TITLE:  Dr. Marc J. Taylor Community Engagement Intern 

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 1 (funding contingent)

TERM:  Planned for June – August (8 weeks); Candidates must be able to work for the entire term

LOCATION:  Pomperaug River Watershed; Housing not provided; Remote work not available

WORKWEEK / HOURS:  Monday through Friday, generally 35 hours/week; some weekend work required

WAGES:  Dependent funding availability; but not less than CT’s current minimum wage ($16.35/hr)

REPORTS TO:  Community Engagement Coordinator and Executive Director

OVERVIEW

The Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition (PRWC), located in Woodbury, CT, is accepting applications from undergraduate and graduate students pursuing environmental careers for its Dr. Marc J. Taylor Community Engagement Intern position. The Community Engagement Intern will serve as an ambassador of PRWC and for its work to protect the Pomperaug River, its tributaries, and aquifer that make Southbury, Woodbury, Bethlehem, and neighboring towns a vibrant place to live, work, and recreate. For 25 years, PRWC has been working tirelessly to protect, sustain, and restore the water resources of the Pomperaug Watershed through community-wide education initiatives, on-the-ground conservation work, watershed science and research, and advocacy at the state and local level.

The Community Engagement Intern will support PRWC’s community outreach and environmental stewardship and advocacy initiatives that may include, but are not limited to, water quality monitoring and assessments, invasive plant management (aquatic and terrestrial), planning and facilitating educational programs, creating educational resources, and leading volunteer stewardship and restoration projects. In 2025, the majority of the season will consist of leading volunteers to help with invasive aquatic plant removal, storm drain marker installation, and trash clean-up projects. Additional activities will include planning educational and community events aligned with PRWC’s 25th Anniversary, preparing related digital and print media, and collecting water quality samples. Tasks supporting other initiatives may also be assigned. The season will consist of work performed in a professional office environment as well as full days outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, sun) and paddling on open water. 

The ideal candidate is a motivated, mature, and skilled individual who enjoys a mix of outdoor field work and office assignments and is comfortable interacting with residents of all ages. Candidates should demonstrate a solid work ethic, understanding of the scientific method and organizational skills, as well as a positive attitude and a commitment to the environment. Daily access to a personal vehicle is required (mileage reimbursement for non-commute, personal vehicle travel will be provided). 

EXPECTATIONS
Intern expectations include, but are not limited to the following abilities:

• Respectfully represent Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition in the development, coordination, and completion of various conservation projects
• Maintain good communication and professional relationships with Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition staff, board, program partners, and the general public
• Adhere to all staff, safety, and program procedures and policies including applicable elements of the PRWC employee handbook
• Ensure a safe, professional work environment for project team members including volunteers
• Engage in professional development activities, as needed, to obtain/renew necessary knowledge, skills, and best practices for resource management

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Complete high priority conservation projects such as water quality sampling, river clean-ups, riparian habitat improvement, invasive aquatic and terrestrial plant species removal, and storm drain marker installation
• Lead volunteers of all ages and experience levels to complete community science and stewardship programs
• Support PRWC’s community engagement initiatives by creating and distributing educational materials, hosting educational presentations, and representing the organization at community events
• Coordinate with supervisory staff on project logistics and implementation
• Compile project logs and reports detailing achievements and results of watershed assessments
• Routinely prepare and maintain tools/equipment before and after projects
• Maintain strong relationships and communication with project partners and colleagues
• Complete tasks that involve heavy lifting (40+ pounds), repetitive motion, walking/hiking while carrying equipment and supplies over uneven terrain including streambanks and river channels while wearing chest waders; Perform physical labor that includes lifting, bending, kneeling, paddling on open water, and working with hand-held equipment for 2- to 3-hour intervals
• Working outdoors in various weather conditions including hot and cold temperature, sun and rain
• Other assignments that support PRWC’s scientific research, outreach, and environmental initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS & ELIGIBILITY
Candidates should possess, at a minimum, the following:

• Strong interest in natural resource conservation and environmental education 
• Commitment to protecting and improving the quality of the environment for human and natural communities
• Ability to work responsibly and cooperatively as a member of a team
• Capacity to perform strenuous physical labor such as carrying 40+ pounds, including equipment associated with duties (e.g. kayak), over uneven terrain, and wear chest waders for hours at a time
• Understanding of the scientific method and best practices for field safety and ability to adhere to field data collection protocols and data quality objectives 
• Strong organization, leadership, and public speaking skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) or Google equivalents
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license and daily access to a personal vehicle 
• Knowledge of native and invasive terrestrial and aquatic plants is helpful
• Candidates holding current CPR and First Aid Certifications preferred
• Personal access to and ability to transport a canoe or kayak is a huge plus!
• Eligibility to work in the United States

HOW TO APPLY
Qualified and interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references as a single PDF document that includes your last name in the file name by email to outreach@pomperaug.org. Please include “Community Engagement Internship Application” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until March 1, 2025 or until the position is filled. 

EOE STATEMENT

Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the bases of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital status, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other status or class otherwise protected by law.