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. The dates of this internship are March 2nd to June 6th, 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, March 2 - June 6, 2026

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

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