Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community 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., and with offices in California, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Baltimore, and Milwaukee. For more information, visit www.railstotrails.org. Connect with RTC @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Job Summary

A flagship program of RTC, TrailLink is the nation’s foremost trail-finder website, with a current catalogue of 5,000 trails spanning a collective 40,000+ miles across the country. Through an extensive set of offerings available online and through TrailLink’s mobile apps—including interactive maps, descriptions, directions, reviews, ratings, and user-submitted photos—TrailLink supports more than 7 million users annually in the pursuit of safe and meaningful trail experiences, helping to satisfy the growing demand for trails and active transportation. 

This 12-week internship program begins in February 2025. 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 and is eligible for a remote or hybrid work schedule in accordance with RTC’s policies. A hybrid schedule is preferred (working 1-2 days per week in the D.C. office). 

Job Duties

The successful candidate will assist the TrailLink team in enriching TrailLink’s database of more than 5,000 open trail website records, with specific responsibilities including:

• Developing editorial blog content highlighting trails and promoting trail use
• Researching and writing trail website descriptions 
• Auditing and updating existing trail website records
• Researching trail photo resources and soliciting the use of photos for TrailLink
• Securing and documenting rights to use collected photos
• Applying keyword metadata and geotags to photos as needed
• Assisting in the implementation of TrailLink marketing strategies
• Join the RTC team in elevating Celebrate Trails Day, our annual springtime celebration of America's trails, through participation on the day (4/26/25) and/or contributing to its preparation.

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/photojournalism, public relations, liberal arts, marketing, website/database management or a related field. Candidates should have the ability to work independently and have excellent verbal 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, DE, FL, MD, ME, MI, 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 interview process, please e-mail careers@railstotrails.org and provide the nature of your request and your contact information.