Every Friday, we post ways that you can contribute to making our region a greener place, including events, community science projects, jobs, internships, scholarships, and direct actions. If you have something you would like included in the next round-up, please email Chris at chris@rockymountainwild.org.
Featured Environmental Actions, Events, and Opportunities
The new Public Lands Rule emphasizes conservation and recreation!
“Rocky Mountain Wild applauds the Public Lands Rule that finally puts conservation of our land and natural resources on par with other uses. Prioritizing protecting the most intact, functioning landscapes, restoring degraded habitat and ecosystems, and making wise management decisions based on science and Indigenous Knowledge are the primary parts of the rule and are critical to our work of protecting, connecting, and restoring wildlife and wild lands.”
The Senate approved a bill to restore wolverines to Colorado!
Thanks to the bipartisan leadership of Senator Perry Will and Senator Dylan Roberts, the Senate approved SB24-171, a bill to reintroduce North American wolverines to Colorado. Now, SB24-171 will move for further consideration before the house. We are incredibly grateful to both Senators for their impressive work to pave the way for wildlife experts to reintroduce wolverines using a science based, transparent process that addresses stakeholder concerns.
Apply to the No Man’s Land Film Festival Queer Filmmaker Grant
If you are a genderqueer filmmaker and have a film idea you are interested in pitching to our team, we can’t wait to hear it! We’re proud to announce our 2nd Annual Genderqueer Film Grant in partnership with Chronicle Cinema. Grant submissions are currently open and will close on April 30th.
Protect greater sage-grouse and more in Wyoming!
Please take a moment and send your comments to the Bureau, asking them to protect the wildlife and wild lands in this region by removing parcels that overlap with habitat for greater sage-grouse, critical winter habitat for mule deer, big game migration routes, and more. Comments are due May 10.
Check out Inclusive Guide DEI Resources!
Ever find yourself navigating the rugged terrain of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) feeling like you’re off the beaten path? You’re not alone. Many of us want to make a difference but struggle to find the right direction. That’s where Inclusive Guide DEI Resources comes in—a comprehensive toolkit designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to blaze a trail toward a more just and equitable world. And as someone who’s already taken the first step by subscribing to our emails, you’re perfectly positioned to embark on this life-changing journey.
Outdoor Equity Grant Letter of Interest submission period is open!
Ever find yourself navigating the rugged terrain of This year, the Outdoor Equity Grant Board will follow a two-phase process for accepting applications. This new process aims to minimize the investment of applicant time and resources while moving forward the proposals deemed most competitive and the best fit for Outdoor Equity Grant Program funds. The first phase of the application will require a preliminary letter of interest from applicants, then applicants who advance to the second phase of the application process will complete a full application. Letters of Interest will be accepted from April 25 – June 4, 2024.
White-nose syndrome detected in a Colorado bat. Here’s how you can help.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed on Monday, April 24, 2023 that a bat infected with white-nose syndrome was found in Colorado for the first time. Finding out where bats are roosting, and monitoring bat populations through Colorado Bat Watch can help experts and officials respond to WNS in Colorado.
Join the GAPS Mentorship Program
The Gender Advancement and Parity in STEM (GAPS) program supports our work to reduce gender bias in our field through mentorship and internships for people from marginalized genders.
We’re taking applications for our mentorship program! The mentorship program connects emerging and more seasoned environmentalists and scientists from marginalized genders together to network, support, and build capacity.
Organizations Working Towards Equity in the Outdoors
- Adaptive Climbing Group – ACG creates accessible, affordable, and transformational climbing opportunities for people with disabilities.
- Adaptive Sports Center – enhancing the quality of life of people with disabilities through exceptional outdoor adventure.
- Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center – providing adaptive sports programs to individuals including adaptive winter ski and snowboard programs at Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain Ski Resorts, and summer programs on local rivers, lakes, bike paths, and an adaptive ropes course.
- Colorado Blackpackers – providing gear, outdoor excursions, and outdoor education for free or at subsidized costs and connecting participants with volunteer opportunities, internships, jobs, and post-secondary education resources to create a pipeline from outdoor recreation to outdoor industry careers.
- GirlTrek: Healthy Black Women and Girls – pioneering a health movement for Black women and girls grounded in civil rights history and principles through walking campaigns, community leadership, and health advocacy.
- Defiende Nuestra Tierra – increasing the baseline knowledge of public lands and their management, expanding Latinx participation in public lands management processes, and focusing on specific concerns of local Latinx communities.
- Disabled & Outdoors – disabled people enjoying the outdoors on our terms! The online platform provides resources for accessible programs, amplifies disabled outdoor voices, and aims to create systemic change in the outdoor industry.
- Disabled Hikers – building disability community and an outdoors culture transformed by fair representation, accessibility, and justice for disabled and all other marginalized outdoors people.
- Diversability – a community of people with disabilities (and the people who support us) on a mission to elevate disability pride, together.
- Diversify Outdoors – promoting diversity in outdoor spaces where people of color, LGBTIQA2+, and other diverse identities have historically been underrepresented.
- Environment Americas – connects diverse people to birds and nature and inspires the next generation of conservationists by connecting diverse people to nature and to the protection of birds and their habitats.
- Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) – reaching out to students who have been traditionally overlooked and under-encouraged in science and science-related careers, most notably, youth of color, LGBTIQA2+, and girls.
- Green Latinos – convening a broad coalition of Latino leaders committed to addressing national, regional, and local environmental, natural resources, and conservation issues that significantly affect the health and welfare of the U.S. Latino community.
- Greening Youth Foundation – engaging underrepresented youth a nd young adults, while connecting them to the outdoors and careers in conservation.
- High Fives Foundation – creating a universal shift in adventure sports that expands what is possible for those who have faced life-changing injuries.
- Hispanic Access Foundation – helping Latinos build their financial literacy, explore new workforce opportunities, become environmental stewards or advocate for one’s health.
- I AM ADAPTIVE – revolves around three main goals: educate, socialize, mobilize. This is how they fuel the world to become more inclusive and diverse for all kinds of adaptive individuals on their unique life journeys.
- Inclusive Outdoors Project – hosting events that bridge the gap between affinity spaces and outdoor based organizations to grow culturally cohesive practices and spaces within the greater outdoor narrative.
- Latino Outdoors – inspiring, connecting, and engaging Latino communities in the outdoors and embracing cultura y familia as part of the outdoor narrative, ensuring our history, heritage, and leadership are valued and represented.
- Native Womens Wilderness – inspiring and raising the voices of Native women in the outdoor realm to encourage a healthy lifestyle within the wilderness and provide an education of the Ancestral Lands and its people.
- Next 100 Coalition – an inclusive vision for the next 100 years of conservation and stewardship in America.
- Next 100 Colorado – committed to the establishment of a just and inclusive parks and public lands system.
- Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project – ensuring that marginalized communities have access to the outdoors and that our history, values, and people are authentically reflected in public lands management.
- Outdoor Afro – celebrating and inspiring Black connections and leadership in nature.
- Outdoor F.U.T.U.R.E. – building momentum for the creation of a national equity fund that will ensure long-term investments in programs to serve all youth with opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
- Outdoor Asian – creating a diverse and inclusive community of Asian and Pacific Islands in the outdoors.
- Outdoorist Oath – an action-based commitment to planet, inclusion, and adventure. It offers tools/education for inquiry, a shareable education model, and the hub for a community that cares to build a better future.
- Rising Routes – elevating diverse communities and collaborating with partners to spark public action toward social and environmental resileince.
- Sierra Club Outdoors for All – expanding universal access to nature for children and youth, as well as empowering veterans to continue their service in protecting the land they defend.
- The Venture Out Project – leading backpacking and wilderness trips for the queer and transgender community.
- WildAbility – creating opportunities for disabled youth to create change and become leaders in the climate movement.
In-Person Events
For those who feel safe, here are some events happening in person. All locations are in Colorado unless indicated otherwise.
- 4/26 Denver – Nerd Nite: Denver Birds, Mosh Pits, and Earthquakes. Birds are everywhere, and over 500 birds have been observed in Colorado. We will explore 5 commonly found birds in the city and why I think these avian dinosaurs are so damn cool. Ever look at the limb-flying chaos that is a mosh pit and wonder…WTF? Well, I’m here to dispel the myths, provide the knowledge, discuss all the unwritten rules, and show you that the mosh pit isn’t as scary as you think. We can do amazing things with environmental monitoring technologies, but technology alone won’t keep us safe. The story of the first ever earthquake early warning system, which went live in Mexico in 1991, can show us the way.
- 4/27 Denver – DYQE Hike with Qween Werk and Onyx Steele. Come join us for DYQE HIKE with Qween Werk and Onyx Steele brought to you by Denver D.Y.Q.E. March. D.Y.Q.E. (Bringing Diversity, Youth, Queer Empowerment). Let us bring you out in the fresh air and nature. Come join this special event with us. Bring your hiking gear and water and be ready to meet new people, learn about DYQE March and spend time with friends. This is a flat surface walk with possible wildlife sightings!
- 4/27 Denver – Spring South Platte Stewardship Day. Volunteer with The Nature Conservancy and The Greenway Foundation to revitalize the South Platte River and restore Fishback Park! Volunteers will assist with trash removal, crusher-fine-based trail repair, painting, graffiti removal, tree protection and more.
- 4/27 Grand Junction – Dolores Canyons National Monument Listening Session. Thanks for your support in helping to protect the Dolores Canyon region by advocating to designate the Dolores Canyons National Monument! Let’s demonstrate this strong support to Senator Hickenlooper by showing up and providing public comment. ue to last-minute votes scheduled in the United States Senate for early this week, Senator Hickenlooper’s Listening Session in Grand Junction is now rescheduled.
- 4/27 Pueblo – Brew at the Zoo. Presented by Three Corners Connector, the 7th annual Brew at the Zoo is Saturday, April 27. Your ticket includes admission to the zoo, live music, games, tastings of local brews and spirits and of course animals!
- 4/27 Lafayette – Earth Day, Every Day with City of Lafayette. The City of Lafayette invites residents to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the several ways you can protect the Earth, fight climate change, and create a more sustainable Lafayette. This family-friendly event will have a variety of opportunities for all ages to enjoy.
- 4/28 Denver – Día del Niño. Celebrate the Day of the Child with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Mexican Cultural Center on Sunday, Apr. 28! In addition to FREE general admission for all visitors, the celebration will include special performances, music, and activities for the entire family.
- 4/28 Cañon City – Red Canyon/Garden Park Hike, a BLM Wildlands Outing. Red Canyon located north of Cañon City and offers several hiking trails among red sandstone formations. Our moderate hike will be approximately 4 miles with 400 feet elevation gain. Upon our return to the trailhead, we will also visit the dinosaur quarry at Garden Park, a hike of about 3/4 mile with elevation gain of 200 feet. You will learn about the Garden Park area, a mixture of public and private lands allowing recreation to coexist with protection of wildlifeand paleontological resources.
- 4/29 Denver – Science in an Election Year. During a major election year, news headlines and political platforms often highlight taxes, jobs, and security issues. But what about science? Can issues like climate change, public health, or technology influence a voter’s decision? And how does media coverage vary in an election year and shape the conversation? Join us for an evening reception and panel discussion exploring how science can take either a front or back seat in national, state, and local elections.
- 5/4 Boulder – Volunteers for Natural Lands Outreach In-Person Training. Natural Lands Outreach Volunteers welcome and educate visitors along the North Shore of the Boulder Reservoir and Coot Lake about: 1) Aquatic Nuisance Species, 2) area-specific rules (i.e., no swimming, no launching watercraft), and 3) wildlife closures to protect nesting bird species of concern. There will also be a rotating focus topic ranging from native plants, land stewardship, pollinators, and more. This focus topic will change each month. While staffing the table and patrolling, volunteers will collect data on visitor patterns, volume, and behavior. When volunteers observe rule violations, they will contact staff that can provide further education when appropriate. Please note, volunteers will not provide any type of enforcement, as this position will focus on monitoring and education only.
- 5/5 Boulder – Walden Ponds with Carl Starace. Join local birder Carl Starace for a morning of birding at Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat. Possible birds are Osprey, Bald Eagle, Killdeer, Lesser or Greater Yellowlegs, White Pelican, Tree Swallow, Say’s Phoebe.
- 5/7 Boulder – Volunteers for Natural Lands Outreach In-Person Training. Natural Lands Outreach Volunteers welcome and educate visitors along the North Shore of the Boulder Reservoir and Coot Lake about: 1) Aquatic Nuisance Species, 2) area-specific rules (i.e., no swimming, no launching watercraft), and 3) wildlife closures to protect nesting bird species of concern. There will also be a rotating focus topic ranging from native plants, land stewardship, pollinators, and more. This focus topic will change each month. While staffing the table and patrolling, volunteers will collect data on visitor patterns, volume, and behavior. When volunteers observe rule violations, they will contact staff that can provide further education when appropriate. Please note, volunteers will not provide any type of enforcement, as this position will focus on monitoring and education only.
- 5/10 Boulder – Spring Forest Bathing with Darlene Rooney-Keller. Forest bathing, or forest therapy, is a relational practice and time to unplug, slow down, and connect with our amazing senses while in the forest we are so fortunate to be near. Through a series of sensory awakening invitations, this practice and our walk will foster our relationship with the Natural World, ourselves, and others. This morning walk will allow us to take a break from our “thinking minds” and let our “heart’s intelligence” have time to be alive and present, all while lowering stress hormones, calming the nervous system, regulating the heart rate, increasing white blood cells, supporting creativity, improving mood, and decreasing anxiety. The gifts of this practice are abundant!
- 5/13 Denver – Trees in the West: A panoramic gathering for urban and community forestry. Join us for a one-day conference exploring complex and shared sustainability challenges for urban forests in the Western US from diverse perspectives. Connect with your colleagues, learn from experts, and share your insights.
- 5/18 Cortez – Sand Canyon Wildflower Hike. Celebrate Colorado Public Lands Day by joining us on a guided, spring wildflower hike at Sand Canyon. We will be going for a hike (no more than 5 miles) on moderate terrain. Along the way we will observe and learn about the flowers in bloom, as well as learn about the area’s geology and human history.
- 6/22 Denver – Spirit of the Sun 2024 LANDBACK Gala. LANDBACK is an Indigenous-led environmental, cultural and political movement that works to place Indigenous land back in Indigenous hands. At Spirit of the Sun, we believe in rematriation. Rematriation signifies a return to Mother Earth and a re-establishment of the important relationship between people and land. By placing land back in the hands of Indigenous people, we are choosing to disrupt systems of patriarchy, oppression and violence by instead affirming the value of relationships and intentional, reciprocal care above all forms of profit and extraction. Join us for an evening of rematriation: Amplifying Indigenous words and wisdom for the shared dream of LANDBACK.
- 9/21-22 Durango – 2024 CoNPS Annual Conference: Restoration in the Wild and at Home. The conference agenda follows the theme of restoration, from the largest landscape views to the smallest. From federal public lands to backyard gardens, restoration can change the world. Let this be the conference that both brings you to this special corner of Colorado and changes how you think about your role in this ever-changing world.
- 10/7-10 Avon – The Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference. The Sustaining Colorado Watersheds (SCW) conference has been held annually for the past 18 years to bring together knowledgeable and engaged community members, scientists, ecologists, water managers, educators, community leaders, young professionals, policymakers, and regulators to share knowledge, network, and discuss current issues facing Colorado’s watersheds.
- 10/14-17 Estes Park – Wilderness & Beyond Conference. There will be workshops, receptions, and so much more with like-minded wilderness advocates. You’ll hear from conservation luminaries and grassroots organizing experts while also sharing ideas and brainstorming strategies to safeguard critical wild places, watersheds, and wildlife habitat and corridors. Come learn, connect, and grow your advocacy skills.
Virtual Events
- 5/1 – Looking Back and Looking Forward: The Cultural Significance of Cinco de Mayo in the Americas. Join GreenLatinos for a look back at the significance of Cinco de Mayo in United States and Latin American History as we grow our “Take Back Cinco” campaign into a more inclusive celebration of the heritage of rebellion, self-determination, and dreams of a better future across Latin America and within the diversity of Latinidad. This webinar will include discussion on the formation of GreenLatinos’ “Take Back Cinco de Mayo” campaign, the historic significance of Cinco de Mayo across the western hemisphere, and the role of Cinco de Mayo and social justice in the founding of the first Earth Day.
- 5/1 – Mirando Hacia Atrás Y Hacia Adelante: El Significado Cultural Del Cinco De Mayo En Las Américas. Únete a GreenLatinos para reflexionar sobre el significado del Cinco de Mayo en la historia de Estados Unidos y América Latina mientras expandimos nuestra campaña “Recuperemos el Cinco” hacia una celebración más inclusiva del patrimonio de rebeldía, autodeterminación y sueños de un futuro mejor en toda América Latina y dentro de la diversidad de la latinidad. Este seminario web incluirá discusión sobre la formación de la campaña “Recuperemos el Cinco de Mayo” de GreenLatinos, el significado histórico del Cinco de Mayo en todo el hemisferio occidental y el papel del Cinco de Mayo y la justicia social en la fundación del primer Día de la Tierra.
- 5/2 – Plastics and Your Health. The negative impacts of plastic on human health are increasingly visible and increasingly costly. This March, the New England Journal of Medicine released the results of a study detecting micro- and nanoplastics in the carotid artery plaque of 58% of patients, and found that it measurably increased the risk of heart attack, stroke, and all-cause mortality in those patients.
- 5/2 – Webinar and Comment-Writing Workshop: Greater Sage-Grouse Management Plan. In March, the BLM released its long-awaited draft Greater Sage-Grouse Resource Management Plan Amendment. The plan intends to protect the greater-sage grouse by amending 77 land-use plans across 10 states. The BLM is now accepting public comments on the draft plan and on the BLM’s consideration of potential areas of critical environmental concern (ACECs), which are land designations that can be made in the resource management planning process. Great Old Broads for Wilderness is hosting a FREE webinar and comment-writing workshop about the draft plan.
- 5/14 – 2024 Outdoor Equity Grant Program Question and Answers Session. The Outdoor Equity Grant Program invests in organizations that are working to increase access to the outdoors for youth and families from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in outdoor recreation and conservation. Nonprofits, schools and school districts, local governments, Tribes, and for-profit businesses may apply. Attend the Q&A session before submitting your letter of interst.
Community Science Projects
Colorado Pika Patrol
The Colorado Pika Project is a research project implemented by community scientists across Colorado. Through long-term monitoring of pika populations, we are not only providing useful data to researchers and land managers, but we are doing so in a way that educates and engages Coloradans in conservation and the local impacts of climate change.
Pika Patrol App
Can’t commit to the Colorado Pika Patrol project? The Pika Patrol App allows you to record observations of American pikas wherever you find them!
Colorado Corridors Project
Colorado Corridors Project remote-triggered cameras collect tens of thousands of photos each year in an attempt to make a case for building an overpass for wildlife along the I-70 mountain corridor. Because of this overwhelming data, they need help identifying the wildlife you see in these photos. With your help, they can process and analyze the data much faster than if they did it on their own.
Colorado Bat Watch
Colorado Bat Watch was developed by Rocky Mountain Wild in collaboration with bat experts from the U.S. Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado Natural Heritage Program, and the North American Bat Monitoring Program. This program recruits and engages community scientists to collect data that will enable these agencies to monitor bat species over time and better understand the impacts of white-nose syndrome and other threats on local bat populations.
Go Big! Central Colorado Bighorn Sheep Survey
The Central Colorado Bighorn Sheep Survey engages the community in recording observations of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, domestic sheep, and domestic goats in Central Colorado. The data collected by volunteers participating in the project will inform conservation strategies for Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in Central Colorado.
Join Denver Zoo’s Boreal Toad Conservation Team
In the summer months, volunteer community scientists on the Boreal Toad Conservation Team help us to search the mountain wetlands of Colorado for this hard-to-find amphibian. The data us and our volunteers gather in this projects informs CPW’s management of boreal toads, identifies future sites for wild reintroduction, and uncovers unknown populations (and we hope even ‘super-toads’ that may have natural resistance to chytrid fungus).
Join Audubon as a Climate Watch community scientist
Explore how North American birds are responding to climate change. This innovative community-science program enlists volunteer birders across North America to count certain bluebirds and nuthatches in the same place (or places) twice each year. By sticking to a scientific protocol and sharing their results, these community scientists help track whether birds are moving in accordance with projections from Audubon’s climate models.
Join Bumble Bee Watch
Volunteers needed to submit photos or videos of bumble bee nest sightings. The bumble bee nest sighting can come from anywhere within North America. An ideal sighting would include an image of the bumble bee (to determine the species), a GPS location (to be used in future habitat analyses), a description of the location and materials of the nest (i.e. in my garden, underground or in a woodpile), and, if possible, a video of the nest, surroundings, and activity.
Join Sheep Mountain Alliance in monitoring local ecology and wildlife
Sheep Mountain Alliance is working with local conservation partners to broaden our offerings of citizen science programs. In many ways, citizen science is an ideal activity for physical distancing, so we are hoping to start a pilot program this summer.
Jobs, Internships, and Fellowships
Here are some job and internship openings in the environmental field: (For equity reasons, we only post job postings with transparent salary ranges). Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act went into effect on January 1, 2021 and requires that pay rates or ranges in job postings that will be or could be done in Colorado (including remote work) be posted. Colorado’s minimum wage is currently $14.42. The City of Denver’s minimum wage is $18.29. Colorado’s minimum salary for exempt workers is $55,000.
Positions are in Colorado or remote opportunities unless otherwise stated.
A huge thank you to Ms. Platt’s elementary school students who learned of this webpage and wanted to provide this resource on green careers to all our job seekers! Check out: “Guide to Green Careers.”
Job List Sites to Check
Other Job Postings (Jobs that are new this week are highlighted in green)
- Colorado State University is seeking a Tree Equity Specialist. The Tree Equity Specialist is responsible for encouraging and assisting organizations, municipalities and neighborhoods in utilizing urban forestry grants through the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) to increase tree canopy cover in communities that have historic environmental justice disparities. The Tree Equity Specialist is also responsible for professional functions and technical expertise supporting CSFS field offices in delivering urban and community forestry programs specific to areas classified as disproportionately impacted throughout all of Colorado’s communities. The salary range for this position is $65-70k. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by April 29.
- Jefferson County Open Space is seeking a limited fixed-term Invasive Species Management Technician. The Invasive Species Management Technician assists with identifying, inventorying, monitoring, and managing invasive species on private and public lands. The Invasive Species Management Technician also assists with, outreach, education, and enforcement predominately on private properties within the county. Compensation is $25-26/hr. Applications are due May 1.
- The Urban Farm is seeking Summer Camp Counselors. This position is responsible for facilitating weekly day camps for youth in a farm setting with both animal and plant interaction, crafts, and games. We are looking for fun, enthusiastic, attentive Camp counselors to lead, support, educate, and motivate campers as they enjoy all that the TUF’s farm camps offer. This position will report to the Administrative and Education Coordinator of The Urban Farm and work collaboratively with other counselors as needed. The pay range for this position is $18.29-20/hr. Applications will be accepted until April 30.
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife is seeking a temporary Policy and Planning Associate. The Policy and Planning section is seeking a temporary Policy and Planning Associate to help with a variety of high priority planning, policy, and public involvement projects. This temporary, entry-level position is full-time (40 hrs/week) for up to nine months. The pay rate is $26/hr. Applications are due May 3.
- Colorado State University is seeking a Wood Utilization and Marketing Program Specialist. Under the direct supervision of the Manager of Program Delivery, the Wood Utilization and Marketing Program Specialist is responsible for the oversight and administration of programs under the Wood Utilization and Marketing Program including developing and maintaining education and outreach program design and delivery on all aspects of the harvesting, manufacturing, and marketing of wood products for both internal and external audiences. A focus of this position will be on direct technical and marketing assistance to Colorado’s sawmills and primary wood products processors. This position will be responsible for program administration, professional forestry consultation, and providing science-based forest biomass expertise to support Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) Divisions and external partners throughout Colorado. The position maintains key working relationships with CSFS partners and represents the agency on a variety of state and regional committees. The salary range for this position is $65-70k. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by May 6.
- Western Resource Advocates is seeking a Clean Energy Legal Intern for the Transmission Team. The Clean Energy Legal Intern will focus on energy law and policy, particularly as it relates to decarbonization and the policy developments around energy markets and related federal regulatory law. The main research project will focus on two areas. First, is the review of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)’s authority in regard to review of competing market enhancement proposals and their history on prior rulings and basis for such decisions (“jump ball authority” and second, the review of market tariff rules of California Independent System Operator (CA ISO) and Southwest Power Pool (SPP) – wholesale market operators – in regard to participation by clean energy developers for Demand Side Response (DR) solutions. The Clean Energy Legal Intern will report to the Deputy Director, Regional Markets-Transmission and will work closely with other WRA staff attorneys, analysts, and government affairs personnel, with opportunities to learn and grow while working with other clean energy professionals. Compensation is $18.25/hr. This position is open until filed with priority review beginning on May 6.
- Western Resource Advocates is seeking an Intern for the Colorado Clean Energy Program. The Colorado Energy Policy Intern’s primary research project may focus on one of the following topics, depending on the Intern’s interests and the Colorado team’s needs: (1) net metering reform, (2) multi-year ratemaking and performance-based regulation in the electricity sector, or (3) grid-edge technologies and virtual power plants. For the topic selected, the Intern will identify examples of relevant developments in other jurisdictions, examine potential policy opportunities and their applicability to Colorado, and evaluate the merits and drawbacks of various policy pathways. The final product of the Internship will be a report and presentation on the findings of the research. The Colorado Energy Policy Intern will report to the Senior Policy Advisor on the Colorado Clean Energy Program team. Compensation is $18.25/hr. This position is open until filed with priority review beginning on May 6.
- Western Resource Advocates is seeking a Senior Executive Assistant. The Senior Executive Assistant will be instrumental in ensuring the high performance and prioritization of responsibilities for WRA’s President and will act as the manager of the president’s time, so priorities are achieved. This position will offer other support for WRA’s Executive Leadership Team, which consists of the Vice Presidents of Development and Communications, Finance and Administration, Policy and Programs, and Equity and Culture. Responsibilities will include scheduling, day-to-day administrative tasks, travel and event planning, drafting communication materials, and a variety of other interdisciplinary and special projects to support the work of the President and Executive Leadership Team. The Senior Executive Assistant will juggle competing priorities, act quickly on immediate requests, manage ever-changing calendars, and foresee and resolve issues proactively. This position will coordinate our administrative, development, communications, equity and culture, government affairs, and program teams. The Senior Executive Assistant will also work closely with our Board of Directors to advance the organization’s goals and objectives. The salary range for this position is $60-80k. This position is open until filed with priority review beginning on May 6.
- Jefferson County Open Space is seeking a limited fixed-term Natural Resource Parks Technician (Inventory/Monitoring). The Natural Resource Parks Technician is responsible for providing a wide variety of semi-skilled labor to support the management of the Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) properties. Utilize hand and power tools, motor vehicles and specialized power equipment. Monitoring, reporting, implementation, operating and maintain equipment/tools, training, pursuant to natural resource management. Compensation is $23-24/hr. Applications are due May 7.
- Continental Divide Trail Coalition is seeking a Trail Policy Specialist. This position is critical in supporting CDTC’s response to all actions that impact the trail, including agency proposals, management directives, state and federal laws, private development, state and federal legislation, and visitor use. The Trail Policy Specialist will have the primary focus, under the direction of the Director of Trail Programs, to develop, craft, and, at times, directly author, the creation of a CDTC Stewardship Handbook to provide overarching guidance that will provide a framework for CDTC’s efforts to steward the CDT. Starting salary is $55k. Applications are due May 12.
- Western Resource Advocates is seeking a Sustainability Intern. This internship will specifically perform research on local (municipal- and county-level) sustainability goals in Arizona and interdependencies with actions of Arizona utilities like Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project, and Tucson Electric Power. This research will then form the basis of a WRA-branded report. The intern will be credited as a co-author of or contributor to that report. The Sustainability Intern will be mentored by and report to the Clean Energy Director with additional guidance from the Government Affairs Director, Marketing and Communications Director, and Deputy Director of State Advocacy as well as the Arizona Clean Energy team. Compensation is $18.25/hr. This position is open until filled with priority review beginning on May 13.
- Western Resource Advocates is seeking an Annual Fund and Event Manager. The Annual Fund and Event Manager will work to develop a multi-channel, donor-centric annual fund program, which includes donor societies, sponsorships, giving days, email communications, and collaboration with the Marketing and Communications department, as well as members of front-line fundraising teams. This position will require high collaboration, project management, motivation, and skill in creating and executing compelling annual giving strategies, developing content for both mail and email campaigns and planning prospecting and donor engagement events. The Annual Fund and Event Manager will work with and report directly to the Associate Director of Development Operations. This position will be involved in the growth and expansion of WRA’s donor base, generate leads for the major gifts team, achieve annual fund goals and contribute to the overall success of the development team goals. The salary range for this position is $58-70k. This position is open until filed with priority review beginning on May 13.
- Project VOYCE is seeking a Senior Communications and Development Manager. The Senior Communications and Development Manager will drive the organization’s communication and resource development strategies. Responsible for managing branding, external communications, and crafting collaborative fundraising strategies, this role works closely with staff and oversees a Resource Development Intern. The salary range for this position is $65-75k. Applications are due May 15.
- City of Aurora is seeking a Manager of Open Space and Forestry. The Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department (PROS) is responsible for encouraging active and healthy lifestyles through the acquisition, design, maintenance, programming and operation of the city’s indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, natural open space areas, golf courses and management of the city’s urban forest, in turn establishing quality of life for citizens. Specific services and facilities provided by the department include: urban parks, special use parks, athletic fields, park and ballfield facility management; multifaceted public golf courses; natural open space facilities including trails, water-based activity facilities, nature center operation and natural open space property stewardship; urban forestry management; parks facility planning, design, construction, and development review; indoor recreation centers, outdoor pools, indoor pools, joint use school facilities, outdoor sports, citywide special events and programming promoting active and healthy lifestyles leading to quality of life in Aurora. The hiring salary range is $96,547.23-120,684.04. This position is open until filled.
- National Forest Foundation is seeking a Grand Messa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests Project Coordinator. The GMUG National Forests Project Coordinator reports directly to the Rocky Mountain Region Program Manager and works closely with other Rocky Mountain Region field staff to cooperatively plan, develop, and implement priority projects on the GMUG National Forests, with an initial focus on National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planning and collaborative cross-boundary wildlife habitat improvement and fuels reduction projects. Specific initial efforts will include the Southern Uncompahgre Hazardous Fuels and Ecological Resiliency project and the Baldy Mountain Wildlife Improvement and Landscape Resiliency project. This work requires close coordination with the U.S. Forest Service, other federal agencies, community organizations, and implementation partners to accomplish identified goals and activities. The salary range for this position is $63,280-79,326. This position is open until filled.
- Yampa Valley Sustainability Council is seeking a part-time, seasonal Natural Climate Solutions Technician. Housed within our Resilient Land and Water Priority Area, this position will support the implementation, maintenance and monitoring of natural climate solutions projects that increase carbon sequestration and resilience in the Yampa Valley. Projects will span an array of habitats, including but not limited to upland forests, wetland/riparian areas and rangelands/grasslands. The technician will work with project partners, including U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, and a diverse group of other federal, state, and local partners. The pay for this position is $20/hr. This position is open until filled.
- OMNI Institute is seeking a Learning & Development Manager. The L&D Manager will lead coaching, training, planning, capacity building, and facilitation projects with community groups, nonprofit organizations, and other clients in various community-led, equity-centric processes. The Manager will cultivate client relationships, lead small teams support projects across OMNI’s portfolio of projects, and build deep community relationships in their local region of Colorado. The salary for this position is $73,164. This position will be open until filled.
- Colorado Wild Public Lands is seeking a Director. The Director will work with, and for, the CWPL Board of Directors. This is a salaried, full-time position offering health benefits and opportunities for growth. Colorado residency is required and some travel around the state is included. The salary range for this position is $60-70k. This position will be open until filled.
- Conservation Foundation is seeking a Chief Executive Officer. This leadership position presents an extraordinary opportunity to propel a well-established national nonprofit organization into its next chapter of impact. The selected CEO will hold a pivotal role in shaping Conservation Lands Foundation’s future and steering its mission delivery to new heights. With oversight of a dedicated and geographically dispersed team of 22 staff, including four direct reports leading conservation efforts, philanthropy, finance and operations, and communications, the CEO will report to a diverse and engaged Board of Trustees. The salary range for this position is $190-220k. This position is open until filled.
- Denver Museum of Nature and Science is seeking Indigenous Student Archaeology Collections Interns. The Indigenous Student Archaeology Collections Interns will gain hands-on museum experience working with a variety of materials from archaeological sites including animal bone, ceramic, lithic, ground stone, plant material, and soil samples. Interns will work directly on two different current grant-funded projects, Jones-Miller, a collection of bison bone from a butchering site in Eastern Colorado, and WS Ranch, a collection of field school excavated items from multiple sites in New Mexico. The interns will learn museum, conservation, and archival standards for handling different materials, creating custom museum-quality mounts and boxes, ways to approach storage and organization of large collections, and museum collection protocols. There are six internships available. The stipend range is between $4,761 (for 300 hours) and $5,555 (for 350 hours). Applications are to be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled.
- ERO is seeking Cultural Resource Technicians in Denver. Cultural Resource Technicians assist in the identification, evaluation, and treatment of cultural resources. Technicians are responsible for applying technical skills in archaeology to assist project managers and senior level staff with all tasks related to fieldwork and reporting in the cultural resources department. This is a field and office position. Applicants for this position are expected to be physically capable of performing fieldwork tasks associated with survey, testing, and excavation. The hourly wage range is $18-24/hr. This position is open until filled.
- ERO is seeking Cultural Resource Technicians in Durango. Cultural Resource Technicians assist in the identification, evaluation, and treatment of cultural resources. Technicians are responsible for applying technical skills in archaeology to assist project managers and senior level staff with all tasks related to fieldwork and reporting in the cultural resources department. This is a field and office position. Applicants for this position are expected to be physically capable of performing fieldwork tasks associated with survey, testing, and excavation. The hourly wage range is $18-24/hr. This position is open until filled.
- ERO is seeking a Restoration Ecologist with an emphasis on native ecosystem restoration, wetland ecology and mitigation, botany, and CWA Section 404 permitting. Primary duties include vegetation community and rare plant surveys, wetland and upland restoration designs, wetland delineation and CWA Section 404 permitting, and restoration construction monitoring. Depending on experience, other duties could include Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance and other environmental planning and management services. This position is responsible for undertaking multiple project responsibilities, including field direction, technical writing, and project management. The applicant should be knowledgeable in data collection, analysis, and interpretation of scientific information and environmental regulations and in preparing various environmental documents. The salary range for this position is $62-76k. This position is open until filled.
- ERO is seeking a Senior Environmental Planner. The Senior Environmental Planner requires a broad overall understanding of environmental regulations including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act, and Clean Water Act and the relationship among them. The Senior Environmental Planner is knowledgeable in and has experience managing small and large scale NEPA analyses and/or land and resource planning projects involving complex resource issues, agency relationships, and stakeholder dynamics. Duties for this position typically include performance and oversight of teams performing NEPA analyses. A Senior Environmental Planner will also be trained in and/or have significant experience managing public involvement efforts for NEPA or other planning projects. Other duties include development of large and complex planning documents, such as environmental impact statements, resource management plans, habitat conservation plans, and other management plans, and management of project teams and junior staff. A Senior Environmental Planner has extensive experience in agency coordination with various federal and state agencies. The salary range for this position is $80-120k. This position is open until filled.
- High Line Canal Conservancy is seeking a Project Manager to manage the design and construction of multiple capital improvement projects along the High Line Canal. Capital improvements focus on improved access and amenities such as pedestrian bridges, trail construction, shade structures, gathering areas, natural play elements, bike skills courses, fitness stations, benches and signage. The Project Manager will work under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer and in close partnership with the Director of Planning and Implementation, and local jurisdictions along the Canal. The salary range for this position is $80-95k. This position will be open until filled.
- Lincoln Hills Cares is seeking a part-time Environmental Science Educator. This position will spearhead environmental education programs: nature and historical hikes, along with hands-on water and forest science education and recreation. The pay for this position is $20/hr, plus mileage. This position is open until filled.
- Lincoln Hills Cares is seeking a Summer Outdoor Educator. Lincoln Hills Cares is seeking dynamic, adaptable, and optimistic candidates to join an exhilarating and fulfilling role spearheading environmental education programs: nature and historical hikes, along with hands-on water and forest science education and recreation. This is a full-time, temporary position from late-May to mid-August, with the potential to stay on part-time through the fall. Compensation is $20/hr, plus mileage. This position is open until filled.
- Sand Creek Regional Greenway is seeking a Development Director. The Development Director, a new position within SCRGP, will provide leadership, strategic direction, management, and coordination of all philanthropy efforts at the SCRGP. In collaboration with the Executive Director and Board of Directors, the Development Director will create and execute an annual strategy to promote and increase support for the SCRGP through grant writing, individual giving, corporate partners, special event planning, and other sources. The salary range for this position is $70-78k. This position is open until filled.
- Sunstone Strategies is seeking a Program Associate or Senior Program Manager. They are looking for an exceedingly competent, climate policy-obsessed addition to our team who is eager to strengthen their communications, PR and/or public affairs chops. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from climate leaders and engage your skills by working on campaigns on behalf of diverse coalitions and stakeholders to secure climate policy advancement. The salary range for a Program Manager is $75-85k; the salary range for a Senior Program Manager is $85-95k. This position will remain open until filled.
- Utah Diné Bikéyah is seeking a Nonprofit Administrator in Utah. Position Summary: Plans, coordinates, and directs a broad range of services and functions in areas including human resources, and finance. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position. Salary range is$55K-80K and will be set based on experience. Note: UDB does not expect to reach the upper end of the salary range unless a candidate is extremely well qualified. The salary is based on qualifications and experience. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Nonprofit Administrator position makes sure the organization runs smoothly; is financially accountable to leadership, the Board, IRS, and the public; has implemented and abides by best practices; has policies and procedures in place for employees and Board; and is compliant with all local, state, and national permits and policies. Position will be located in Bluff, San Juan County, Utah. Native American hiring preference. The salary range for this position is $55-80k. This position is open until filled.
- Water Education Colorado is seeking a Membership and Development Manager. You will have the opportunity to steward existing relationships with members and donors, as well as to garner new support from Colorado’s business community, recreational industry, water innovation sector and broader public. Responsibilities include managing the membership program, soliciting sponsorships, delivering our annual fundraising event, coordinating grant applications, and running donation campaigns. The salary range for this position is $58-68k. This position is open until filled.
- Western Resource Advocates is seeking a Multimedia Specialist. WRA’s Multimedia Specialist will lead the organization’s social media strategy, multimedia content creation and cross-platform advertising campaigns. This position will be responsible for creating, developing, writing, and implementing strategic social media content and campaigns to effectively communicate WRA’s impact and influence and promote and extend the brand. This role will collaborate with team members and other departments to build highly effective, metrics-based, fully integrated multi-channel communications, advertising, and fundraising campaigns to grow the organization’s thought leadership and achieve programmatic goals to advance WRA’s overall work. The salary range for this position is $45,000-62,400. This position is open until filled.
- Western Resource Advocates is seeking a Policy Advisor, Healthy Rivers. The Policy Advisor, Healthy Rivers, with guidance and direction from senior team members, will assist in developing and advocating for equitable policies in regulatory, legislative, and other policy forums to protect rivers and accelerate water conservation in the Interior West. The Policy Advisory will work closely with other Healthy Rivers team members through research and writing, advocacy with decisionmakers, and collaboration with other organizations to achieve programmatic objectives. This position will report to WRA’s Regional Policy Manager, Healthy Rivers, and coordinate closely with WRA’s Marketing and Communications and Government Affairs Teams. The salary range for this position is $55,000-89,500. This position is open until filled.
- Western Resource Advocates is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor, Healthy Rivers. The Senior Policy Advisor, Healthy Rivers, will take a lead role in developing, advocating, and bringing into being equitable policies in regulatory, legislative, and other policy forums to protect rivers and accelerate water conservation in the Interior West. The Senior Policy Advisory will be a thought leader and tireless advocate working to influence decision makers and others to achieve programmatic objectives. The salary range for this position is $86,500-121,000. This position is open until filled.
- Western Slope Conservation Center is seeking a Membership and Grants Coordinator. The Memberships and Grants Coordinator will work closely with the Executive Director to manage membership outreach and development, and to project-manage a portfolio of grants. This position will also provide overall support as needed in fundraising, outreach, event planning and office support. The hourly rate for this position is $20-25/hr. This position is open until filled.
New Direct Actions
- Take action with the Center for Biological Diversity. Urge the Fish and Wildlife Service to lead the way in ensuring imperiled species get CITES protections from trade.
- Take action with the Center for Biological Diversity. Tell U.S. officials to protect Mexico’s forests by halting avocado imports from recently deforested land.
- Take action with Defenders of Wildlife. Tell your Representative to vote NO on these four anti-wildlife bills!
- Take action with Earthjustice. Tell Secretary Haaland that reforming the federal leasing program is crucial to meaningfully address climate change.
- Take action with Environmental Action. Tell your U.S. senators to save America’s oldest forests.
- Take action with Food & Water Action. Tell Congress to support the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act.
- Take action with National Wildlife Federation. Tell the Biden Administration you support plans to protect and restore sagebrush habitat so sage-grouse—and many other species—can survive.
- Take action with National Wildlife Federation. Please urge your representatives in Congress to support Everglades restoration.
- Take action with the Union of Concerned Scientists. Tell Congress it is time to do its fair share of climate action.
Urgent Direct Actions (those with approaching deadlines)
- Take action with Rocky Mountain Wild. Please take a moment and send your comments to the Bureau, asking them to protect the wildlife and wild lands in this region by removing parcels that overlap with habitat for greater sage-grouse, critical winter habitat for mule deer, big game migration routes, and more. Comments are due May 10.
- Take action with Audubon. Tell the BLM to implement science-based management plans to ensure a future for Greater Sage-Grouse before it’s too late. Comments are due June 13.
- Take action with Western Resource Advocates. Join them this election year as they spotlight climate solutions and sow the seeds for a brighter climate tomorrow. Pledge your support for climate action the West, and let’s create a better world together. Pledge due by November 5.
Evergreen Actions (until we succeed)
- SunCor Energy, a Canadian-run company, runs an oil refinery north of Denver, Colorado. Suncor is Colorado’s only oil refinery and one of our largest emitters of greenhouse gasses and toxic air pollutants, and has been operating without any changes to its procedures or pollution controls for years. In spite of numerous enforcement actions and settlements, Suncor continues to flout air quality laws, putting neighboring communities — who are primarily BIPOC and low income — at extreme risk. Suncor has no regard for human or non-human life and will continue to harm our communities if action is not taken. Please take a moment to watch Spirit of the Sun’s short film on Suncor’s impact on Colorado’s Indigenous communities or scroll to the bottom of the page to send a form-letter to Governor Polis, Colorado Dept. of Health and Environment, and the EPA asking them to shut down Suncor for good: https://www.suncorsundown.org
- Donate to Spirit of the Sun’s efforts to combat Suncor’s harmful impacts through their Mycelium Program which trains their community members to inoculate the soil in their communities and throughout Native land with networks of mycelium to restore the health of our soil systems. When we cannot depend on the systems in power to create change, we educate ourselves and our community to protect the systems we hold dear: https://www.spiritofthesun.org/mycelium-healing-project-1
Thanks For Sharing the blog. Really liked it.