Environmental Education
CRA champions the long-term vitality of the Texas Colorado River through education and engagement. Interns support this mission as environmental educators by teaching and assisting our youth education programs.
Help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and scientists in Austin. The Environmental Education Internship is ideal for anyone passionate about water issues and interested in working with young people—no experience necessary.
Interns will assist with the following programs based on weekly availability, program needs, and individual preferences.
Now accepting applications for Spring 2027 semester.
Internship periods: January 12, 2026 – May 7, 2027
Application Deadline: Friday, November 6, 2026
Stipend: $1,000 upon successful completion of internship.
Reports to: Program Coordinator
Key responsibilities:
- Teach hands-on water science activities for K-5th and 7th grade students during programs.
- Prepare and break down field trip materials.
- Guide students through the Mobile River Exhibit.
- Provide occasional assistance with maintenance and upkeep of classroom models exhibits.
- Provide occasional data entry from programs and community action events.
Minimum requirements:
- Ability to commit at least 10 hours per week to intern duties, with availability at least twice per week in the range of 8:45 AM – 1:45 PM, Tuesday to Friday.
- Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours for community outreach and action events.
- Reliable transportation to attend weekly programs, particularly if assigned to work in K-2 or 7th grade programs.
- Interest in water conservation, youth education, and environmental science.
- Favorable results of all necessary background checks.
Preferred requirements:
- Bilingual (English and Spanish).
- Experience working with youth and children.
- Background in sustainability, environmental science, or conservation.
- Music or theatrical performance experience is a plus!
Assembly-style program
For K–2nd grade students
Friends of Dowser Dan is a free, interactive educational assembly for K–2nd graders that brings water conservation to life through engaging characters, music, and TEKS-aligned lessons. In collaboration with Austin Water, the program inspires young students to become River Heroes and protect the Texas Colorado River and its ecosystem.
Description: Interns assist in delivering our youth education programs for grades K–2 by presenting engaging, age-appropriate in-school assemblies that teach students about water conservation and related topics.
Location: Elementary schools throughout Austin.
Field Trip Program
For 3rd-5th grade students
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.
Description: Interns assist in delivering our youth education programs for grades 3–5 by teaching lessons about water conservation and related topics.
Location: The Wilkerson Center for Colorado River Education (3625 Lake Austin Blvd Austin, TX 78703)
The Mobile River Program
For 7th grade students
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 video games housed inside a 42-foot trailer.
Description: Interns assist in delivering our Mobile River Program, which brings a water science center on wheels and classroom curriculum to 7th graders in the Texas Colorado River basin.
Location: Middle schools throughout Austin.
What you’ll gain and what to expect
At Colorado River Alliance, we are committed to providing a supportive and enriching learning experience for our interns. Throughout your internship, you can expect to receive comprehensive supervision and guidance, ensuring that you gain valuable insights and hands-on experience from seasoned experts in the field of environmental education, water conservation, sustainability, river stewardship, and more. Our aim is to provide you with a well-rounded, immersive experience where you’ll not only contribute to our mission but also develop the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact in the world of environmental stewardship.
Supervision and guidance
Regular check-ins: You will have regular one-on-one check-in meetings with your supervisor to discuss your progress, address any challenges, and set goals for your personal and professional growth.
Team collaboration: You’ll work closely with a team, including Alliance staff. This collaborative environment encourages knowledge sharing, creativity, and a strong sense of camaraderie.
Learning from experts
Expert-led training: Our educational programs are designed and delivered by experts in the field of environmental education, water science, and conservation. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from these specialists during training sessions.
Hands-on experience: While participating in field trips or Mobile River programs, you’ll work alongside these experts, gaining practical experience in teaching, engaging with students, and presenting water science activities.
Access to resources: You’ll have access to a wealth of educational materials, resources, and interactive models that have been carefully curated and developed by experts to make learning engaging and effective.
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.
