UTAP (Universal Trail Assessment Process) Intern

Saratoga PLAN is hiring a UTAP (Universal Trail Assessment Process) Intern to assist with a variety of tasks related to implementing accessibility initiatives and stewardship needs on PLAN preserves. Reporting to the Stewardship Manager, the UTAP Intern will work closely with all PLAN staff, committee members, volunteers, and community partners. This position will be approximately 60% office based, and 40% field based. A vehicle and active driver’s license are required for this role.

Responsibilities:

UTAP and Accessibility Initiatives (70%):

• Collect, process and analyze trail data using ESRI Survey 123 as part of the Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP) on PLAN trails.
• Create story maps, trail maps, kiosk maps, or other useful maps using ESRI ArcPro.
• Collaborate, lead, and train UTAP volunteers to assess trails and coordinate site visits.
• Record videos and capture photos of trail characteristics for additional visual support in story maps and other online information.
• Work with Communications staff to produce trail accessibility signage, as well as materials for education and promotion, e.g., blog posts, social media content, photos from the field, etc.

Stewardship and Trail Maintenance Support (30%):

• Help with the preparation and coordination of stewardship volunteer or community engagement workdays related to trail maintenance, preserve cleanups, or invasive species removal/restoration projects.
• Complete routine and responsive trail maintenance tasks and serve as a member of independently scheduled volunteer work crews, including participating as a non-sawing member of chainsaw crews with certified volunteer sawyers.
• Assist Stewardship staff with fee-title preserve stewardship and monitoring.

Ideal skills and experience:

• Currently enrolled at a university studying one of the following: Conservation, Natural Resource Management, Planning, Public Health, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, or similar field. 
• Experience with ESRI ArcPro, Survey 123, iMapInvasives, or other mapping software and apps. 
• Adept at working with manual and mechanized stewardship tools (loppers, string trimmers, drills). 
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office 365 Online Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
• Strong reading and writing skills with the ability to comprehend and interpret scientific data.
• Excellent organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail and record-keeping.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activities such as hiking in steep terrain and working on outdoor stewardship projects as well as long hours at a computer.
• Capable of working well in a small team environment while also having the ability to self-direct and motivate to achieve the above listed job duties.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications as well as a science-based writing assignment you’ve completed and examples of maps you’ve produced, a resume, and two references to info@saratogaplan.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed starting August 26, 2026.