DescriptionPOSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: POLK INTERNSHIP- ARCHAEOLOGY
Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park. As the official philanthropic and collaborative partner of Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon Conservancy’s mission is to inspire generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of the Grand Canyon. GCC raises private funds, operates retail shops within the park, and provides premier educational programs on the region's natural and cultural history.
Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) sponsors summer internships as part of the Eugene T. Polk Science Fellowship. GCC is currently seeking a paid intern for the Summer of 2026 at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for the Archaeology Program.
The 2026 Eugene T. Polk Archaeology Intern will support Grand Canyon National Park’s Cultural Resource Management Program by assisting with archaeological surveys, compliance monitoring, and preservation of cultural sites. The intern will serve as a crew member alongside other archaeologists in the Cultural Resources Program. Field and office duties will be assigned for various projects throughout the summer. The duration of individual projects will vary.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Projects could include a combination of the following:
• Archaeological site inventory survey
• Archaeological site condition monitoring
• Monitoring park projects near archaeological sites
• Bison effects monitoring
• Hands-on stabilization
• Architectural documentation
• Data entry, writing, map-making, and file organization
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Must be in good physical condition with no limitations that would affect mobility in remote areas
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, stoop, and lift for long hours while conducting stewardship actions
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle
GCC CORE VALUES
GCC has identified four core values representing how we interact with our employees, partners, visitors, supporters, and followers. Our values include:
• Integrity: We are honest, respectful, inclusive, caring, and accountable for our actions. We operate at a high level of excellence, utilizing our resources to their fullest potential.
• Education: We are a dynamic learning organization uniquely positioned to cultivate the “awe” of the Grand Canyon.
• Service: We embrace our role as a valued partner of the National Park Service at Grand Canyon National Park and will provide the highest level of excellence in every interaction with employees, partners, visitors, supporters, and donors.
• Connection: We foster a sense of wonder and adventure for the Grand Canyon.
TOTAL COMPENSATION
The internship is full-time, non-exempt, and seasonal. This position is not benefit-eligible and has a base salary paid bi-weekly. The intern will be compensated $740.00 per week for the duration of the internship. Housing will be provided at no cost to the intern.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are currently being accepted through March 6th 2026.
For more information or to apply, please e-mail a cover letter, resume, and reference contact information to Donelle Huffer at donelle_huffer@nps.gov.
You may also submit your information via postal mail to:
Grand Canyon National Park, Science and Resource Management, Attn: Donelle Huffer, PO Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023-0129.
Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
QualificationsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program
• Ability to live at Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim, but may be assigned to periods of work on the North Rim and the inner canyon.
• The intern must have a valid driver’s license to operate a government vehicle for work-related tasks
• Available for the internship dates: May or June Start date- 12–24-week duration
• The ability to live on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, housing will be provided
• The ability to perform fieldwork associated with this project
• Must have experience in variable conditions, camping/backcountry experience
• Ability and willingness to work long hours (10 hours per day)
