussion. The series, created by Renea Roberts, explores water conservation, ecological restoration, and sustainable land management, with the second episode specifically focusing on restoration efforts in the Gunnison Valley.
The internship will involve promoting the event, assisting with outreach, and helping to organize and facilitate the panel discussion. You will play a key role in raising awareness about water conservation and sustainable land management practices, as well as providing logistical and communication support during the event. This position will allow you to engage with local water resource issues, foster community discussions, and collaborate with students, experts, and community members.
The internship will take place during the Spring 2025 semester, within the 2nd or 3rd 5-week block, leading up to the event in April. You will gain valuable experience in event coordination, public outreach, and communication, contributing to the UGRWCD’s efforts in promoting sustainable water management in the Upper Gunnison River Basin.
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The Invasive Species Management Internship through Western Colorado University’s Center for Public Lands Stewardship Corps offers an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in field data collection and ecological monitoring, specifically targeting cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) infestations in Gunnison County. This invasive species poses a significant threat to native ecosystems, increases wildfire risk, and impacts rangeland health, making the internship an important contribution to local conservation efforts.
Interns will receive risk management training before participating in fieldwork, ensuring a safe and effective experience while hiking through the county to identify and report cheatgrass hotspots using the Cheatgrass Map App. Data collected will be shared with land managers to support efforts in controlling the spread of this invasive plant. Interns will also gain skills in GIS mapping, data management, and collaboration with land managers, which are valuable for careers in natural resource management, conservation, and environmental science.
The internship is available for Summer 2025 with options for 5-week or 10-week placements. Students can choose between credit or non-credit options, and flexible scheduling is offered to accommodate different needs. This opportunity will provide substantial exposure to invasive species management and contribute to efforts aimed at preserving and protecting local ecosystems.
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The AmeriCorps VISTA position with the Western Alliance for Reclamation Management (WARM) offers a unique opportunity to contribute to mine reclamation efforts that restore lands and protect water resources. Based at Western Colorado University in Gunnison, CO, this one-year position focuses on capacity-building activities such as fundraising, grant writing, and partnership development, all aimed at advancing reclamation initiatives.
The VISTA member will also help coordinate a summer mine reclamation field course in Durango, CO, collaborating with universities, industry leaders, nonprofits, and government agencies. This role provides valuable experience in workforce development and supports environmental solutions in the reclamation field. Benefits include a living allowance, health coverage, and an education award or end-of-service stipend.
This AmeriCorps VISTA opportunity is available starting May 5, 2025, and is ideal for those interested in environmental stewardship, land management, and workforce development. Apply now to make a lasting impact on reclamation efforts and gain hands-on experience in a growing field!
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The Sagebrush Wet Meadow Insect Sampling Internship, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Upper Gunnison Basin Wet Meadows Restoration & Resiliency Partnership, provides a unique opportunity to explore the impacts of restoration efforts on higher trophic levels in sagebrush wet meadows. These meadows, which have been degraded by anthropogenic activities, are being restored with erosion control structures to enhance vegetation growth. The internship focuses on understanding how insects, which are crucial food sources for threatened Gunnison Sage Grouse chicks, differ between treated and untreated meadows.
Interns will engage in insect sampling across the sagebrush wet meadows throughout the summer, conducting monthly collections from June to September 2025. In the lab, they will process and identify the insect samples to the family level. Under the guidance of Dr. Susan Washko, interns will also contribute to writing a report on the differences in insect populations between the treated and untreated areas. Statistical analysis will be provided by Dr. Susan Washko.
The internship provides valuable experience in ecological monitoring, sample processing, and scientific report writing. Sampling will occur during the summer, and sample processing can continue through the school year depending on the pace and duration of the internship. The final report, detailing the findings of the study, is due by June 2026.
Why Choose CPL?
The Center for Public Lands (CPL) is at the forefront of innovative, cross-boundary land management, tackling some of challenges in modern conservation in the Gunnison Basin. By choosing an internship through CPL you’ll become part of a dedicated community focused on promoting sustainable land management practices. As a intern you’ll play a key role in protecting and enhancing public lands while gaining valuable skills that will benefit both your personal and professional development.
Ready to make an impact? For additional information, you can contact Bradley Sowder (Graduate Assistant) at bradley.sowder@western.edu or Dr. Briget Eastep (Program Director) at beastep@western.edu.
CPL Internship Team
Briget Eastep
Dr. Briget Eastep joins Western Colorado's University's Center for Public Lands after working for 17 years at Southern Utah University where she built and led innovative programs connecting students, faculty, and staff with public lands. Through internships, service learning, scholarship, monitoring, and volunteer work thousands of students found their way into professional careers and have become lifelong advocates for public lands. Dr. Eastep is passionate about public land stewardship, collaboration and building pathways for the next generation of public land leaders. Our society is facing amazing challenges, and it will take stewardship, research and collaborative practices to move us forward.
Contact: beastep@western.edu
Bradley Sowder
Bradley Sowder is a graduate student at Western Colorado University, pursuing dual Master’s degrees in Ecology and Environmental Management through the EMPLOYS program. My thesis project, titled "Evaluating the Impact of Beaver Dam Analogues on Evapotranspiration," explores the effects of nature-based solutions on vegetation distribution and water conservation in montane environments. Additionally, I focuses on vegetation mapping of fens as part of their Environmental Management degree. With hands-on experience in remote sensing, GIS analysis, field data collection, and scientific communication related to ecological restoration and environmental impact. As a graduate assistant, I facilitate internship opportunities for undergraduates and is committed to advancing our undergraduate community.
Contact: bradley.sowder@western.eduPaige Atkinson
Contact: paige.atkinson@western.edu