GCC Announces New Environmental Educator in Residence

"Our new Environmental Educator in Residence program gives visitors the chance to connect with Grand Canyon in deeper ways—through hands-on experiences and learning rooted in the landscape itself." — Clover Morell, Senior Residency Program Manager
 

Educators' programs should include Grand Canyon’s geology, plants, wildlife, ecosystems, and/or other environmental factors with a focus on sustainability and personal impact. Approaches should be dynamic, fun, inspiring, and accessible to a global audience of all ages. 

Programs should be easy to produce on-site, either outdoors along the South Rim or inside well-traversed sites, such as the National Park Service Visitor Center, the Grand Canyon Conservancy’s interpretive sales locations, including Kolb Studio, the Yavapai Geology Museum, and Verkamp’s Visitor Center. Additional opportunities for programs exist at Havasupai Gardens, Phantom Ranch, or Desert View Watchtower. We are especially interested in educators who use unique and inspiring methods to pique curiosity, prompt exploration, and develop knowledge of the world around us. 

Formats may include pop-up projects, roving education, workshops, tours, and presentations (talks/lectures). There is access to a variety of program production equipment, supplies, and smart spaces. Applicants may propose collaborations, but must include a commitment from their collaborating partners in their proposal. 

Applicants must provide: 

1. A 1–2-page letter of interest that addresses why you are a good candidate for this residency and what inspires you to educate Grand Canyon visitors.
2. Documentation of experience as an educator through work history, lesson plans, and/or program videos.
3. Details on 3 or more programs to be delivered onsite, including:

• Title
• Audience
• Format
• Location
• Duration
• 2-3 sentence description
• Goals of the program
• Program needs (location, AV, table/chairs, printed materials, etc.) 

The Environmental Educator in Residence will be offered free accommodation through Grand Canyon Conservancy, a $650 weekly stipend, $250 in travel money, and up to $300 in program supplies. In addition, we offer extensive marketing, access to the Museum Collections and NPS staff, help with booking backcountry trips, and staff support for programs. Educators are asked to provide either a minimum of five programs a week or 3 programs a week with the addition of a substantive educational project (such as a brochure, map, film, interactive project, or other educational takeaway.) 

One program during the residency period will be for Grand Canyon’s K-12 youth, if scheduling allows. Each program should be at least 30 minutes long. 

Educators will be selected based on the following criteria: 

• Demonstrable experience and success with public environmental programs.
• Proposed programs engage in experiential learning, focus on impactful topics, and inspire action.
• Programs must be easy to produce, weather-appropriate, and accessible to many.
• Priority will be given to Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers, and cultural advisors who steward the Colorado River Plateau, communities, and landscapes. 

The Environmental Educator Residency may be scheduled in one or multiple visits during August 1 – 25 and October 2 – 28 in 2026. (Note: Other dates may become available, but cannot be guaranteed.) 

Applications open Wednesday, January 28 at 8:00 a.m. MST and close on Friday, February 20 at 11:59 p.m. MST. 

For questions, please email Grand Canyon Conservancy Residency Program staff at residency@grandcanyon.org