Trail Maintenance & Development

Trail Maintenance & Development Intern

Chattanooga Audubon Society | David Gray Nature Sanctuary

Position Type: Temporary, Grant-Funded

Eligibility: Applicants must be ages 18–24

Location: David Gray Nature Sanctuary, Sale Creek, Tennessee

Position Overview

The Chattanooga Audubon Society seeks a motivated, hands-on individual to help with trail maintenance and developing new trails at David Gray Nature Sanctuary. This temporary, grant-funded position offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in conservation, land stewardship, and outdoor recreation while helping expand opportunities for visitors to enjoy the sanctuary.

A key focus of this position will be creating and improving trails suitable for trail running, while maintaining existing trails for hiking and nature exploration. The intern will help develop routes that provide an enjoyable outdoor experience while protecting the sanctuary's natural habitats and minimizing erosion.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys physical work, spending time outdoors, and helping create recreational opportunities that connect people with nature.

Key Responsibilities

• Trail Creation: Assist with planning, clearing, marking, and developing new trail routes, including trails designed for trail running and hiking.
• Trail Maintenance: Clear fallen branches, remove debris, trim vegetation, and maintain existing trails.
• Trail Route Development: Help establish trail layouts that consider terrain, elevation changes, drainage, accessibility, and safe recreational use.
• Erosion Control: Identify and help address erosion, drainage problems, and areas requiring stabilization.
• Habitat Protection: Complete trail work while minimizing disturbance to native plants, wildlife, and sensitive habitats.
• Visitor Safety: Identify trail hazards and report damaged trees, unsafe conditions, or other maintenance concerns.
• Tools & Equipment: Safely use and maintain hand tools and other approved equipment after appropriate training.
• Site Improvements: Help improve trail surfaces and features to support safe, enjoyable outdoor recreation.
• Project Documentation: Track completed work, report progress, and help document trail development and improvements.

Qualifications

• Must be 18–24 years old to meet grant eligibility requirements.
• Comfortable working outdoors in changing weather conditions.
• Able to perform physical tasks, including walking uneven terrain, bending, lifting, and carrying materials.
• Dependable, safety-conscious, and willing to learn.
• Able to work independently when assigned and collaboratively with staff.
• Interested in conservation, trail development, trail running, hiking, or outdoor recreation.

Previous experience in trail building, landscaping, construction, forestry, or conservation is helpful but not required.

Work Environment

This position is primarily outdoors at David Gray Nature Sanctuary. Work may involve steep or uneven terrain, changing weather, hand tools, and physically demanding activities. Training and appropriate safety procedures will be provided for assigned tasks.

Employment Details

• Employment Type: Temporary, grant-funded position
• Age Requirement: 18–24 years old
• Schedule: 10-15 hours per week
• Compensation: $15 hour

About Chattanooga Audubon Society

Founded in 1944, the Chattanooga Audubon Society connects people with nature through conservation, education, and the protection of important natural spaces. David Gray Nature Sanctuary provides opportunities for visitors to experience and explore the natural landscape.

Through this position, the intern will help improve the sanctuary's trail network, create new opportunities for trail running and hiking, and support the long-term care of this natural space.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should email their resume and cover letter to . Please put the job title in the subject line.

Chattanooga Audubon SocietyWebsite:

Pay: $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 10.0 per week

Work Location: In person