Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community of more than 1 million strong—dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Founded in 1986, Rails to Trails Conservancy's national office is located in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Baltimore, and Milwaukee. For more information, visit www.railstotrails.org. Connect with RTC @railstotrails on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter).

Job Summary

A flagship initiative of Rails to Trails Conservancy, TrailLink is your guide to the best multiuse trails near you and nationwide. Explore more than 40,000 miles of multiuse trails with interactive maps, detailed descriptions, dynamic directions, reviews, ratings, and photos curated by our expert TrailLink team and millions of trail enthusiasts. With the TrailLink app and website, you can find, plan, and enjoy your next trail adventure—plus share your experience with the TrailLink community! TrailLink empowers more than 5 million users annually to create unique, safe, and meaningful trail experiences and memories. Discover your next trail adventure with TrailLink. 

As the TrailLink Research Intern, you will work with the team to research new trails to add to TrailLink.

This 12-week internship program begins in June 2026. Interns will have the flexibility to work 20-35 hours per week on a regular, consistent schedule.

Job Location

This position is located in our Washington, D.C., National Headquarters office. In-person presence is standard on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with remote work scheduled on the remaining days. 

Job Duties

The successful candidate will assist the TrailLink team in enriching TrailLink content with specific responsibilities including:

• Researching trails to add to TrailLink based on provided criteria
• Using interactive maps for in-depth trail research
• Communicating with trail managers and local organizations to gather and confirm trail details
• Compiling trail information to support the creation of TrailLink content
• Researching trail photo resources and soliciting the use of photos for TrailLink
• Curating and categorizing photos to use for TrailLink content

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Basic Qualifications and Personal Attributes

RTC is seeking an undergraduate student or a professional early in their career journey, enrolled in a program related to communications, journalism, history, liberal arts, or a related field. Candidates should have the ability to work independently and have excellent research and written communication skills.

Applicants whose permanent residence is in one of the states where we operate will be considered for this internship program. This criterion aligns with our strategic goals and operational requirements. We are looking forward to discovering motivated and talented individuals from CA, CO, DC, FL, MD, ME, MI, MT, NJ, OH, OR, PA, VA, or WI.

Work Environment

Normal office setting with low to moderate noise level.

Employer’s Right: RTC reserves the right to revise, change or reclassify this job description at any time in accordance with RTC’s business needs. This job description is not an implied contract.

Commitment to Diversity

Rails to Trails Conservancy seeks diverse, passionate, and qualified individuals who want to make a difference in the world. RTC is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, and other legally protected characteristics.

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please e-mail careers@railstotrails.org and provide the nature of your request and your contact information.