Energy Rehab Project Development Member – Grand Canyon National Park – Build Up Technical Internship Program

Summary

American Conservation experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking one member to contribute to energy conservation projects alongside NPS Staff.

About Build Up Technical Internship Program: This position is part of the Build Up Technical Internship Program facilitated by the Historic Preservation Training Center. The Build Up Technical Internship Program is working to expand the National Park Service workforce while addressing critical maintenance needs by providing professional experiences in technical fields to students and recent graduates.

For more information about the Build Up Technical Internship Program, please visit the NPS website.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: May 2026

Estimated End Date: July / August 2026 (12 – 16 weeks after start date)

*a 12-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/description: Grand Canyon National Park in Northern Arizona encompasses more than 1.2 million acres, including 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion and geologic exposure anywhere in the world and offers incomparable vistas above and below the canyon rim. There are multiple aquifer systems throughout the park, as part of a larger regional aquifer system, that create unique springs and riparian areas in the canyon.

The duty station for this position is South Rim, Grand Canyon Arizona.

For more information about Grand Canyon National Park, please visit the NPS website.

Position Overview: To protect and preserve the natural and cultural resources within Grand Canyon National Park, its Facility Management Division is planning intentional rehabilitation of structures to preserve its historical structures and reduce operating costs through energy conservation. The intern position would develop detailed plans (construction documents and cost estimates) for energy efficiency upgrades to buildings. This will implement audit findings in order to comply with the Energy Security and Independence Act. After a thorough investigation of the buildings, the intern would identify, price, and design potential solutions such as insulating materials, roofing, windows, doors, and HVAC systems. Most of these are historic structures so present the unique opportunity to work with historic architects, cultural resource managers, engineers, and users for identifying viable solutions to the energy challenges.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include shadowing and learning from other engineers and presenting work to leadership.

NPS is seeking to add mechanical engineers to their staff to manage a multitude of buildings with HVAC as well as the water distribution system. Throughout internship, information will be provided on the federal hiring process and navigating USAjobs to identify opportunities.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7am to 4pm. Occasional weekend work or travel may be necessary to inspect buildings without disrupting operations.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $1,000/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Direct Hire Authority: This position is classified as a DHA (Direct Hire Authority) Internship. DHA positions target exceptional, current upper-level undergraduate or graduate students who are interested in pursuing careers with the NPS. DHA positions will be rigorous internships that develop the participant’s technical and creative thinking abilities, leadership skills, and problem-solving capabilities.

After successful completion of the internship and all DHA program requirements, and after graduation from the member’s degree program, the member will be eligible to receive DHA non-competitive hiring eligibility.

Housing: Park housing is available for a cost ($600/month on average).

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position-specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. On the job training and mentorship will be provided in various aspects such as project management, historic preservation, project development, cost estimating, energy conservation measures, and federal resumes.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Members may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a Master’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Sustainability, Energy Economics, or a Juris Doctor program.
• Knowledge of HVAC / mechanical design analysis, energy conservation, policy, building system design, and sustainability.
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team and be independently motivated.
• Deep interest in the National Park Service, conservation, and energy conservation and policy.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 20 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Mainly indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position may require travel to Grand Canyon’s North Rim and/or Inner Canyon (Phantom Ranch or Manzanita).

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat, rocky terrain, high elevations, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE’s online Application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Division Support Specialist, Abby Bloomer.

ACE values an inclusive workforce – if you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO:  Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.