Summer 2025 - Trail Development Internship
Summer 2025 - Trail Development Internship
Employer Active
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Share
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Job Description
Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is the nations largest trails organizationwith a grassroots community of more than 1 million strongdedicated to building a nation connected by trails reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk bike and be active outdoors. Founded in 1986 Rails to Trails Conservancys national office is located in Washington D.C. with regional offices in California Florida Ohio Pennsylvania Baltimore and Milwaukee. For more information visit . Connect with RTC @railstotrails on Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter).
Job Summary
RTCs Trail Development Team is looking for an intern interested in working on community and stakeholder engagement and/or trail planning and development. The selected intern will participate as a member of the team and will be included in staff and social meetings. Hours are flexible to accommodate class schedule(s) or other commitments.
This 12week internship program begins in June 2025. Interns will have the flexibility to work 2035 hours per week on a regular consistent schedule.
Job Location
This position is located in our Washington D.C. National Headquarters and is eligible for a remote or hybrid work schedule in accordance with RTCs policies. A hybrid schedule is preferred (working 12 days per week T&TH in the D.C. office).
Job Duties
The Trail Development Intern will assist with the following duties:
- Assist the TrailNation Collaborative Lead in partner engagement activities to develop longstanding relationships with those developing multiuse trail networks across the country
- Lead and participate in interview phone calls and video calls with project partners including preparing research before calls
- Synthesize interviews into trail network strengths and weaknesses to guide future engagement and resource development
- Develop case studies or blogs spotlighting innovation and best practices
- Identify common theme and challenges among trail network practitioners to be addressed through RTCs resource development strategy including webinars peer working groups and other activities
- Work alongside the Trail Development and Policy teams to produce TrailNation Collaborative webinars
- Gather and write up 35 case studies to support work happening in TrailNation project communities
- Any other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.
Basic Qualifications and Personal Attributes
RTC is seeking an undergraduate or graduate student working toward a degree in planning public policy journalism communications or a related field. Applicants should be highly organized able to work independently and manage time efficiently and possess a strong interest in the topics of health the environment sustainable transportation pedestrian issues bicycling or trails.
Proficiency with Microsoft Suite including Excel and strong research skills are required. Familiarity with ArcGIS Online experience with database management is a plus. Candidates should have strong organizational and writing skills and an eye for detail. Candidates should be comfortable with cold calling via phone/video to engage partners in conversations about their trail projects and networks with exceptional emotional intelligence and conversational skills to build rapport and the ability to accurately capture summarize and organize information in writing.
Applicants whose permanent residence is in one of the states where we operate will be considered for this internship program. This criterion aligns with our strategic goals and operational requirements. We are looking forward to discovering motivated and talented individuals from CA CO DC FL MD NJ ME MI MT OH OR PA VA or WI.
Work Environment
Normal office setting with low to moderate noise level.
Employers Rights
RTC reserves the right to revise change or reclassify this job description at any time in accordance with RTCs business needs. This job description is by no means an implied contract.
Commitment to Diversity
Rails to Trails Conservancy seeks diverse passionate and qualified individuals who want to make a difference in the world. RTC is an equalopportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability veteran status age and other legally protected characteristics.
If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process please email and provide the nature of your request and your contact information.
Required Experience:
Intern
Employment Type
Intern
