The Blackfoot Challenge aims to provide meaningful educational and professional internship experiences for undergraduate college students interested in collaborative conservation. Interns will gain experience in nonprofit operations, on-the-ground natural resource stewardship, building partnerships, and community outreach. During their time with the Blackfoot Challenge, interns will have opportunities to meet various professionals across the spectrum of natural resource and conservation organizations – learning about and developing connections for future career paths.
In 2026, the Blackfoot Challenge internship program will host a summer intern / program technician focused on our developing program of recreation management and stewardship.
Working with the Blackfoot Challenge Recreation Program Coordinator, the internship duties will include:
- Collect data on recreation user impacts to natural resources and social use pressures at river access sites, campgrounds, and/or trailheads. This may include measuring crowding at access points; mapping social trails and dispersed camping areas; identifying and documenting infrastructure damage; assisting with trail camera data collection, including downloading footage and quantifying recreation use; and administering social surveys to recreationists.
- Ensure that data collected is properly documented and submitted at least weekly to the Blackfoot Challenge’s data systems.
- Relay any needs for emergency response, trash cleanup, or law enforcement to supervisor and/or appropriate government agencies.
- Provide information to the public about recreation infrastructure, ethics, stewardship, and safety (e.g., bear aware).
- Work with a team of field technicians and/or volunteers. As a team member, coordinate and support coworkers to participate in field coverage and any potential outreach events.
- Assist the Program Coordinator with day-to-day oversight of volunteers by providing on-site guidance, modeling best practices, answering questions, and supporting smooth daily operations. Work under the direction of the Program Coordinator to help ensure volunteers are supported and tasks are completed as planned.
- Prepare, organize, and maintain necessary equipment and supplies (e.g., Garmin GPS, tablet/field computer, informational pamphlets, recreation access site tabling supplies).
- After the season, provide lessons learned during the season, help evaluate the effectiveness of the position, and provide input on ways it could be improved.
- Provide occasional, as-needed support to other Blackfoot Challenge programs and projects, as scheduling allows and in coordination with the supervisor. The intern may also have opportunities to job shadow other program coordinators to gain exposure to the broader work of the Blackfoot Challenge, while maintaining primary focus on Recreation Program duties.
- Maintain regular communication with the Recreation Program Coordinator.
- Attend Blackfoot Challenge staff, Board, and Recreation Program meetings.
Job Requirement & Expectations
- Enrolled in an undergraduate recreation, conservation, fisheries, wildlife, natural resource, or similar program.
- Have a valid driver’s license.
- Ability to lift at least 25 lbs. and to traverse uneven and hilly terrain.
- A willingness to work outside in all weather conditions.
- The maturity and judgment needed to work safely.
- A positive attitude and willingness to work in a team-based culture.
- Be creative, flexible, and self-motivated.
- Be willing to work occasional weekends and/or evenings.
- Great work ethic and ability to work with limited supervision in both field and office environments.
- Strong oral and written communications skills and ability to engage with the public.
- Basic computer proficiency, including email communication, Microsoft Office suite of programs, digital photo downloading, database systems, and willingness to learn new software as needed.
HOW TO APPLY
Send brief cover letter (including available start and end dates), resume, and three professional references in a single PDF document to marley@blackfootchallenge.org. Please put “intern application” in the subject line of your email. Application deadline is March 15, 2026.