Volunteer and Community Science Intern

Position Title: Volunteer and Community Science Intern

Accountability: Volunteer and Community Science Intern reports to the Volunteer and Community Science Manager 

Job Classification: Part-time, hourly, non-exempt, 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. 

Position Summary: The Volunteer and Community Science Intern will play a vital role in preparing and executing a variety of volunteer programs and community science projects as well as creating content for the volunteer newsletter. An ideal candidate will be flexible, punctual, have a positive attitude, be comfortable working outdoors on varying terrain, and 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.  
• Support cleanup and outreach events under the direction of their manager.
• Complete a project to help support a community science or volunteer program.
• Assist with the creation of a volunteer newsletter.
• Assist with data mining and organization across volunteer and community science programs.
• Assist with Swim Guide related needs.
• Other duties as determined by the intern and their manager.
• Exemplifies the Catawba Riverkeeper mission statement and supports staff, departments and leadership in pursuing and achieving goals.

• Exhibits a passion for the mission of Catawba Riverkeeper.
• Successfully pass a standard criminal background review. 
• Ability to work some nights and weekends,
• Able to lift/move 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a team or autonomously.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. 
• 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: 

• Preferred, but not required, coursework or experience in outdoor recreation, environmental science/conservation, marketing, or similar field.
• CPR/AED/First Aid Certification preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite.
• Experience with public speaking or strong communication skills.
• Experience with ArcGIS is highly preferred but not required. 
• Any degree of experience with videography and photography is helpful.
• Kayaking experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to maintain an organized and detailed workflow with changing variables.

Location: 

The Intern will be based at Catawba Riverkeeper’s main office at Confluence in Cramerton, NC and will have the opportunity to work on projects throughout our 26-county footprint in North and South Carolina.  

Schedule: 

The Intern will be expected to work approximately 30 hours a week, from 10am-4pm Tuesday-Friday. This internship starts Tuesday, May 19 and ends Friday, August 28 but is subject to the Intern’s personal and academic schedule.  

Compensation: 

The Intern will be paid $12.50 per hour worked and paid on a bi-weekly basis. 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 of 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.