Housatonic Valley Association · 15 hours ago
River Steward Intern
Cornwall Bridge, CT
Internship
Onsite
Intern
$18/hr - $18/hrThe Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) is seeking applications for their Summer 2026 River Stewards of Tomorrow Internship Program. This paid, full-time internship offers students and early career individuals hands-on experience in conservation and environmental education while working on various projects related to river protection and biodiversity.
Environmental Services
Responsibilities
River Stewards will visit popular recreation sites along the federally-designated Wild and Scenic Housatonic River and engage with visitors to share information about water safety and sustainable use of the river and its resources and collect data related to visitor use that will inform future management decisions
Stewards may collect and manage chemical and biological data to support watershed management planning efforts and track the effectiveness of restoration projects like rain gardens and culvert replacements
River Stewards may conduct maintenance activities at restoration project sites where initial installations have been completed, including but not limited to watering restoration plantings and controlling invasive species
River Stewards will assist with HVA’s community science programs, such as data collection and engagement with partners
River Stewards may assist with outreach and public engagement through social media, website, and E-blast content development; event planning and support; and educational initiatives
Each River Steward will complete a capstone-style project that allows them to develop a new skill and advances a need of the organization
Qualification
Required
Valid Driver License and daily access to a reliable personal vehicle
Comfortable working outside in varied conditions (i.e., mosquitoes, rain, heat and humidity)
Physical ability to complete strenuous field work (i.e., physically active labor outside for several hours at a time under inclement conditions)
Ability to work well with others and adapt and thrive across different work conditions
Availability to work the full 12-week program (start date pending availability of successful applicants), and weekends including 4th of July weekend
Professional demeanor and strong interpersonal skills
Preferred
Comfort with approaching and interacting with the public
Strong organization and time management skills
GIS or field data collection familiarity
Social media or communications familiarity
Spanish and/or Portuguese language skills
Benefits
Work-related travel will be compensated at the Federal Mileage Reimbursement Rate.
Housing may be provided for those coming from outside the area.
Company
Housatonic Valley Association
HVA is the only conservation organization working across the entire 2,000 square–mile Housatonic Watershed.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase