Job Type
Part-time, Temporary, Internship
Description
Position Title: Policy Intern
Accountability: Policy Intern reports to the Policy Director
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 Policy Intern will facilitate the position of a Summer Elections Associate who will be responsible for researching candidates for office in our basin and assisting with the execution of our organizational involvement in the 2026 election. In this role, the Intern will lay the foundation for legislative success by helping create a clear path through the election and lift up “conservation” in the electoral process. An ideal candidate will be extremely driven, passionate about non-partisan politics, able to work independently, have an eye for detail, eager to talk with strangers, and have experience in event planning.
Responsibilities:
- Proudly serves the local community, serving as a brand ambassador, promoting awareness and advocacy for the Catawba Riverkeeper and our mission.
- Researches candidates for the North Carolina and South Carolina state legislatures, county commissions, and other local races.
- Analyzes campaign finance reports.
- Assists with the planning and execution of election events.
- Tracks and attends public election events.
- Researches other interest groups’ priorities and activities during the election.
- Plans summer “field trips” for legislators and Piedmont Promise partner organizations.
- Develops election engagement, and civic education content (blogs, social media posts, etc.).
- Assists with identifying similar legislative concepts to piece together for legislation.
- Assists organizing staff with public outreach events.
- Assists in the process of researching and drafting legislation.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Exemplifies the Catawba Riverkeeper mission statement and supports staff, departments and leadership in pursuing and achieving goals.
Requirements
- 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 35 pounds.
- 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 coursework or experience in political science, communications, public engagement, etc.
- Comfortable working autonomously as well as working in a team environment.
- Experience in event planning.
- Preferred, but not required, Experience with ArcGIS.
- Ability to maintain an organized and detailed workflow with changing variables
Location:
The Intern will be based at Catawba Riverkeeper’s policy office in Charlotte with regular travel to Riverkeeper main office in Cramerton as well as other parts of the basin and Piedmont Region. They 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.
Salary Description
$12.50 per hour
