BUILD YOUR SKILLS. MAKE AN IMPACT. EXPERIENCE THE OUTDOORS LIKE NEVER BEFORE.
Applications are open NOW for our 2025 Internship Program in Maine's Katahdin Region. Join the collaborative team that is transforming this region, and discover the possibilities waiting for you where community and the outdoors come together.
THE KATAHDIN REGION INTERNSHIP
This summer the Outdoor Sport Institute (OSI) is seeking motivated, energetic interns to join the team engaging with the communities here leading grassroots initiatives connecting people with the outdoors. Spend your summer in the heart of one of the most beautiful and inspiring landscapes in the northeast where you have the opportunity to paddle thrilling whitewater, explore pristine alpine terrain, ride epic trails, or simply meander through endless forests and waterways amidst Maine’s most iconic wilderness.
This internship is an immersive summer experience focused on further developing your skills in outdoor sport, leadership, and community building through hands-on learning, practice, and application.
You will serve as part of a core team known as the Katahdin Region Outdoor Collective (KROC) working to support a variety of community-based outdoor initiatives. You will work directly with local community organizations to complete projects focused on
leading outdoor programming
developing and maintaining local trails
expanding access to gear
mentoring the next generation of leaders
Our goals through this program are
“This internship was a great balance between professional development, skill development, and brain work. ”
“It was a great summer that I’d do over again in a heartbeat.”
to help you develop as a leader and practitioner in the outdoors
improve your technical skills in a variety of outdoor sports
connect you with the people and organizations working to transform their communities through the outdoors
have an insanely fun, active summer doing it.
The internship is approximately 12 weeks in length, from mid-May through mid-August.
The internship begins with training and orientation. From there the schedule will vary each week. Your time will be spent in the following ways –
“I loved the personal development days. I learned so much about outdoor sports I would not have participated in alone. ”
“The thing that surprised me was how connected and invested I became in this community that I had no prior ties to before this internship.”
Training with outdoor professionals in a variety of technical areas including backcountry and alpine travel, mountain biking, flat water paddling, whitewater paddling, and trail building.
Refining leadership skills in wilderness and front-country settings
Working with partner organizations on specific community-focused outdoor initiatives
Instructing and leading local youth and adults in outdoor sport experiences
Supporting a community gear library
Working with community members to build and maintain trails
Engaging with and learning from local community leaders and organizations about their efforts in the region
Supporting OSI’s collaborative outreach in multiple communities
Based in Millinocket, ME you will work and train throughout the Katahdin Region. Housing is available for those that need it.
“The opportunity to develop technical skills while working with a small community and group of peers was perfect for me. ”
This opportunity is focused on giving aspiring outdoor professionals practical experience in a rural setting that combines community and wilderness. It is equal parts learning, training, and working. Candidates need to be motivated to push their skills, engage with community, and be open to learning about themselves and others.
This experience will require candidates to utilize and refine a variety of skill sets including but not limited to communication, instruction, facilitation, leadership, project management, critical thinking, problem solving, and self-reflection.
Ideal candidates will be:
“I’ve never felt like I belonged within a group more quickly than with the other interns.”
Eager to learn and refine skills in outdoor leadership including interpersonal, intra-personal, and technical skills
Prepared and motivated to be very physically active on a daily basis
Excited to explore the region during both on days and off days
Capable of living and working as part of a close-knit team
Have strong self-care and time management skills
Pre-requisites:
Must be at least 20 years old.
Applicants should be currently enrolled in two or four-year degree programs. 2024 & 2025 college / university graduates are also eligible.
Those not currently enrolled will still be considered.
No specific certifications are required, but wilderness medical training is preferred (WFR / WFA / WAFA).
Previous experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred but not required (hiking, trail running, mountain biking, flatwater paddling, whitewater paddling, climbing, backpacking, trail building)
All interns will need to complete a background check before beginning work.
Fill out the online application and upload your cover letter, resume, and list of references HERE. Not sure if you’re the right candidate? Who is!? Apply and let’s chat.
Application review begins February 16th, 2025.
OSI is a 501c3 non-profit empowering active, resilient outdoor communities. We are working to make Northern Maine an epicenter of human-powered outdoor sport. Learn more here.
