Western Rivers Conservancy protects outstandingriver ecosystems in the western United States. We acquire land to conserve critical habitat, provide public access for compatible use and enjoyment, and cooperate with other agencies and organizations to secure the health of whole ecosystems. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, we have a 23-year track record of successful land acquisition, placing over 80,000 acres in permanent protection. Working with very few staff and minimal capital, we have established major refuges on such rivers as the Hoh, Stillaguamish and Icicle Rivers in Washington, the Chetco, Sandy and Snake Rivers in Oregon, the Klamath River and Big Chico Creek in California, the Sun and Madison Rivers in Montana, the Bear River in Utah and the Gunnison River in Colorado.
Western Rivers Conservancy is taking applications for a year-long internship beginning June 6, 2011. The Intern will assist Western Rivers Conservancy staff with research, writing, maps, graphic design, outreach and office management. The Intern reports to the Assistant Program Director.
Responsibilities
General Communications and Outreach.
The Intern will support print and electronic outreach to various constituents, including print, web, email, video, conventional media and social media. Excellent writing skills are essential to Western RiversConservancy’s communications, and the need for skill cannot be overstated. In addition, fluency with the various kinds of media mentioned above is required.
Produce publications.
Utilizing desktop publishing software and graphic design tools, the Intern will assist with graphic design and production of publications including fact sheets, brochures and project briefing books. The Intern will be asked to research and write articles for print and online materials, and help manage a large digital photo library.
Create Maps.
Using graphic design tools and GIS, the intern will create maps that support our riverland conservation program.
Research land ownership.
The first step to buying land for protection is identifying what lands are in danger and what opportunities exist to protect the land. An intern isneeded to research land ownership along specific rivers in the West, such as the Santiam River in Oregon, the Klickitat River in Washington and the Gunnison River in Colorado.
Research resource values.
Western Rivers Conservancy is a small-sized conservation organization, and therefore we must be strategic is selecting the projects we choose to pursue. The Intern will help identify and articulate resource values of various waterways and riparian properties.
Administrative tasks.
No program or organization can run without basic administrative tasks being accomplished. The Intern will be responsible for answering the phones and will assist in other administrative tasks such as filing, deliveries, errands, meeting coordination, and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
· Solid skills in researching and writing are absolutely essential.
· Familiarity with PC-based computer software is required.
· Experience using graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, as well as ArcGIS software, is preferred.
· A strong interest in habitat conservation and rivers.
· Ability to commit to forty hours of work per week for a twelve-month period.
· Biological sciences background is a plus.
Compensation
Salary of $20,000 – $24,000 commensurate with experience, plus a generous benefits package
To Apply
Send a cover letter describing why you are interested in an internship with Western Rivers Conservancy as well as your major areas of interest. Include aresume, a non-technical writing sample about an environmental issue you’ve researched, and a list of three personal references.
Send to: Internship
Western Rivers Conservancy
71 SW Oak Street, Suite 100
Portland, OR 97204
Submissions will be accepted until April 29, 2011. Interviews will be conducted in early May. The position is expected to begin no later than June 6, 2011.