Position Title: Outdoor Recreation Intern

Accountability: Outdoor Program Director

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 Outdoor Recreation Intern is responsible for public engagement with the Catawba Riverkeeper through the development and execution of outdoor recreation programming.  In this role, the Outdoor Recreation Intern will assist the Recreation Team with development, execution and reporting of high quality and unique outdoor programming. An ideal candidate will be an individual that is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys interacting with others.

Responsibilities 

• Proudly serve the local community, serving as a brand ambassador, promoting awareness and advocacy for the Catawba Riverkeeper and our mission.
• Think creatively to develop a public recreation program that is unique to the Catawba Riverkeeper and create a plan for execution.
• Speak to groups in a public setting to tell the story and mission of the Catawba Riverkeeper.
• Must be comfortable on the water in a kayak, canoe, or paddle board to assist the Recreation Team in leading group paddles.
• Develop a creative community engagement plan to interact with and inspire citizens of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin to engage with the Catawba Riverkeeper recreation programs.
• 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 background review.
• Must be willing to paddle in a watercraft in various bodies of water.
• Able to lift/move 35 pounds.
• 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 Environmental Science or Recreation Management
• Preferred, but not required, coursework or experience in outdoor recreation, environmental science/conservation, biology, education or similar field.
• Kayaking experience preferred.
• Experience with walking, hiking, running, or trail running 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 Outdoor Recreation Intern will be based at Catawba Riverkeeper’s headquarters in downtown McAdenville, NC and will have the opportunity to work on projects throughout our 26-county footprint in North and South Carolina.  

Schedule: The Outdoor Recreation Intern will be expected to work approximately 25 hours a week with a flexible schedule that will include some weekends and few weekday evenings. The preferred first day is Monday, June 3 and last is Friday, August 9.

Compensation:

The Outdoor Recreation 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 Eric Smallwood, Outdoor Program Director, eric.s@catawbariverkeeper.org. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, as applications are received.