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 of our two educational programs based on weekly availability, program needs, and preference.
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 period: Spring and Fall semesters
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.
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 period: Spring and Fall semesters
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. Must be available 15 hours per week within the above timeframe. A few evening and weekend hours may be required for community outreach events.
Reports to: Program Coordinator
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 $1,000 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.
