MiddWorks for Vermont: Summer 2026 VT Forests, Parks, and Recreation Outdoor Access Gap Analysis Intern

Please note: Your résumé MUST be approved by a CCI Peer Career Advisor in order to apply in Handshake if you are a Middlebury student. (If your résumé was approved last year and has been updated with new experiences, it remains valid.)

2026 Summer Internship 

Middworks for Vermont: Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation Outdoor Access Gap Analysis Summer 2026 Intern

Locations: 

Middlebury, Vermont. Some travel around the state of Vermont as well. 

Overview and Internship Details: 

Vermont is rich in natural resources and recreational experiences, from picnicking in the park, swimming at a Lake Champlain beach, hiking in the Green Mountains or skiing through snowy forests. Unfortunately, access to the publicly accessible outdoor spaces is not evenly or equitably distributed across the state. The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) is working with the Trust for Public Land (TPL) to develop a gap analysis in order to better understand where there is more or less public access to open space, water, recreation facilities, and accessible recreation. The gap analysis will create a model that displays access to different types of recreation, and to public recreation opportunities in aggregate.  

The summer intern will work with FPR staff to refine and organize the base data that will be used for the gap analysis. They will have the opportunity to join and possibly present to meetings of the committee organizing the process, including professionals from agencies within the State of Vermont, non-profit conservation and trails organizations, and businesses. There may be opportunities for data collection and/or groundtruthing.

Qualifications: 

● Successful completion of coursework in GIS and Cartography (including experience with ArcMap or QGIS).

● Strong attention to detail and ability to document your work effectively. 

● Must be able to work independently and as a team member. 

Other Details: 

The intern will have access to the Middlebury College Geography Department computer labs and Charlie Bettigole will provide technical support. Intern must provide their own vehicle and proof of drivers license and insurance. 

Dates and Duration: 

The intern will be expected to be available 35 hours/week for 8-10 weeks. Starting and ending dates are flexible but generally go from early June to mid-August. 

Deadline for Application: 

Please submit a cover letter and resume via Handshake by February 15, 2026.

Questions about the internship can be directed to Claire Polfus (Claire.polfus@vermont.gov) 

MiddWorks for Vermont Cohort Internship Program

Middlebury College is deeply committed to the future of Vermont. Through the MiddWorks for Vermont Cohort Internship Program, CCI funds student internships at Vermont organizations that strengthen the state’s economy, workforce, environment, education system, health, equity, and arts and culture.

Each internship offers hands-on experience, strong mentorship, and insight into why Vermont is an exceptional place to live and work. Students participate in cohort programming and typically live together in Burlington or Middlebury.

Funding: Interns receive a $5,000 CCI award (Churchill Funds) to support their summer experience.
Housing: Available for a fee at Middlebury College or Champlain College in Burlington.
Requirements: CCI-approved résumé; participation in cohort meetings; completion of pre-internship forms, a post-internship evaluation, and a donor thank-you letter
Eligibility: Open to returning Middlebury students. Seniors graduating in May 2026, students not enrolled in Spring or Fall 2026, and those planning to transfer are not eligible.

Be part of a program that celebrates Vermont—its people, places, and potential.

This internship is supported by the Robert Churchill Memorial Internship Fund. The fund was created in memory of Professor Bob Churchill, the founder and director of the GIS program at Middlebury College, who trained more than 900 students in different aspects of GIS and cartography. Many of these students are now leaders in the field.