STU AST - COMMUNITY SERVICE

The Florida Trail Association (FTA) builds, maintains, protects, and promotes the Florida National Scenic Trail, one of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the US. Through conservation, recreation, advocacy, and education, we connect people to Florida’s unique outdoor landscapes. Our Next Generation Internship Program empowers young leaders to explore professional pathways in trails, land management, environmental advocacy, and nonprofit management.

The Outreach Intern will lead two major initiatives aimed at increasing public engagement, accessibility, and awareness of the Florida Trail. Through storytelling, mapping, and creative outreach, the intern will help users discover new ways to explore the trail and connect with Florida’s natural spaces. The intern will revive FTA’s Grab-and-Go Day Hike program by creating updated guides, maps, and promotional materials for easy-access hikes, and launch an interactive challenge campaign. They will also research, write, and promote a monthly blog series that uplifts diverse trail users, educates the public and shares practical insights about hiking and protecting the FNST.

This position is ideal for a self-starter who loves storytelling, hiking, and digital outreach. The intern will also collaborate with the larger Next Gen Intern cohort on a shared group project and gain hands-on experience in communications, nonprofit outreach, and public engagement strategy.

• Grab and Go Day Hike Project 
  • Review trailheads and access points using GIS and online resources 
  • Write hike briefs for each section including access, distance, and highlights 
  • Map trailhead locations and create an easy to distribute resource for users
  • Design a checklist or pamphlet for hikers to track their progress
  • Launch the campaign through FTA’s website and use social media to promote the opportunity 
• FTA Blog Series
  • Develop and publish a monthly blog series
  • Feature stories of volunteers, hikers, ecology, and trail knowledge
  • Develop writing and publishing schedule, determine theme rotation and key interview subjects
  • Conduct interviews and curate visuals to compliment written pieces
  • Collaborate with staff on distribution through website, email, and social media

This is a hybrid position. Interns will be expected to work some hours in-person at FTA’s Gainesville office. There will be occasional opportunities for travel to events or field locations.

$14/hour

This is a Federal Work Study position. Those not eligible for Federal Work Study may apply through Gator CareerLink (https://career.ufl.edu/services-resources/gator-careerlink/).

This internship is 10-15 hours a week and will run from September 2, 2025 - May 1, 2026.

Must be able to commit to the entire length of the internship program and fulfill weekly hour requirements.

• Passionate about trails, storytelling, and connecting people to nature 
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills
• Experience with blogging, journalism, or creative writing is a plus
• Basic knowledge of Canva and social media
• Ability to work independently, stay organized, and meet deadlines
• Interest in public engagement, environmental communication, or outdoor education
• Journalism, marketing, or communications majors preferred but not required
• Ability to commit to the entire length of the internship program and fulfill weekly hours requirement

DO NOT APPLY TO THIS POSTING, APPLY at Floridatrail.org/jobs 

* Students seeking FWS employment should print/screenshot a copy of their Financial Aid Award Page, which contains the Federal Work Study award as proof of FWS eligibility. To locate your Financial Aid Award Page, go to https://one.uf.edu/financialaid/aidyear 

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.