High Country Watershed Outreach Assistant

Position Description

The six-month, part-time position hosted by MountainTrue’s Watauga Riverkeeper/High Country team is designed to provide comprehensive support for post-Helene restoration and ongoing water quality programs. This multifaceted role offers a unique opportunity to engage in critical environmental work. The intern’s responsibilities will primarily revolve around three key areas, including water quality sampling support, community tabling and outreach, and streambank restoration projects to restore the areas to pre-Helene levels.

This role is based out of Boone, NC, but does require some travel throughout surrounding counties, including East Tennessee. It is important to note that the nature of this work requires occasional weekend availability, particularly for community outreach events and some field-based restoration activities. This flexibility is essential to maximize the internship’s impact and reach a wider audience for educational initiatives and to complete time-sensitive field work.

Reports to: MountainTrue’s High Country Outreach Coordinator and MountainTrue’s High Country Watershed Coordinator

This position is funded by the High Country Council of Governments Workforce Development Board. MountainTrue is the host organization for this position; the High Country Watershed Outreach Assistant will not be considered a MountainTrue employee. 

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the collection, processing, and analysis of water samples from various points within the Watauga and New River watersheds. 
• Utilize data to monitor the health of the river, identify potential pollutants, and assess the effectiveness of restoration efforts. 
• Gain hands-on experience with scientific methodologies and equipment used in environmental monitoring. 
• Engage with the public to raise awareness about water quality issues, the importance of health riparian zones, and the work the Watauga Riverkeeper is doing post-Helene to get to pre-Helene levels. 
• Participate in local events, set up informational tables, and interact with community members. 
• Will develop valuable communication and public speaking skills to foster community engagement in environmental stewardship. 
• Actively participate in various on-the-ground restoration initiatives aimed at improving the ecological health of streambanks. 
• Perform live staking, a technique using live plant cuttings to stabilize eroding banks and enhance riparian vegetation. 
• Learn ecological restoration techniques by being involved in debris removal projects, clearing the river and it’s banks of harmful litter and unnatural obstructions that negatively impact water flow and aquatic habitats.
• Follow instructions provided during daily and weekly assignments and provide reports as needed. 

Skill Requirements:

• Microsoft Office (Word and Excel)
• Excellent Verbal and Written Communication
• Some Customer Service Skills

Compensation:

$18/hour, up to 28 hours a week. Payment comes from High Country Council of Governments Workforce Development Board.

Apply

Send resume and cover letter to MountainTrue’s High Country Watershed Outreach Coordinator, Emma Crider (emma@mountaintrue.org). Application deadline = Tuesday, August 5, 2025.