Job Title: Part-Time Trails and Grounds Intern Location: Audubon Acres – Chattanooga Audubon Society Supervisor: Lead Maintenance Staff Type: Part-Time, Seasonal Internship YEP(Youth Employment Program Funded) Hours: Flexible scheduling (10–20 hours/week); some weekends may be required
Pay: $15 per hour
Organizational Mission:
The Chattanooga Audubon Society works to educate and promote an understanding of the responsibility to preserve and protect our environmental, cultural, and historical resources.
Position Summary:
The Chattanooga Audubon Society is seeking a dependable and motivated individual to assist with the upkeep and improvement of trails, historic structures, and grounds at Audubon Acres and Maclellan Island. This internship provides hands-on experience in land stewardship, light construction, and property management, making it an ideal opportunity for students, conservation-minded individuals, or those exploring careers in parks, recreation, or environmental fields.
Interns will work closely with the Lead Maintenance Staff and Property Volunteers to help ensure that trails remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all visitors.
Primary Responsibilities:Trail & Grounds Maintenance
- Perform trail inspections and help clear debris, overgrowth, and downed limbs
- Assist with mowing, trimming, invasive species removal, and erosion control
- Help install or repair signage, trail markers, footbridges, fencing, and basic trail infrastructure
- Support habitat restoration and native plant care as needed
- Possible trail work on our Maclelland Island property
Facility & Tool Support
- Assist with basic facility upkeep: painting, carpentry, cleaning, and organizing work areas
- Carry, clean, and organize tools and materials for maintenance tasks
- Learn and apply safe operation of tractors, mowers, and other small equipment (with supervision)
Team Collaboration
- Work with volunteers and other staff during maintenance days
- Follow directions from the Lead Maintenance staff and report issues clearly
- Help prep for Educational Programs, Festivals, and Volunteer workdays
Qualifications:
- Willingness to learn new skills and follow directions
- Able to lift 40–50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks in varied outdoor conditions
- Comfortable working in natural settings (muddy, uneven terrain, wildlife present)
- Safety-conscious, dependable, and self-motivated
- Basic knowledge of tools (e.g., loppers, shovels, trimmers)
- Basic Knowledge of Tractors, mowers, and saws (Preferred but not required)
- Must be 18 to 24 due to the grant requirements ( with reliable transportation; a valid driver’s license is required
- Background check required
Perks & Benefits:
- Hands-on training in conservation and land management
- Experience working on or with tractors, mowers, and wood chippers
- Opportunity to contribute to visible improvements on trails and Island
To Apply: Email your résumé and brief statement of interest to [email protected] with the subject line: Trails and Grounds Intern Application.
Pay: $15.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
