Trail Maintenance and Volunteer Coordinator

Position:
Trail Maintenance and Volunteer Coordinator Intern

Term: April – October

Schedule: 32–40 hours per week (seasonal)

Compensation: $15/hour

Housing: Park housing provided

Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Reports to: Laura Ann Johnson, Executive Director

The Trail Maintenance and Volunteer Coordinator Intern supports the day-to-day operation and volunteer coordination of seasonal maintenance activities for the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, related park resources, and Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes (FOSBD) programming. This role combines hands-on field work with volunteer management, scheduling, coordination, and data tracking. The intern plays a key part in keeping the trail safe, clean, and enjoyable for thousands of visitors each season.

Volunteer Coordination & Scheduling

• Schedule day-to-day volunteer teams during high season
• Coordinate and communicate logistics for volunteer maintenance projects
• Support volunteer training and orientation as needed
• Track volunteer hours and activity data

Trail Management

• Monitor the complete Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail weekly to inspect conditions
• Identify, document, and address trail issues
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date maintenance logs (in coordination with staff)
• Collect and post TRAFx trail counter data (training provided)
• Manage routine maintenance activities
• Work with Park staff on other trail maintenance projects as needed

Required

• Interest in outdoor recreation, conservation, environmental stewardship, parks, or related fields
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to ride a bike or willingness to learn for weekly trail assessments
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
• Valid driver’s license (for travel between work sites)

Preferred

• Experience with trail work, outdoor maintenance, or facilities work
• Experience working with volunteers
• Familiarity with power tools, mowers, or blowers (training provided)
• Ability to track and record data accurately
• Ability to maintain First Aid/CPR certification (NPS provided)
• Ability/willingness to become chainsaw certified by NPS standards

• Ability to lift 30–50 lbs
• Ability to walk, bike, or stand for extended periods
• Operation of maintenance tools and equipment (training provided)
• Comfortable working on roadsides and/or trails with appropriate safety gear

• Seasonal park housing
• On-the-job training (equipment, safety, trail assessments, TRAFx)
• Valuable experience in parks, conservation, and volunteer management
• A meaningful role supporting a nationally recognized trail system

In addition to routine trail and volunteer work, the intern will have opportunities to learn from and work alongside National Park Service staff in areas such as resource management, visitor services, facility operations, interpretation, and natural resource protection. The internship also provides exposure to the roles of park partner organizations and how they collaborate to support Sleeping Bear Dunes at the program and project level.

Other tasks may be assigned as necessary and time allows.

This role involves both field and office work. Field work includes roads and trails within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Safety training and PPE will be provided.