Position Title: Riverkeeper Intern - Southern Basin

Accountability: Riverkeeper Intern - Southern Basin reports to Southern Basin Manager

Job Classification: Part-time, internship

About: Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation (Catawba Riverkeeper) was founded in 1997 as the 21st waterkeeper organization in the U.S. Now, proudly part of an international movement that boasts over 400 local organizations, we preserve, protect and restore the waters of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin for all through education, advocacy, and engagement. Our 5,000 square mile river basin includes over 8,900 miles of waterways across 26 counties in North and South Carolina. 

The Riverkeeper Intern - Southern Basin (SB) is responsible for helping to execute the Swim Guide Program and assist the Southern Basin Watershed Manager in executing the mission of Catawba Riverkeeper in the Southern Basin. In this role, the Intern will be collecting and analyzing water samples for E. coli, working on pollution issues, and researching various water quality related topics.

Responsibilities 

• Proudly serve the local community, serving as a brand ambassador, promoting awareness and advocacy for the Catawba Riverkeeper and our mission
• Coordinate with volunteers and other interns to collect, process, and publish weekly bacteria data for our Swim Guide program 
• Exemplifies the Catawba Riverkeeper mission statement and supports staff, departments and leadership in pursuing and achieving goals
• Performs any other duties needed to help drive to our vision, fulfill our mission, and abide by our values
• Analyzing pollution discharge data 
• Mapping current and future threats to the water 
• Research industry best practices and stay update on new developments
• Researching for projects leading to direct policy change
• Assisting with waterway patrols and water/land surveys
• Collect samples in the field, prepare them for analysis, run laboratory equipment, and track sources of pollutants

Requirements:

• Exhibits a passion for the mission of Catawba Riverkeeper
• Successfully pass a standard background review
• Able to lift/move 35 pounds
• Proficiency with Excel or Google Sheets, including data manipulation, summary, and analysis
• Willingness to work in various weather conditions (rain, mud, bugs, etc.)
• Ability to hike through brush and moderate terrain
• Attention to detail
• Clear, concise communication skills
• Confident self-starter
• Experience with GIS or willingness to learn
• Ability to follow detailed instructions
• Reliable personal transportation and current license

Education & Experience:

• Pursuing a degree in Environmental Science or related field
• Preferred, but not required, coursework or experience in outdoor recreation, environmental science/conservation, biology, education or similar field
• Kayaking experience preferred
• Ability to maintain an organized and detailed workflow with changing variables
• Comfortable working autonomously as well as working in a team environment

Location:

The Riverkeeper Intern – SB will be based at Catawba Riverkeeper’s Headquarters (the River Room) in McAdenville, NC and will have the opportunity to work on projects throughout our 26-county footprint in North and South Carolina.  

Schedule:

The Riverkeeper Intern – SB will be expected to work approximately 24 hours a week, from 10am-4pm Tuesday-Friday. The preferred first day is Tuesday, May 21st and last day is Friday, August 30th. Dates are flexible to meet academic schedules.

Compensation:

The Intern will be given a $2,500 stipend to be distributed in two payments – last week in June and last day of work in August. Activities that require the use of a personal vehicle may receive gas mileage reimbursement upon supervisor approval.

Values:

We are an organization of action, quality, leaders, innovation, and engagement. We prioritize getting meaningful work done. We hold ourselves to a standard or excellence in everything we do. We strive to be leaders in our individual areas of influence as well as an environmental organization in this region. We are not afraid of trying new things and are willing to take thoughtful risks in achieving our mission. We work to actively bring our communities into the work we do.

Catawba Riverkeeper provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.

How to Apply:

Applicants should email their resume and cover letter to Rachael.R@catawbariverkeeper.org. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, as applications are received.