Trail Conservation Intern

Join us. Do work that matters.

In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, MobilizeGreen offers a 14-week Wilderness and Backcountry Trail Conservation Internship for Summer 2026. This immersive, hands-on program is designed to launch careers in natural resources and conservation.

Interns will serve as members of an 8-person cohort, living and working together while completing mission-critical wilderness and backcountry trail work on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Interns will work under the leadership of Forest Service professionals and follow U.S. Forest Service management standards while gaining real-world field experience in wilderness stewardship.

Location: Weaverville, CA

Duty Station: Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Term: 14 weeks; Full-time (40 hours per week), on-site

Overview

Interns will perform hands-on wilderness and backcountry trail conservation work while developing leadership, communication, and technical skills. Work is physically demanding and primarily outdoors, often in remote wilderness settings with exposure to variable and extreme weather conditions.

Interns will interact with a wide range of forest users, including backpackers, stock users, anglers, rafters, pilots, and commercial river and hunting outfitters. This program emphasizes teamwork, stewardship, and professional growth in federal land management.

Conservation & Field Projects

Interns may assist with:

Wilderness & Trail Stewardship

• Trail maintenance, reconstruction, and rehabilitation


• Post-fire recovery projects


• Construction and repair of minor recreation facilities, signs, and trails


• Maintenance of wilderness areas to established trail standards

Backcountry & Resource Management

• Revegetation of native plants at impacted campsites and abandoned trails


• Soil preparation and transport of plants in wilderness settings


• Inventorying signs and collecting data on wilderness conditions


• Conducting safety checks of wilderness and outfitter camp areas

Stock & Facilities Support

• Handling and care of stock animals (grooming, feeding, watering)


• Maintenance of stock facilities such as fences, corrals, and water systems

Education & Public Engagement

• Educating visitors on Leave No Trace principles


• Waste management and proper human waste practices


• Supporting compliance with wilderness regulations

Benefits

• Weekly stipend of $900


• Site travel stipend provided


• $40/day field per diem while in the field


• Equipment stipend provided


• Hands-on experiential and job training experience


• Mentorship for career and professional development
  

Professional Expectations and Development

• Leadership


• Ownership


• Communications and Community Connections


• Technical Expertise in Wilderness and backcountry trail maintenance


• Leave No Trace Certification


• Traditional Hand Tool Training


• Wilderness First Aid Training (WFA)


• Experience living in the backcountry for multiple days

Housing

• Off-hitch camping sites provided


• Shower facilities available


• Interns must be comfortable with primitive and rustic living conditions

Eligibility & Qualifications

We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Required:

• U.S. Citizen (program requirement)


• Valid Driver’s License


• Ability to pass a background check


• Ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical labor


• Ability to hike several miles daily with a loaded backpack


• Ability to lift and carry 50+ pounds


• Willingness to live and work in primitive outdoor conditions

Preferred (but not required):

• Background or interest in Environmental Education or Natural Resource Management


• Interest in Forest and Wilderness Management


• Backpacking, hiking, or camping experience


• Ability to read maps


• Strong communication skills


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Additional Requirements:

• Interns must provide their own work pants


• 8” leather work boots required

For more information on MobilizeGreen, go to: www.mobilizegreen.org