Help steward a 740-mile waterway that traverses New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine!

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.

Position Details:

• June 1st — August 7th
• Field-based, full time (40 hours/week, 9 weeks total)
• $475/week stipend
• Food provided during the work week
• Trainings in paddling skills, timber and stonework, erosion control, leadership, volunteer management, and more
• Roving crew: Base camp in Waitsfield, VT for days off, with a rustic kitchen, loft, tent space, privy, outdoor shower, fireflies, mountain views, and limitless recreation opportunities!
• Allagash crew: access to a cabin, as well as some access to ranger facilities during days off (internet, showers, etc).
  Reimbursement for work-related travel in personal vehicles
• Academic credit can be arranged

Internship Goals:

• To build competence in trail work, erosion control, and stewardship techniques
• To help complete hands-on, meaningful public recreation access projects
• To practice leadership, teamwork, and volunteer management skills
• To obtain experience that helps prepare interns for a future career in conservation, natural resources management, or related fields

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
• Positive Mental Attitude!
  Strong applicants will have an interest in a career in conservation, recreation, and related fields, prior experience living and working outdoors, and training in wilderness first aid, although we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications and are more interested in the individual than the resume bullet points. Prospect interns are encouraged to learn more about our program, read blogs from previous interns, and watch videos and see photos from past seasons projects at.

https://www.northernforestcanoetrail.org/get-involved/stewardship-internships/ 

 Questions: 
Contact NFCT Assistant Trail Director at nick@northernforestcanoetrail.org