Trail Conservation Intern

MobilizeGreen•Weaverville, CA

14d•Onsite

About The Position

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

Requirements

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
Interns must provide their own work pants
8” leather work boots required

Nice To Haves

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