The Florida Trail Association (FTA) builds, maintains, protects, and promotes the Florida National Scenic Trail, one of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the US. Through conservation, recreation, advocacy, and education, we connect people to Florida’s unique outdoor landscapes. Our Next Generation Internship Program empowers young leaders to explore professional pathways in trails, land management, environmental advocacy, and nonprofit management.

The Stewardship Intern will gain hands-on experience in trail maintenance and outdoor recreation by helping to plan, promote, and lead volunteer trail work events and environmental education hikes across Florida. The intern will work closely with FTA staff and volunteer chapter leaders to build community, inspire trail stewardship, and expand FTA’s impact among young adults.

Over the course of the internship, the Stewardship Intern will plan and lead two weekend-long trail work parties (November 14-16 and March 27-28), support chapter-led workdays with two local FTA chapters, and organize a minimum of five educational “Trails and Talks” guided hikes featuring environmental guest speakers.

The Intern will be part of a cohort of Next Gen interns and contribute to a shared group project while gaining valuable experience in event planning, volunteer coordination, outdoor leadership, and environmental education.

This is a hybrid position with both in-person and remote responsibilities. The intern must have reliable transportation, be able to attend in-person events and trail workdays, and be available the weekend of November 14-16, 2025 and March 27-29, 2026 for the two major work parties.

• Trail Work Party Planning (Fall and Spring)
  • Coordinate two multi-day volunteer trail maintenance events
  • Develop event plans, schedules, and safety briefings
  • Promote events with flyers, and social media
  • Lead volunteers in field work and stewardship education sessions
  • Work closely with chapter leadership in event planning
• Chapter Volunteer Workday Participation
  • Attend multiple volunteer workdays with local FTA chapters
  • Learn and assist with trail maintenance tasks
  • Write short, post-event summaries after each experience
• Trails and Talks Guided Hikes
  • Plan and lead at least 5 educational guided hikes
  • Recruit guest speakers or develop lesson plans on conservation and stewardship
  • Create promotional materials and handle event logistics
  • Submit short recaps and lesson materials for each event

$14/hour

Qualifications refer to evidence-based or demonstrated knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences required for the role. For TEAMS positions the required qualifications should reflect Classification Minimum Requirements.  For Faculty roles, these qualifications may reflect college-specific requirements needed for success in the role.

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• Passion for outdoor recreation, conservation, or environmental education
• Comfortable working outside in challenging field conditions (heat, bugs, uneven terrain)
• Must be able to hike at least 5 miles carrying 20 lbs
• Available the weekend of November 14-16 and March 27-29
• Prior experience in outdoor work, trail maintenance, or event leadership preferred
• Strong communication and organization skills
• Self-motivated, detail oriented, and a team player
• Ability to commit to the entire length of the internship program and fulfill weekly hours requirement

DO NOT APPLY TO THIS POSTING, APPLY at Floridatrail.org/jobs 

* Students seeking FWS employment should print/screenshot a copy of their Financial Aid Award Page, which contains the Federal Work Study award as proof of FWS eligibility. To locate your Financial Aid Award Page, go to https://one.uf.edu/financialaid/aidyear 

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.