Trail Development Internship - Summer Trail Development Internship - Summer Rails

Trail Development Internship - Summer 2026

Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is the nation’s largest trails organization—dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Founded in 1986, RTC’s national office is located in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Baltimore, and Milwaukee.

Job Summary

RTC’s Trail Development Team is looking for an intern interested in stakeholder engagement, resource development, and/or trail planning and development. The selected intern will participate as a member of the team, attend staff and social meetings, and work flexible hours to accommodate class schedules or other commitments.

The 12‑week internship begins in June 2026. Interns will work 20‑35 hours per week on a regular, consistent schedule.

Job Location

This position is located in our Washington, D.C. National Headquarters office. In‑person presence is required on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with remote work on the remaining days.

Job Duties

• Assist the Trail Nation Collaborative Lead in partner engagement activities to build long‑standing relationships with multi‑use trail network developers nationwide.
• Lead and participate in interview and video calls with project partners, preparing research beforehand.
• Synthesize interview findings into trail network strengths and weaknesses to guide future engagement and resource development.
• Develop case studies or blogs spotlighting innovation and best practices.
• Identify common themes and challenges among trail network practitioners to support RTC’s resource‑development strategy, including webinars, peer‑working groups, and other activities.
• Assist with the Project Trail Data Audit.
• Conduct online research and occasional outreach to determine the status of project trails and update records accordingly.
• Verify and update trail project records—such as name changes and trail statistics—and collaborate with staff to ensure accurate public updates.
• Support resource‑development projects, including updates to the Trail Nation Playbook and Trail‑Building Toolbox.
• Work with Trail Development and Policy teams to produce Trail Nation Collaborative webinars.
• Gather and write 3‑5 case studies to support work occurring in Trail Nation project communities.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

RTC seeks an undergraduate or graduate student working toward a degree in planning, public policy, journalism, communications, or a related field. Applicants should be highly organized, able to work independently, manage time efficiently, and possess a strong interest in health, the environment, sustainable transportation, pedestrian issues, bicycling, or trails.

Proficiency with Microsoft Suite—including Excel—and strong research skills are required. Familiarity with ArcGIS Online and experience with database management is a plus. Candidates should have excellent organizational, writing, and eye‑for‑detail skills. Candidates should be comfortable with cold calling via phone or video to engage partners, have exceptional emotional intelligence and conversational skills to build rapport, and adept at accurately capturing, summarizing, and organizing information in writing.

Applicants whose permanent residence is in one of the states where we operate will be considered. We welcome motivated and talented individuals from CA, CO, DC, FL, MD, NJ, ME, MI, MT, OH, OR, PA, VA, or WI.

Work Environment

Normal office setting with low to moderate noise level.

Employer’s Rights

RTC reserves the right to revise, change, or reclassify this job description at any time in accordance with RTC’s business needs. This job description is not an implied contract.

Commitment to Diversity

Rails to Trails Conservancy seeks diverse, passionate, and qualified individuals who want to make a difference in the world. RTC is an equal‑opportunity employer and evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, and other legally protected characteristics.

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please e‑mail careers and provide the nature of your request and your contact information.

Salary Description

Salary: $17.95 per hour.