Stewardship Intern

Employer
Northern Forest Canoe Trail
Job Description, Responsibilities and Required Qualifications or Skills

In 2026, six stewardship interns will help complete projects across the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, the longest designated paddling trail in the world. Interns will work together alongside other NFCT staff and volunteers as a Stewardship Crew to complete a variety of campsite, river access, and portage trail development and maintenance projects along the trail corridor. Interns will have the opportunity to coordinate and lead waterway work trips, cultivating hands-on stewardship skills (trail work, carpentry, etc.) alongside proficiency in leadership and teamwork. In 2026 we will have two teams of interns: One team will be a roving team, working on projects in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, and the other will be based along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in northern Maine.

Responsibilities include: 

  • Build and maintain stone steps, retaining walls, and erosion control features.
  • Build and maintain NFCT campsites & portage trails.
  • Stabilize riverbanks and improve waterway access.
  • Lead and  assist with volunteer work trips.
  • Monitor trail and waterway conditions.
  • Transport materials, maintain tools, and keep worksites safe.
  • Document projects with photos and field notes.
  • Promote Leave No Trace and safe outdoor practices.

Qualifications:

  • 19 years of age by the time the internship begins
  • Willingness to camp in remote locations
  • Enthusiasm for physical work and outdoor living
  • Experience working in a group setting
  • Solid work ethic
  • Valid driver’s license 
Job Field:
Water and Soil Resources
Job Type:
Seasonal, Temporary, Internship
Location Detail:
The NFCT is based in Waitsfield, VT. However, stewarding this 740-mile trail will bring our crews to places from NY to Northern Maine. Our "Roving Crew" will spend the summer working on a variety of projects between Old Forge and Fort Kent, while our "Allagash Crew"will be stationed in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway of Northern Maine for the season.
Salary:
Stewardship Interns will receive a $475 / week stipend
Job Benefits:

Food during work week paid for
Gas reimbursement for personal vehicles (work travel only)
Lots of traveling around the North East
reimbursement for WFA completion 

Application Deadline:
Link to Full Job Posting:
https://www.northernforestcanoetrail.org/stewardship/internships/

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