Trail Conservation Crew Intern

SUMMARY:

Join the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance (VVMTA) as a Trail Conservation Crew (TCC) Intern and gain hands-on experience in conservation, trail maintenance, and sustainable outdoor recreation. This paid, seasonal internship provides an opportunity to work on meaningful projects such as trail construction, campsite restoration, and public education while also learning from land managers like the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. If you’re passionate about the environment and eager to develop professional skills in conservation or trail building, this is the ideal position for you. The position is based in Minturn, CO.

 

ABOUT VVMTA:

The Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance connects communities to the outdoors through sustainable recreation. We:

● Advocate for and maintain soft surface trails.

● Manage trail stewardship programs and build new trails.

● Educate recreational users on sustainable practices.

● Create equitable opportunities for public land access.

 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO LEARN:

As a TCC Intern, you will gain valuable skills and experience in:

● Sustainable trail design and construction techniques.

● Conservation practices and strategies for minimizing recreational impacts.

● Day-to-day operations of land management agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and BLM.

● Public engagement and outdoor education strategies.

 

WHO IS THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR?:

This internship is ideal for individuals pursuing careers or studies in: 

● Environmental science, sustainability, or conservation.

● Outdoor education or recreation management.

● Sustainable trail design and construction.

 

DATES & TIME:

● Season Duration: May 30, 2025 – August 18, 2025.

○ Start/End dates are flexible to accommodate varying school schedules

● Work Hours: Up to 40 hours per week, typically (4) 10-hour days, Monday – Thursday.

● Flexibility Required: Occasional evenings and weekends for special projects or events.

 

POSITION DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a TCC Intern, you will:

● Trail Work: Assist with trail maintenance, construction, and restoration, ensuring compliance with land manager standards and sustainability trail practices.

● Stewardship Work: Perform tasks such as barbed wire fence removal, downed tree clearing, signage installation, and other restoration activities as needed.

● Public Engagement: Educate trail users on Leave-No-Trace principles, fire restrictions, trail etiquette, and seasonal wildlife closures.

● Volunteer Collaboration: Help train volunteers and other program participants in maintenance and stewardship practices.

● Documentation: Record work completed through photographs, statistics, and detailed logs to track progress.

● Team Support: Assist with the organization, maintenance, and transport of tools and equipment.

● Pre- and Post-Project Activities: Participate in briefings, evaluations, and training sessions to enhance skills and improve project outcomes.

 

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS: 

We are looking for individuals who:

● Required:

○ Have a strong interest in conservation, sustainability, or outdoor education.

○ Are comfortable working outdoors performing manual labor in varying weather conditions.

○ Are effective communicators with strong interpersonal skills.

○ Work as part of a team

○ Are at least 18 years of age with a clean driving record.

● Preferred:

○ Have experience in trail maintenance or construction.

○ Are familiar with hand tools, power equipment, or conservation practices.

○ Have prior experience working with land management agencies or conservation organizations.

○ Have spent time on local trails (e.g., mountain biking, hiking, trail running) and understand desirable trail characteristics.

○ Possess proficiency with apps or software for documenting hours and project outcomes.

○ Maintain a positive attitude and adaptability in dynamic work environments.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This role requires:

● Standing, walking, crouching, climbing, and squatting on uneven terrain.

● Hiking or biking 1-4 miles daily, with occasional hikes of 5-10 miles.

● Lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs frequently and up to 100 lbs occasionally.

● Exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and wet or humid environments.

● Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals

● Occasional overnight camping in backcountry locations. 

 

BENEFITS:

● Competitive hourly pay: $18.50/hour.

● Housing stipend available.

● Access to outdoor industry pro deals.

● Mental health benefits 

● Team-building events and staff apparel (e.g., t-shirts, sun shirts, hats, sweatshirts, pants, socks, and a footwear stipend).