SECU: Environmental Education Intern

The Internship
The Environmental Education Intern is responsible for executing educational programs aligned with the mission of Catawba Riverkeeper both on-the-water and on-land. In this role, the Education Intern will work with key Riverkeeper staff on various types of education programs conducted on the Floating Classroom pontoon boat on a lake, in a kayak on a lake or river, in outdoor spaces and indoor locations. These programs may be hosted for the public by Riverkeeper or privately for a community partner. The Education Intern will host programs for both adults and youth. An ideal candidate will flexible, punctual, have a positive attitude, be comfortable working outdoors and on the water in a kayak and pontoon motorboat, as well as eager to learn. Responsibilities: • Proudly serves the local community, serving as a brand ambassador, promoting awareness and advocacy for the Catawba Riverkeeper and our mission. • Coordinates various education programs with key Riverkeeper staff on establish program scheduling, curriculum, materials and equipment. • Lead some education programs as the sole Riverkeeper staff member while supporting others along with on-site staff. • Facilities program logistics and execution along with appropriate staff oversight. • Execute programs both on-the-water in a kayak or on Floating Classroom pontoon as well as outside on trails or green spaces or indoor spaces. • Works closely with the Boat Captains and Floating Classroom Coordinator to understand and execute vessel operations including safety protocol. • 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. Requirements: • Exhibits a passion for the mission of Catawba Riverkeeper. • Successfully pass a standard criminal background review. • Able to work some nights, weekends and holidays. • Active CPR/First Aid certification. • Able to lift/move 50 pounds. • Comfortable working on a moving pontoon on the water. • Comfortable kayaking while managing groups of people with basic water safety knowledge. • Willing to serve all guests equally regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity and/or sexual orientation. Education & Experience: • Pursuing a degree in Education, Environmental Science or related field. • Minimum of five years of experience in community engagement, program development/execution or environmental education preferred. • Ability to maintain an organized and detailed workflow with changing variables. • Ability to make quick decisions and remain calm in various situations. • Strong logistical management skills. • Comfortable speaking to a wide range of people and customizing communication accordingly. • Comfortable working autonomously as well as working in a team environment. Location: The Intern will be based at Catawba Riverkeeper’s main office at Confluence in Cramerton, NC and will have the opportunity to work throughout our 26-county footprint in North and South Carolina.  

Learning Experience
The student will be provided the opportunity to learn how a small independent non-profit is managed among the various departments and roles that all work together towards the same mission. Specifically, the student will learn about the work of environmental conservation and community engagement through a nonprofit that functions to serve a vast diverse geographic area of landscape and communities that all rely on their one water source. This environmental education internship will provide the student the ability to utilize established curriculum and create new curriculum focused on everything from the geographic makeup of our river basin to science-based topics in biology, ecology and more to implement on different types of programs in different settings to different types of groups including youth and adults on land and on water in a kayak or our tritoon boat called the Floating Classroom. They will work with different staff members in different departments to facilitate these educational programs as well as being mentored by our scientists, professional paddler and motorboat captains while doing so.

Outcomes
We hope that the Environmental Education Intern will not only gain personal and professional experiences but also be inspired to explore professional fields related to environmental conservation and community advocacy. In return the intern will help the organization enhance our educational programs both in curriculum and community partnerships while allowing us to provide meaningful programming to a variety of people in our basin. We will encourage feedback and suggestions from the intern about their experience in both executing the role and also the education programs themselves including curriculum, program topics, and program content. Internship SECU Summer Internship Program