Position Title: Riverkeeper Intern - South Fork Watershed

Accountability: Riverkeeper Intern – South Fork Watershed reports to the South Fork Watershed 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 – South Fork Watershed is responsible for helping to execute the Swim Guide Program and assist the South Fork Watershed Manager in executing the mission of Catawba Riverkeeper in the South Fork Subbasin. In this role, the Riverkeeper 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, monitoring surface water quality through sample collection and analysis.
• Provides maintenance of autonomous water quality sensor systems, equipment, and programs.
• Mapping current and future threats to the water. 
• Research industry best practices and stay updated on new developments.

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. 
• Experience with statistical analysis and programming is a bonus.
• Willingness to work in various outdoor and weather conditions.
• Ability to hike through brush and moderate terrain. 
• Attention to detail and confident self-starter.
• Clear and concise oral and written communication skills. 
• 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 related field.
• Kayaking and some fishing experience are preferred.
• Ability to maintain an organized and detailed workflow with changing variables.
• Comfortable working independently as well as working in a team environment.

Location: The Riverkeeper Intern – South Fork Watershed will be based at the Catawba Riverkeeper headquarters 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 – South Fork Watershed will be expected to work approximately 24 hours a week Tuesday-Friday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (dates flexible to meet academic schedule). The preferred first day is Tuesday, May 21 and last is Friday, August 30th.

Compensation:

The Riverkeeper Intern – South Fork Watershed 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 ambar.t@catawbariverkeeper.org Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, as applications are received.