Trail Development Research Intern

Overview

BACKGROUND: In 2024, New Jersey Future commissioned a report by the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers University that examined the current trail funding opportunities in New Jersey compared to neighboring states. Included in the report was an analysis of NJ’s County Open Space Trust Funds to identify which counties currently use them to fund trail projects. This internship will build off of that research and further investigate County Open Space Trust Funds and their potential to serve as a tool to accelerate trail development in the state. Our goal is to understand what County Open Space Trust Funds are being used for, why they are being used for those purposes, and what opportunities exist to use them to address additional county needs.

INTERNSHIP SUMMARY: The intern will support the NJF land use team in their effort to expand trail development in New Jersey through innovative and effective government policies. They will be responsible for researching the current municipal and county trail development and funding practices in the counties of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer. This will include coordinating and conducting surveys in each county on how their Open Space Trust Funds are currently being used for trail-related activities and if there are opportunities to use those funds for additional trail initiatives. The Trail Development Research Intern will work with a talented team and report to Policy Coordinator Zeke Weston, while advancing the organization’s broader mission. NJF offers a fun, fast-paced, and supportive work environment and the opportunity to make a difference.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct research and surveys as assigned, following the guidance of NJF staff. 
• Write short reports and/or blogs to document the research findings and make the case for increasing trail funding by highlighting case studies of trail
• projects that need additional funding to be completed. 
• Complete other tasks to support the program as needed, including attending and taking notes at meetings.

REQUIREMENTS 

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate college program.   
• Motivated by the organization’s mission and dedicated to creating equitable and sustainable communities.
• Experience gathering information through online research and stakeholder outreach. 
• Strong writing, citation, and communication skills.
• Attention to detail in producing accurate and meaningful results and products.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Demonstrated initiative and adaptability
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
• Reside in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or New York (for remote work purposes).

COMPENSATION: This is a part-time job (averaging approximately 20 hours a week for 7 weeks) at the hourly rate of $18 per hour. As a part-time employee, you are not eligible for benefits, such as disability, health, dental, vision, or life insurance. No paid time off will be accrued, but you will earn one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked. The NJF Land Use team will work with the successful candidates to determine the specific internship start date in July 2025 and end date in September 2025.

New Jersey Future employees are working on a hybrid work-from-home and in-office schedule. The NJF Land Use team will work with the intern to determine whether their schedule will be hybrid or remote.

APPLICATION: Interested and qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and a resume using our career page by July 15, 2025. If selected to advance, relevant references and a brief writing sample with original content (not edited or contributed to by someone other than the applicant) may be required. NJF is currently unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. If hired, employment eligibility verification will be carried out upon selection. If selected, relevant references may be required.