Expedition Leader

About Trout Unlimited 

Trout Unlimited (TU) is a national conservation organization with more than 300,000 members and supporters organized into over 400 chapters and councils nationwide. Our dedicated grassroots volunteers are supported by a highly respected staff of organizers, lawyers, policy experts, and scientists working out of more than 45 offices across the country. 

Our mission is to conserve, protect, and restore North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. 

Position Summary 

The Expeditions Intern will support Trout Unlimited by helping lead and implement TU’s summer Expeditions Program in Wyoming. The intern will report directly to the Headwaters Program Coordinator and work closely in the field with the Headwaters Program Coordinator, fellow Expedition Leader, TU Project Mangers. 

From June through July 2026, the Expeditions Interns and Headwaters Program Coordinator will co-lead four, 7-day backcountry camping expeditions, each serving approximately 10 high school and college students. Expeditions will be based in Wyoming and will include travel to watershed restoration project sites across the state. 

During each expedition, the intern will play an active role in daily camp operations, including driving a 15-passenger van, assisting with meal planning, cooking, and camp kitchen cleanup, setting up and breaking down camp, and managing group gear and equipment. The intern will co-lead high school and college students through hands-on conservation projects, environmental education activities, and fly-fishing instruction; help facilitate conversations with project partners and local stakeholders; and support a safe, inclusive, and engaging camp environment in remote, backcountry settings.  

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Co-lead groups of approximately 10 high school and college students on four, 7-day backcountry camping expeditions, providing active supervision and support throughout all program activities
• Ensure the safety, health, and well-being of all participants at all times by following TU risk management protocols, maintaining situational awareness, and responding appropriately to emergencies and changing field conditions
• Create and maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive group environment that fosters learning, teamwork, and positive youth development
• Assist with teaching fly-fishing fundamentals, aquatic entomology, and conservation concepts through hands-on instruction, demonstrations, and field-based learning
• Support and participate in hands-on watershed restoration projects, including project setup, participant supervision, and coordination with partner staff
• Facilitate structured conversations and learning opportunities between students and local partners, land managers, scientists, and environmental professionals
• Help coordinate and support community engagement events, outreach activities, and volunteer opportunities associated with expedition sites
• Safely operate a 15-passenger van on highways and rural dirt roads, including assisting with trip logistics, navigation, and transportation planning
• Assist with food preparation, and camp kitchen sanitation, following food safety best practices in backcountry settings
• Support daily camp operations, including camp setup and breakdown, gear organization and maintenance, and inventory management
• Assist with trip logistics, scheduling, and adaptive problem-solving, responding effectively to weather, site conditions, and group needs
• Help produce social media content, photos, and blog posts to share expedition experiences and amplify TU’s conservation and youth engagement work
• Contribute to post-trip debriefs, evaluations, and reporting, helping capture lessons learned and program impact
• Support daily logistics, trip planning, and adaptive problem-solving in the field

This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities. 

Job Requirements 

• 21 years of age or older with a clean driving record and ability to pass a background check
• Passion for environmental education, conservation, and watershed protection
• Experience with fly fishing and basic macroinvertebrate identification
• Comfortable camping for extended periods without running water or electricity in frontcountry and backcountry settings
• Pursuing or holding a degree in environmental studies, biology, education, outdoor recreation, or a related field
• Experience with Trout Unlimited programs or similar youth, outdoor, or conservation-focused initiatives
• Ability to work with diverse partners in a collaborative and inclusive manner, including in complex or contentious settings
• Experience motivating and engaging high school and college-aged students
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to problem-solve and think creatively in dynamic, field-based environments
• Self-motivated, energetic, and able to manage time effectively
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification required
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), EMT, or higher medical certification strongly preferred
• Ability to respond calmly to medical incidents, provide care within scope of training, and assist with emergency response and documentation in remote settings