Interested in learning more about conserving the incredible natural and cultural resources found on our nation’s federal land?
Want a paid, experiential opportunity in fish and wildlife ecology, vegetation and habitat monitoring/management, historical restoration, archaeology, natural or cultural resources planning, GIS, environmental compliance, or related areas?
Want to earn college credits (and dollars!) while living in unique areas throughout the United States?
Early-career Development Program Overview
If you are a student, recent graduate, or early-career professional who is interested in learning more about land management, a position in CEMML’s Early-career Development Program (ECDP) is the perfect opportunity to build connections, be mentored, and gain hands-on experience. Working under the guidance of seasoned natural or cultural resource professionals, you will learn practical applications and techniques. You’ll learn about careers in military and federal lands management and have an opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts. You will also increase your understanding of the regulatory framework and the complexities of managing natural and cultural resources. These opportunities will help you excel in your chosen field.
Current ECDP Opportunities
- Natural Resources Technicianlocation_onEielson Air Force Base|scheduleSalaried|calendar_month5 Months|domainIn-Person|groups1 Position
- Cultural Resources Technicianlocation_onEielson Air Force Base|scheduleSalaried|calendar_month6 Months|domainIn-Person|groups1 Position
- GIS Technicianlocation_onColorado State University Campus, Fort Collins|scheduleSalaried|calendar_monthMore Than a Year|domainIn-Person|groups3 Positions
- Forestry Technicianlocation_onColorado State University Campus, Fort Collins|scheduleSalaried|calendar_monthMinimum of 6 Months|domainIn-Person|groups1 Position
- Archaeological Technicianlocation_onFort Liberty|scheduleSalaried|calendar_month6-9 Months|domainIn-Person|groups3 Positions
- Archaeologist / Crew Chieflocation_onFort Liberty|scheduleSalaried|calendar_month1 Year|domainIn-Person|groups2 Positions
Alaska
Colorado
North Carolina
FAQs
What are the goals of the program?
- Expose students and recent graduates to the field of military and public lands management.
- Provide experiential learning opportunities to prepare participants for successful careers in this field.
Who qualifies for the ECDP?
- Individuals who are pursuing or have already received a bachelor’s degree in natural or cultural resources management, GIS, environmental policy, environmental or physical science, or a related discipline.
- Individuals at the beginning or early stages of their career with less than three years of work experience in a related field.
Which opportunities qualify as internships?
- Any of the ECDP positions can qualify as internships. We will complete all necessary paperwork and fulfill your degree program requirements, so you receive internship credit!
What can participants expect?
- Show up, have fun, learn, share knowledge, and complete and exit survey. See below for ECDP success stories!
How long do these positions last?
- Positions range anywhere from 3 to 12 months.
Is housing provided?
- Housing is not currently provided for this program. However, we suggest looking at potential options before applying to ensure you can find housing within a reasonable commuting distance.
- Sites such as, but not limited to, Furnishedfinder.com, Apartments.com, Apartmentfinder.com may aid in your search. Use a “short-term housing” filter.
What are the benefits?
- ECDP stands above other internships/early-career opportunities in offering competitive pay, employee study privilege, health insurance, sick leave, holiday pay, and more! Please visit the CSU benefits website under the Temporary Admin Pro column (AFAP Non-classified Staff) for more information.
What is employee study privilege?
- The employee study privilege allows participants to take up to 9 free credits at CSU per benefit year. Past participants have used this privilege to help with the cost of earning CEMML’s Sustainable Military Lands Management graduate certificate or many of the graduate degree programs offered by CSU and CSU Online.
What can I expect after completing the program?
- Past participants have gained full-time employment with CEMML, the federal government, or environmental consulting firms following completion of their ECDP experience. Other participants have continued their education with graduate-level certificate or degree programs.
What should I expect when applying to an open pool?
- Once you apply, your application will be considered for current ECDP openings and even future opportunities that aren’t posted yet.
Questions About the Early-career Development Program?
Please email cemml_ecdp@colostate.edu.
Early-career Development Program Stories
Spreading the love of monarchs: CEMML intern works with Midwestern pollinators
As part of his CEMML internship, Alexx Uecker’s work for the Midwest Natural Resources Program of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center gave him the opportunity to study bats and support important pollinators like the monarch butterfly. During his six-month experience, Uecker supported monitoring and survey efforts at Air Force bases across the Midwest.
A career-changing student finds success through CEMML
With the help of CEMML’s Early-career Development Program, James Fujioka is making a transition from managing kitchens to managing natural resources. After beginning his career in the culinary arts, the added stress of working in the restaurant industry during the pandemic, combined with his love for the outdoors, made him rethink his career trajectory.
From pizza delivery to natural resources planning
Amber Bumgardner Mense always knew she wanted a career in the outdoors. After earning multiple associates degrees and certifications, volunteering every chance she got, and navigating a slow job market during the COVID pandemic, she came across an opening in CEMML’s Early-career Development Program. That experience led to a full-time position with CEMML as a Natural Resources Planning Specialist.
Share this page on social media