Wilderness & Trails Recreation Intern

The Wilderness & Trails Recreation Intern position at Conservation Corps New Mexico involves full-time conservation service work in the Gila National Forest. Interns will engage in trail maintenance and recreation activities, receiving a stipend and housing allowance. The role requires a commitment of 40 hours per week for 26 weeks, focusing on environmental stewardship and hands-on experience in outdoor recreation. It aims to build local workforce skills for ongoing conservation efforts.
About the position

The Wilderness & Trails Recreation Intern position at Conservation Corps New Mexico offers a unique opportunity for individuals to engage in conservation service work on public lands, specifically within the Gila National Forest. This internship is designed for individuals who are passionate about outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. The position is full-time, requiring a commitment of 40 hours per week over a term of 26 weeks, from Summer 2023 to Fall 2023. Interns will receive a stipend of $500 per week, along with a housing allowance of $200 per week, and upon successful completion of the internship, they will earn an AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,247 and a Public Lands Corps Certificate. Interns will work under the supervision of the District Recreation Manager and will be involved in various trail maintenance activities across the Wilderness Ranger District, which encompasses 667,000 acres of the Gila National Forest. The Recreation Department is responsible for maintaining over 700 miles of system trails, as well as managing campgrounds and day-use sites. Interns will assist in addressing deferred maintenance on trails that have been impacted by large-scale fires and floods, particularly focusing on the Centennial Trail, a 100-mile loop trail that honors the Gila Wilderness's 100-year designation. The role will also provide interns with the chance to collaborate with various resource departments, including hydrology, wildlife, fisheries, and fire management. Interns will gain hands-on experience in trail maintenance techniques, participate in planning additional maintenance projects, and engage with cultural heritage professionals during the NEPA process for trail reroutes. This internship not only aims to enhance the interns' skills but also seeks to build a skilled local workforce to support the ongoing conservation efforts in the Gila National Forest.

Responsibilities
• Assist in the completion of trail maintenance activities in the Wilderness District
,
• Work with supervisor to learn maintenance techniques for developed and primitive/wilderness trail classes
,
• Complete identified maintenance projects independently or as a member of a trail crew
,
• Participate in the identification and planning of additional trail maintenance projects as required
,
• Assist in the completion of recreation maintenance activities on National Forest Service Trail in the Wilderness District
,
• Work with supervisor to learn maintenance techniques for developed recreation sites
,
• Complete identified maintenance projects independently or as a member of a recreation crew
,
• Participate in the identification and planning of additional recreation maintenance projects as required

Requirements
• Full-time availability for 40 hours per week
,
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions
,
• Interest in conservation and outdoor recreation
,
• Willingness to learn maintenance techniques for trails and recreation sites

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in trail maintenance or outdoor recreation
,
• Knowledge of local flora and fauna
,
• Familiarity with the Gila National Forest

Benefits
• Education Award
,
• Housing Stipend/Assistance
,
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority