Welcome prospective interns! 

Thanks for taking the time to investigate this unique internship opportunity.  By now you've reviewed our website, and you have an understanding of our mission and how our interns help us accomplish our goals.  Without the volunteer efforts of our interns, we could not reduce the cost of construction, and thus would not be able to provide an affordable home.  We do not exaggerate when we say that Community Rebuilds interns are the backbone of our organization. As such, we greatly value your interest in our organization and encourage you to apply for one of our semesters.  The application and recommendation forms can be accessed at the bottom of this page.  Remember, no experience is necessary! Furthermore, inability to meet all requirements does not mean we won't accept you.  We encourage you to apply and to communicate with us about your concerns.  We want to work with you to make our program accessible. 

Program Structure

CR offers two internship semesters. The fall semester runs from August 1^st - December 1^st and the spring semester runs from February 1^st- June 1^st.  Both semesters invite 8 interns, under the direction of a licensed contractor and natural building experts, to gain skills in standard construction and natural building. Semester are subject to some variability, as the schedule of any build is dependent on many factors, such as weather, unforeseeable build challenges, and the level of motivation and skill of the interns.  These variables make each semester unique.  We assure you will be an integral part of the current build and will gain an unparalleled amount of natural and conventional construction experience in the process.  

Our internship programs primarily consist of on-site, hands-on learning.  However, at times this may be supplemented with classroom time and field trips. This time is informal and structured.  There are no graded assignments or tests.  Suggested readings are given only on occasion and are largely for the personal benefit of the interns.  We have many educational resources available and encourage our interns to spend time learning about affordable housing issues and natural building. 

Note:  The structure and activity schedule of each semester is unique.  Please speak with us to learn more about upcoming builds. 

Expectations and qualifications

•Interns must be at least 18 years of age.

•Interns must commit to the full 4 months.

•Intern must provide proof of health insurance.

•Interns are required to work 40 hours a week onsite.  The schedule will be set by the construction site supervisors and Community Rebuilds staff.  It will generally fit the normal workweek model, but construction schedules will sometimes vary and interns are expected to be flexible.  Any schedule conflicts are expected to be communicated to staff and supervisors.  Time off for vacations and travel must be negotiated in advance. 

•Interns are responsible for getting themselves to and from the worksite.  Carpooling may be an option for those who do not bring a car.  Biking may also be a reliable method, depending on the location of the build. 

•Interns are expected to supply a number of tools for their personal use onsite.  This includes but is not limited to the following: tape measure, speed square, hammer, Phillips head and flat head screw drivers.

•Interns must be able to lift at least 30 pounds, work outdoors in variable weather, maintain a good attitude and be willing to get dirty!

•Interns must reside in the housing provided by Community Rebuilds while participating in a CR program.  Exceptions can be made on rare occasions. 

Fees and Compensation

Community Rebuilds is unique among natural building organizations in that we offer internship programs free of cost to students who complete the semester in full.  In addition, as compensation for their time commitment, interns will receive a food stipend of $100 per month and free communal lodging.  The house provided for interns is located in the city of Moab and contains every amenity:  internet, furniture, washing machine and cookware.  The house itself consists of a kitchen, two bathrooms, living room and five bedrooms.  Each bedroom is generally shared by two interns of the same sex.  Interns participating as couples are an exception to this trend. 

College Credit

This is not a college affiliated program.  However, if you would like to receive college credit for your time with us, we will gladly work with a professor to make that a reality.

Please speak with us about your interest in this matter.

Leaving A CR Program Early

An intern who leaves the program early is required to make a compensation payment of $1000 to Community Rebuilds.  These funds are used to hire labor to replace the absent intern.  In order to insure payment, we require each intern to provide us with credit card information or $1000 in the form of a check at the beginning of the semester.  Credit cards are charged and checks are cashed only if the intern leaves the program early.  In extreme cases, interns may be excused from the program without penalty.  Cases are reviewed by the CR board in order to determine whether they qualify for early leave without penalty.

These policies are not meant to intimidate you.  It is not our desire to keep this money.  It is our earnest desire to keep every student until the semester is complete.  If you are concerned about your ability to commit to an entire semester, or if you have any questions about this policy, please communicate with us. 

Opportunities in Moab

Our location in Moab allows interns many opportunities to experience a truly beautiful and exciting region.  On their days off they might enjoy hiking in the La Sal Mountains, kayaking the Colorado River, or climbing around on the miles of red rock surrounding Moab.  Countless hiking trails and swimming holes are accessible by bike and the surrounding desert region is available for backpacking and camping trips.  Also nearby are two amazing national parks worth exploring: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.  Furthermore, because Moab is such a fantastic area, it draws in multitudes of visitors, giving CR interns many opportunities for friendship and adventure. 

More than just a beautiful landscape or tourist destination, Moab offers a tight-knit community that takes pride in its town and the surrounding region.  Nonprofits have flourished in this environment, offering Community Rebuilds not only a welcoming nonprofit family, but also many opportunities for CR interns to make connections with other organizations.  Past interns have enjoyed volunteering for Wabi Sabi, Moab's local nonprofit thrift store; the Moab Valley Multicultural Center, an organization that works to promote intercultural understanding and appreciation; and the Youth Garden Project, a nonprofit that promotes environmental awareness through organic gardening, experiential education programs and community service.  By volunteering for organizations like these, interns develop strong ties with the community, and experience Moab in richer, more fulfilling ways.