Conservation Intern

Conservation Internship at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Summer 2025

Supervisor: Emily Griffoul, Conservation Scientist

Summary: Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is uniquely positioned to address conservation of the fragile alpine environment. The Gardens is spearheading the implementation of the North American Botanic Garden Strategy for Alpine Plant Conservation to understand and protect this special habitat.

We are looking for a recent college graduate to assist our Conservation Scientist with the summer 2025 field season. Work will include extensive time in the alpine areas of Colorado collecting and documenting alpine plants, and managing data and collections on-site at the Gardens. Occasionally, the team will travel overnight and/or camp, including in the backcountry. The ideal candidate will be passionate about conservation and alpine ecosystems, organized, self-motivated, a team player, and be interested in developing leadership skills. S/he will also have experience identifying plants in the field using a dichotomous key and be comfortable working outside in tough conditions.

Duties:

• Assist the Conservation Scientist on various projects relating to the Alpine Strategy including research, field forays, and outreach
• Identify alpine plants in the field using dichotomous key
• Collect and prepare voucher specimens for herbarium collections
• Collect and process seeds for seed banking
• Keep detailed, organized records of field and Gardens activities
• Manage data, including entering and checking records from the field
• Supervise volunteers both in the field and at the Gardens
• Participate in garden events, workshops and educational outreach
• Occasionally provide Gardens visitors with information
• Compose newsletter and social media content and blog posts relating to conservation and alpine plants
• Help with projects and duties as staff needs across all Gardens operations

Requirements:

• Recently graduated from college with a focus on environmental science, ecology, plant science, and/or conservation
• Experience using a dichotomous key to identify plants
• Practical previous experience in an ecological field setting
• Valid driver’s license and access to vehicle
• Passion for conservation and ecological research
• Works well in a team setting and communicates efficiently and effectively
• Physical requirements: 
• Ability to hike at elevation in remote areas on steep, difficult terrain in inclement weather (rain, snow, heat, sun, etc)
• Ability to carry up to 50lbs of equipment
• Ability to spend full days in the field (4+ a week), office, and Gardens settings, and occasionally overnight camping trips in remote areas

Desired Skills:

• Ability to work independently and solve problems
• Experience using Google Workspace and Microsoft Excel
• Picks up new skills quickly and adapts to new information and situations
• Understanding of Colorado mountain ecosystems and their native plants
• Basic understanding of conservation topics and rare plant management techniques
• Excellent attention to detail
• Organized and self-directed
• Backcountry hiking and camping experience

Internship Details:

• $500/ week stipend (pre-tax), plus shared housing provided in Vail
• Full-time internship starting mid-May, and ending late September 2025
• Internship promotes studying and understanding alpine plants, mountain ecosystems, and the inner workings of a small nonprofit botanic gardens

To apply for the Conservation Internship, please email a resume, cover letter, and contact for two references to our Conservation Scientist, Emily Griffoul, at [email protected]