Site Design & Community Engagement Fellow

Position Title

Site Design & Community Engagement Fellow

Austin, Texas. This position allows for a hybrid work‑at‑home schedule with required in‑office hours and regular travel to job sites at to‑be‑determined locations.

Full Time, Temporary, Exempt

1 Year Fellowship from September 2026 - September 2027

The Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS) is a nonprofit that connects member not‑for‑profit trail organizations and Federal agency partners to further the protection, completion, and stewardship of the 32 National Scenic and Historic Trails within the National Trails System. The purpose of PNTS is to promote and support the efforts of National Scenic and Historic Trail organizations, to secure public and private resources and to serve as a collective voice for policy and action that supports National Scenic and Historic Trails.

We envision a thriving National Trails System that connects people and landscapes, commemorates diverse stories, and assures extraordinary experiences for all, now and in the future.

As part of fulfilling this mission and purpose, PNTS is hiring a Site Design and Community Engagement Fellow to work with communities on conceptual site designs for trail projects, and to develop and foster partnerships with local entities and individuals, building capacity for trail initiatives by bringing in human and financial resources, while implementing strategic priorities with El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association (ElCaT).

El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail (El Camino Real NHT) is a nationally recognized and protected cultural resource connecting nations, cultures, and places through time. El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association is the primary nonprofit managing partner for the El Camino NHT and seeks to protect the historic integrity of the trail, to educate and engage the public about its significance, and to promote resource development, interpretation, and tourism along its path.

The Site Design and Community Engagement Fellow will work closely with ElCaT’s Executive Director to support on‑the‑ground trail projects at select sites along the El Camino Real NHT, such as developing conceptual designs for retracement trails along portions of the Camino and/or site designs for a site on the trail. The Fellow will work locally towards physical trail projects that communities and other partners desire.

In doing so, they will enlist communities and businesses in providing financial support to the project and to ElCaT for ongoing efforts at the locale. The Fellow’s work will also raise awareness about the significance of this National Historic Trail, while promoting its protection and development as a historic and economic resource. The Fellow’s work to enhance trail development will improve public access and increase public knowledge of and stewardship of the trail.

This Fellowship position is for individuals that want to make an impact in trail development and protection, historic preservation, community engagement and education as well as build skills in landscape architecture, fundraising, graphic design, communications, and nonprofit management.

• Work with ElCaT, partners and stakeholders to create conceptual designs for retracement trails and/or site enhancements, which will lead to physical trail developments
• Work with local communities and partners to protect trail resources
• Engage local communities and partners to promote the trail as a community resource and economic asset
• Foster enhanced relationships with local communities and partners
• Orchestrate non‑federal financial support from city and county governments, local businesses, and the general public.
• Attend both in‑person and Zoom meetings with various partners and participate in committee meetings
• Attend PNTS virtual training and networking events.

• Undergraduate degree in landscape architecture, urban planning, environmental design or a closely related field.
• Enthusiasm and strong interest in preserving and protecting history and trails.
• Proficiency in…