Environmental Education
Help lay the foundation for a new generation of environmental stewards and scientists in Austin. The Environmental Education Internship is a great opportunity for anyone who cares about water issues and enjoys interacting with young people—no experience necessary.
If hired, interns will be placed in one or both of our two educational programs based on weekly availability, program needs, and preference.
Application deadline is Monday, January 12, 2026
Internship
Field Trip Program
Launched in 2009 as a collaboration between Colorado River Alliance, LCRA, and Austin Independent School District (AISD), this is a four-hour, outdoor field trip program for students in grades 3–5. Field Trip Program interns teach four core topics during each field trip: the Texas Colorado River & Highland Lakes, watersheds and watershed pollution, water conservation, and the water cycle.
Internship periods:
- Spring and Fall semesters (100 hours)
- Summer (80 hours)
Key responsibilities:
- Teach hands-on water science activities for 3rd-5th grade students during field trips.
- Help prep and break down field trip materials including keeping materials clean, stocked, and ready for the next day.
- Enter data from Field Trip Program participants and community action events.
Location: LCRA’s Wilkerson Center for Colorado River Education/ CRA Office (3625 Lake Austin Blvd Austin, TX 78703)
Time commitment: 8:45am – 1:30pm, Tue-Fri. Minimum commitment of 10 hours/ week. A few evening and weekend hours may be required for community outreach/ action events.
Stipend: $1,000 upon successful completion of internship.
Reports to: Program Coordinator
Internship
Mobile River Program
The Mobile River brings a water-science-center-on-wheels and classroom curriculum directly to the schools of 7th graders in the Texas Colorado River basin. Launched in 2015 in partnership with AISD and Austin Water, the Mobile River program features interactive models and fun, educational videogames housed inside a 42-foot trailer.
Internship periods:
- Spring and Fall semesters (100 hours)
- Summer (80 hours)
Key responsibilities:
- Teach hands-on water science activities in 7th grade science classes alongside educators and/or Alliance staff
- Guide students through the Mobile River Exhibit
- Enter data collected from Mobile River participants
- Occasionally assist with maintenance and upkeep of minor exhibit issues and classroom models
Location: Middle schools all over Austin! For this reason, Mobile River interns must have a reliable form of transportation.
Time commitment: 8:00am – 4:00pm, Mon-Fri. Hours vary based on the campus we are working with that week and work windows will be based off intern schedules. Minimum commitment of 10 hours/ week. A few evening and weekend hours may be required for community outreach events.
Stipend: $1,000 upon successful completion of internship.
Reports to: Program Coordinator
Internship
Curriculum Content Development
The Curriculum Content Development Intern will support the Colorado River Alliance’s internal growth and strategic initiatives. This role is ideal for a student interested in environmental education, nonprofit management, and community impact. The intern will assist with the development, improvement, and accessibility of educational materials for the Dowser Dan youth program. You will work closely with our programs team to refine lesson plans, design resources, and ensure content accuracy and accessibility.
Internship periods:
- Spring and Fall semesters (100 hours)
- Summer (80 hours)
Key responsibilities:
- Research current lesson plans and review classroom tutorials in action.
- Update lesson plans intergrading Colorado River Alliance into Dowser Dan curriculum.
- Format and organize content for both digital and print distribution.
- Review and Fact Check materials for accuracy and alignment with educational standards.
- Collaborate with the Programs Team to devise strategies for making resources accessible to diverse audiences.
- Support other curriculum related tasks as needed.
Qualifications:
- Current undergraduate/graduate student or recent graduate in Education, Communication, or related field
- Strong written, editing and organizational skills
- Experience with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or similar tools; familiarity with Canva or Adobe InDesign a plus
- Interest in environmental education or curriculum development
- Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as in a team environment
Skills you will develop:
- Gain hands-on experience in curriculum design and nonprofit education outreach.
- Build your portfolio with tangible contributions to a youth environmental education initiative.
- Flexible schedule with remote work opportunities.
Location: LCRA’s Wilkerson Center for Colorado River Education/ CRA Office (3625 Lake Austin Blvd Austin, TX 78703)
Time commitment: 9:00am – 4:00pm, Mon-Fri. Minimum commitment of 10 hours/ week totaling 100 hours for the semester. A few evening and weekend hours may be required for community outreach/ action events.
Stipend: $1,000 upon successful completion of internship.
Reports to: Program Director
About Our Internships
The Colorado River Alliance champions the long-term vitality of the Texas Colorado River through education and engagement. At the Alliance, we believe that a healthy, flowing river is imperative to the long-term well-being of the communities through which it runs.
Our interns gain comprehensive training, professional development consultations with our staff, and networking and resume-building opportunities.
Stipend
All interns will receive a stipend upon successful completion of the internship.
Commitment
All intern positions require a minimum commitment of 10 hours per week.
Location
In-person at the Wilkerson Center for Colorado River Education on Lake Austin Blvd. (unless otherwise noted in posting details).
General Qualifications
Spanish proficiency a plus but not required. Pursuing or completed an undergraduate degree. For class credit not required.
