
YVSC Internship Program
The goal of the YVSC Internship Program is to connect motivated students and young professionals with professional training and experience that puts them on track to sustainability professions and/or collaborations in the future.
The 12-week program brings interns into contact with YVSC staff and engages them in our programs addressing sustainability issues in the Yampa Valley, while providing them with training and on-the-ground experience in nonprofit work. Using a project-based approach, participants apply what they learn through the internship to contribute to, expand on or develop a meaningful environmental project within our community.
Each internship with YVSC is unique; it intersects where the organization’s needs and the individual’s interests meet.
“This was a truly amazing opportunity that I am so thankful I was fortunate enough to be a part of. Being able to get some real experience in my field of study was so important to me and I’m so happy I got to start that here with you guys in my hometown!”
“Overall, I feel like this internship was an amazing opportunity. I gained so much knowledge about the limitless opportunities in the field of sustainability and feel like I now have a guiding direction towards what I what to do. The internship provided me with a project that was fulfilling, engaging, and rewarding and allowed me to truly make a difference in the community. Thank you!”
“My internship with YVSC was an amazing experience that I will value for the rest of my life. My project was in YVSC’s Waste Diversion priority program area. I worked to help identify the barriers and challenges of composting in Steamboat restaurants. During the time of my internship, I had many experiences that will help me during my career such as how to communicate professionally, how to develop a project, and developing my professional writing skills. I feel that I gained a lot of important insights and experiences during my time with YVSC.”
“This internship program made a difference in both my life professionally and personally. As a senior in college, I was looking for experience that would get me involved in real world sustainability projects that would make a difference. I was paired with a mentor that gave me the skills and mentorship for my project. I was able to meet others with the same interest and make connections that will go beyond the internship.”
“As an intern, I gained an understanding of the focus areas of YVSC. This helped me to understand why my project was meaningful. I thought of it in terms of aligning with YVSC’s mission and advancing towards goals, but also by doing so, I saw the connection that I was impacting my community, the environment, and gaining from it personally as well.”
“This internship helped me to better understand the career path I want to take and helped me understand myself better as a leader.”
Internship Program Term Dates
Spring 2024
Application Window: December 18 – January 22
Term Dates: February 5 – April 26
10-15 hrs/wk
Summer 2024
Application Window: TBD
Term Dates: May 20 – August 9
15-20 hrs/wk
Fall 2024
Application Window: TBD
Term Dates: September 9 – November 29
10-15 hrs/wk
How to apply
Submit an online application
YVSC will interview select applicants
YVSC will notify Internship position offers via email



Who Should Apply?
Are you a student or young professional seeking experience and training in the field of sustainability in the Yampa Valley? Do your interests align with one or several of our Priority Areas or Programs? We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply for this position. No previous experience is required for this program, just an eagerness and interest to learn.
Explore Highlights from Past Interns:
Intern Project Video Archive
FAQs
Eligibility Questions
YVSC accepts interdisciplinary participants with skills in many different areas and levels. Participant education levels range from high school to undergraduate and graduate students. Participants with a strong interest in sustainability and conservation are strongly encouraged to apply. No previous experience is required in these areas, just an eagerness and interest to learn.
The program prioritizes internship training opportunities for students and young professionals from the Yampa Valley community, which encompasses both Routt and Moffat Counties. As such, participants must fit both of the following requirements in order to be eligible for the program:
- Participants must have resided in the greater Yampa Valley (including Routt or Moffat County)
- Participants must reside in the Yampa Valley for the duration of their 12 week term.
We offer exceptions to this qualification on a limited basis, however serving our local youth and young professionals remains our priority.
Interns are expected to commit 8-15 hours per week towards their projects, in addition to attending various community events throughout the term. *During the summer intern hours rise to up to 20 hours per week.
Weekly Meetings: 2 hours x 12 weeks
Project Work: 5-13 hours per week x 12 weeks
YVSC Community Meetings: 1 hour/month
Other YVSC Events & Commitments: Varies by week, interns are required to support a minimum of (2) events throughout their term
General Questions
There are 3 Terms with the YVSC Internship Program: Spring, Summer, & Fall. Open applications can be found at here and are due by 11:59pm on their listed dates. Please review the Application Materials document before submitting your application. Application materials include:
- Resume
- Short Essay Questions
All applications will be considered. Interviews will be offered to select applicants. Following the interviews, YVSC will email applicants to notify them whether or not they will be offered a position for the given term. Positions are limited and we strongly encourage applicants to apply for a future term if they are not accepted.
College level course credit is a great way for interns to receive dual recognition for their internship project by having it listed on their academic transcript as well as their resume. YVSC partners up with Colorado Mountain College Steamboat Springs Campus to offer course credit for YVSC interns. Course credit is optional and interns are responsible for paying course related fees.
YVSC interns are paid an hourly rate that is paid out biweekly throughout the term.
After completing their 12 week project term, interns will meet with the YVSC Internship Program Manager and YVSC Executive Director to discuss next steps, which would include one of the following actions:
- Wrap up your project and seek other endeavors
- Apply for another YVSC project term
- Apply to continue to work as an independent YVSC Intern