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.

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

TO APPLY:

Send a resume and letter of interest to info@vvmta.org by April 11th, 2024.