Overview
This 13-week internship position will help establish a Volunteer Ambassador Program to expand our Leave No Trace (LNT) education and outreach along the 300-mile trail corridor. The internship position will help establish program curriculum, training, and coordination for the SHTA. The program will result in increased LNT knowledge within Superior Hiking Trail Association’s volunteer base and robust LNT public outreach and education. The Ambassador program is envisioned as a “train the trainer” model that will offer long-term benefits for our volunteer community and the public at-large who will interact with volunteers conducting outreach and education. The intern will be supported by our Volunteer & Education Coordinator, who is also a LNT Master Educator.
The internship may begin as early as April 1, 2024 and end as late as October 1, 2024. The total internship will be 13-weeks of full-time work or its equivalent divided over a longer duration. We seek to work with the intern to identify a timeline that both meets our Association’s needs but also reduces any barriers for their participation.
This position is located in Two Harbors, Minnesota. Travel along the Trail Corridor will be required and reimbursed. Some evening and weekend hours are necessary for meetings, external relations, and events. The internship will require a reliable personal vehicle to travel to and from project sites along the trail corridor. Intern must be 18 years of age or older.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Trail Ambassador & LNT Program Development
Assist in identifying of the program, including LNT curriculum, learning objectives, and outcomes.
Review and synthesize LNT materials to create SHT-specific strategies.
Work with staff to identify locations for LNT education and outreach for summer of ‘24.
Create scripts and outreach materials for volunteers to use.
Coordinate volunteer training.
Connect with land managers to gain permission to host LNT Outreach at chosen locations.
Establish a post-event volunteer reporting procedure.
Create a Leave No Trace social media campaign.
Coordinate recruitment and volunteer sign-up for outreach events.
Set up volunteers for success by being responsive and sympathetic to volunteers’ needs.
Prepare materials for each event.
Provide day-of support for LNT Outreach events.
Conduct post-event volunteer surveys.
Analyze post-event reports and provide summary to SHTA leadership.
The intern will be paid $15/hour.
This position qualifies for Minnesota Sick and Safe Time and will earn one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
The Intern will be reimbursed for mileage at the current federal rate per mile and also receive a $25 per month cell phone stipend.
Qualifications:
Interest and/or experience in curriculum design and facilitation.
Interest in volunteer engagement and management.
Curiosity about community outreach and education.
Ability to take initiative and produce results with minimal supervision.
Collaborative mindset.
Able to communicate well with people you don’t know or just met.
Adaptable. An ability to roll with surprises and changes.
Experience with or a strong interest in outdoor recreation.
About Superior Hiking Trail Association
The Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) protects, renews, and enhances the Superior Hiking Trail. We believe the Trail is a resource for everyone. Our staff harness the power of volunteers, supporters, partners, and trail users to break down barriers, engage participants, and create deeper relationships between people and nature. The Superior Hiking Trail Association manages, maintains, and promotes more than 300 miles of trail, 94 primitive campsites, and 60 trailheads. Our talented team is made up of five full-time and two part-time employees, a 15-member Board of Directors, a handful of seasonal-contractors, and hundreds of passionate volunteers that keep it all going.
