USFS Conservation Internship

Position Overview:

This is a full-time, seasonal position offered through Walking Mountains in partnership with the United States Forest Service’s (USFS) White River National Forest (WRNF). The WRNF encompasses approximately 2.3 million acres of public land and has the most visitation of any national forest with 11 ski resorts, eight wilderness areas, and a diversity of wildlife and ecosystems. As a non-profit organization Walking Mountains maintains a partnership with the WRNF to provide educational opportunities and internship support. The USFS Conservation Interns are Walking Mountains employees who work under the leadership and supervision of the WRNF. Throughout the duration of the Conservation Internship, Interns will develop skills in field biology survey techniques, natural resource conservation, or forest vegetative management. This internship demands a strong work ethic to be successful in this fast paced and dynamic work environment.

Conservation Interns will work alongside field scientists and career professionals from the WRNF on a daily basis. Individuals will be placed in one of the following positions based on skills, career goals, and educational experience: 

• Aquatics and Fisheries Crew – Work with the USFS aquatic staff to conduct field surveys (fisheries, amphibians, and aquatic macroinvertebrates) to support various projects. Additional work will include providing hands-on assistance with habitat restoration projects and ecosystem assessments.
• Wildlife Crew – Work with the USFS wildlife staff to conduct field surveys (e.g., raptor and songbird surveys, bumblebee surveys, acoustic bat monitoring, and pika surveys) to support a variety of projects. Additional work will include overseeing juniper removal in sagebrush habitat and the removal of old, dilapidated livestock fencing with partner organizations.
• Timber Crew – Work with the USFS timber staff to perform timber sale preparation work. Tasks include implementing vegetation management projects for a variety of goals including reducing fuel loading, improving forest health, and providing for long term wildlife habitat. Other tasks will include regeneration surveys, hazard tree identification, and other projects as assigned. This is primarily a field going position working on uneven and sometimes steep ground in all types of weather conditions for extended periods of time. Some overnight camping will be required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate in on-site, paid training prior to beginning internship responsibilities
• Arrive for work on time and follow an assigned work schedule
• Maintain open lines of communication with leadership from both WMSC and the WRNF
• Work with WRNF personnel and other Conservation Interns to complete assigned projects
• Learn and apply skills to complete field work in rugged terrain and variable environmental/weather conditions while maintaining a strong work ethic
• Contribute to positive and professional group dynamics with colleagues and practice a team-oriented mindset
• Cultivate a friendly and positive attitude during interactions with visitors to the WRNF

Qualifications:

• Young professionals with a desire to pursue further education and/or a career in natural science, education/interpretation, natural resource conservation and management, or another environmentally related field
• Be able to work and keep a positive attitude in various work situations and all types of weather
• Able to hike and carry equipment up to 50 lbs for 5 – 20 miles, work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Professional and accountable individual who takes ownership and pride in their work, curious and self-motivated, willing to learn, and open to giving and receiving feedback
• Positive, organized, and creative individual who is an effective communicator (oral and written) and can work independently and as part of a team

Work Environment:

Conservation Interns work primarily outdoors at various field sites within the WRNF, with periodic indoor responsibilities. 

• Outdoor responsibilities average 10+ hours per day and may include traveling in vehicles long distances on rugged and uneven gravel roads, hiking in steep rocky terrain, carrying heavy packs, conducting detailed field protocols, and interacting with the public.
• The work of each Conservation Intern has a different conservation focus and as a result, has a different work schedule and duties/responsibilities than other interns. All Conservation Interns will work a 4/10s schedule, meaning 4 days a week for 10 hours per day.

Internship Durations: 

• Aquatics and Fisheries Crew- June 2, 2025 to August 22, 2025
• Aquatics and Fisheries Crew – June 2, 2025 to October 17, 2025
• Wildlife Crew – June 2, 2025 to September 19, 2025
• Timber Crew – June 2, 2025 to September 19, 2025

Compensation and Benefits:

• $750 weekly stipend
• USFS Housing available at discounted rate

Contact: For more information and details on the application and interview process, please contact Lara Carlson, Senior Programs Director, larac@walkingmountains.org