Conservation Training Logistics Assistant Internship

The Conservation Training Logistics Assistant Intern (LAI) is a key member of Colorado State University’s Center for Protected Area Management (CPAM) Spanish-language International Seminar on Protected Area Management (ISPAM) implementation team. This internship provides hands-on experience supporting the coordination and delivery of a 25-day international conservation training program for protected area professionals from across Latin America. The intern will assist with logistics, transportation, participant support, field-based educational activities, translation, and program operations while traveling to national parks, national forests, and protected areas throughout Colorado and the western United States. This position offers practical experience in conservation training, cross-cultural collaboration, outdoor leadership, and international program management in dynamic and immersive learning environments.

Signing Bonus: N/A

Brief Work Unit Description: Colorado State University’s Center for Protected Area Management (CPAM) develops and delivers professional training programs focused on protected area management, conservation leadership, sustainable tourism, and international collaboration. CPAM works with protected area professionals, government agencies, universities, and conservation organizations throughout Latin America and beyond. This internship supports CPAM’s International Seminar on Protected Area Management (ISPAM), an immersive Spanish-language training program now in its 32nd year.

Essential Job Duties:

• Support logistics coordination for travel, lodging, classrooms, field visits, camping activities, and seminar events.

• Transport participants, staff, and materials safely using 7-, 12-, or 15-passenger vans throughout Colorado and the western United States.

• Assist with preparation, organization, translation, and distribution of participant and course materials in English and Spanish.

• Support daily seminar operations including classroom setup, equipment coordination, refreshments, participant support, and field-based educational activities.

• Collaborate closely with CPAM staff, instructors, and international participants while maintaining professionalism, flexibility, and strong communication throughout the seminar.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must have conversational Spanish skills

• Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license and be comfortable driving 7-, 12-, and 15-passenger vans.

• Ability to work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, during seminar implementation.

• Ability to hike, lift equipment, set up camp, and work in outdoor and wilderness-style environments.

• Must be comfortable camping in primitive field conditions.

• Must maintain professionalism and effective communication in multicultural and bilingual environments.

Supervision: This position reports directly to CPAM’s Assistant Director and works closely with the Training Specialist, Director, instructors, staff, and guest speakers associated with the International Seminar on Protected Area Management.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current CSU student or recent CSU graduate

• Good conversational and written Spanish skills

• Willingness to work long and irregular hours during the seminar (July 5–31)

• Valid U.S. driver’s license and comfortable driving 7 and 12-passenger vans

• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset

• Self-motivated, adaptable, and calm under pressure

• Good physical condition (hiking, lifting equipment, setting up camp)

• Comfortable camping in primitive, wilderness-style conditions

• Strong cross-cultural awareness and professionalism

• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word, Powerpoint/Zoom, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Leave No Trace principles

• Experience with backpacking, camping, or outdoor leadership

• First aid training

• Interest or background in tourism, conservation, or protected area management

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

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Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.