Intern Conservation Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

JOB LOCATION
Aurora, Colorado 80016-2946
City of Aurora, Colorado
It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Are you passionate about sustainability, conservation, and connecting with your community? Launch your career with Aurora Water as a Community Engagement Outreach Intern. This is an excellent opportunity for current students and recent graduates looking to build valuable professional experience in public outreach, environmental education, and community engagement while working alongside professionals in one of Colorado's leading water utilities.
As an intern, you will help Aurora Water connect with the community on important topics such as water conservation, water quality, drought preparedness, and the long-term sustainability of our water supplies. You will represent Aurora Water at community events, assist with educational outreach programs, and help residents better understand the value of water and the role they can play in protecting this essential resource.
The deadline to submit applications is August 7th, 2026. Please note, The City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first come, first-serve basis; as soon as we determine to have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice.
This is classified as VHNE (Variable Hour Non-Benefit Employee), where the selected candidate will work less than 29 hours per week. This position does not provide medical benefits. This position earns sick leave in accordance with the Healthy Families and Workplace Act.
This position has an anticipated start date in early to mid-September with an anticipated end date in early to mid-March. The anticipated schedule will be 15 - 29 hours per week, primarily on weekday evenings and weekends.
Salary to be commensurate with experience
The hiring range for this position is $15.16 - $18.95 per hour
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Represent Aurora Water at community events providing educational displays and materials
• Interact with community members relaying priority water quality, water conservation, and program messages
• Assist with development of tabling materials and displays and research best practices
• Create a tool/display or implement a project that assists Aurora Water Internal & External Relations with community engagement efforts
• Performs other related duties as assigned

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Education:

• High School diploma or GED with current enrollment in a college or university program or recent graduate (within 6 months) with coursework related to conservation, environmental science, physical sciences, communications, journalism, public relations, policy or education. Students currently enrolled in a 2-year or technical program will also be considered.

Experience:

• Customer service and/or event tabling experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of conservation, water quality, as well as Colorado and western water issues
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Skills:

• Customer service, interpersonal communication, and collaboration skills
• Problem solving skills
• Public speaking skills

Abilities:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees
• Communicate effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing
• Represent Aurora Water in a personable and friendly manner
• Organize materials and equipment to accomplish tasks and set up displays

Licenses and/or Certificates:

• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to operate a city vehicle, or otherwise demonstrate ability to meet the transportation requirements of the position

WORKING CONDITIONS
Essential Personnel:

• When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

Physical Demands:

• Frequently performs light physical work that involves moving no more than 20 pounds at a time with or without assistance
• Frequently performs activities requiring a full range of body movement including bending, stooping, kneeling, pushing, and pulling
• Infrequently performs moderate physical work that involves moving no more than 50 pounds at a time with or without assistance
• Hand-eye and hand-foot coordination for operation of a vehicle
• Vision to read manuals; speech communication to communicate with employees and customers
• Hearing/listening for communication with customers
• Speech communication to provide technical information and communicate with employees and customers

Work Environment:

• Mix of office work and outdoor work with potential exposure to all weather conditions, noise, dust, fumes, and animals including stinging insects

Equipment Used:

• Uses standard office equipment including tablet, laptop, and common software such as email, internet, Word, and Excel
• This role may require the use of personal equipment (e.g. cell phone) in the course of employment

The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.
For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.
Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check.
Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.
Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.