French Broad River Paddle Trail Internship (Asheville Office) – Summer 2022
The French Broad Riverkeeper was founded in 2001, and serves as the primary protector and defender of the French Broad River watershed in western North Carolina. The Riverkeeper works for healthy and safe waterways in the French Broad River watershed by partnering with citizens and communities to identify pollution sources, enforce environmental laws, advocate for stronger environmental laws, engage in restoration, build recreation options, and educate and empower the public. The French Broad Riverkeeper is a program of MountainTrue, a conservation non-profit that champions clean water, resilient forests, and healthy communities.
The French Broad River Paddle Trail is a series of campsites and access points that now connects over 140 miles of the French Broad River. MountainTrue built six new campsites and opened the paddle trail in the summer of 2012. These campsites are all located on private land maintained by MountainTrue and our partners.
LOCATION: Asheville Downtown Office with travel throughout the French Broad River Watershed
DURATION: May- September. Flexible schedule and hours working 2-4 days a week with some weekend work required (specific work hours will be laid out at the beginning of the internship).
COMPENSATION: $5,000 stipend, plus gas mileage, with academic credit possible
FOR MORE INFORMATION: frenchbroadpaddle.com
DESCRIPTION OF INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES:
The French Broad River Paddle Trail intern will work with the French Broad Riverkeeper to maintain and patrol all aspects of the French Broad River Paddle Trail. This will include visiting each site on a regular basis, checking and working on maintenance issues at the sites including mowing, weed eating, cleaning compost toilets, shoveling access steps, fixing broken tables, etc. Work will also include patrolling the river to monitor for problems, updating the paddle trail website and mobile app, working with the public on paddle trail reservations, and helping with paddle trail trips.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to work outdoors in all conditions
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Able to operate power tools and perform landscape maintenance
- Good social media skills preferred
- Ability to manage time effectively
- Ability to work on many projects at once and maintain attention to details
- Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently
- Paddling skills preferred, but not necessary
TRANSPORTATION: Will need reliable transportation to our truck and equipment, but can use the MountainTrue truck for most of the work that is needed.
TO APPLY: Send a statement of interest and resume to Hartwell Carson at hartwell@mountaintrue.org.