Internships

Photo credit: Bryan Jack Hurlbutt

Each Riverkeeper internship provides the individual with a strong field experience in which he or she is assigned responsibilities vital to the function of our work. All interns are considered an important and equal part of the team. We seek a group of 6-8 interns during the summer and smaller groups throughout the year to help our policy, litigation, development, and communications teams progress with their work.

We have begun recruitment for summer 2012 internships. Please read the below descriptions and send application materials to the appropriate person listed. Thank you for your interest in working with Riverkeeper!

• SUMMER 2013 Watershed Program Legal Internship

  Program Overview
  Riverkeeper is a member-supported watchdog organization dedicated to defending the Hudson River and its tributaries and protecting the drinking water supply of New York City and Hudson Valley residents. The Watershed Program focuses on protecting the Croton, Catskill, and Delaware Watersheds that supply clean, unfiltered drinking water to nine million New Yorkers.

  Legal Internship Positions
  Riverkeeper’s Watershed Team is seeking legal interns to work directly with the Watershed Program in our office at the Pace Law School Environmental Litigation Clinic in White Plains, New York. Our legal interns are involved in every aspect of our program and gain hands-on experience enforcing environmental laws, investigating pollution complaints, reviewing proposed development projects, and drafting legal documents. Legal interns will participate in weekly staff meetings and case review sessions and may also attend meetings and public hearings with government agencies, elected officials, and local community groups. We are seeking legal interns for summer 2013; specific beginning and end dates negotiable.

  Qualifications
  Riverkeeper prefers applicants who have completed at least two years of law school, although we will consider applications from exceptional first year students. We seek independent and motivated students with a commitment to environmental protection and an ability to handle a diverse caseload. Applicants should have a working knowledge of environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act and the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act. A background in planning or science is a plus. Strong research and writing skills, organized work habits, and a sense of humor are a must.

  How To Apply
  Applications will be accepted, and interviews conducted, on a rolling basis. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and names and contact information for 2 references to:
  Kate Hudson, Watershed Program Director, via email at intern@riverkeeper.org. Please write “Summer 2013 Watershed Program Legal Intern” in the subject line. No calls please.

• Summer 2013Hudson River Program Legal Internship

  Riverkeeper’s Hudson River program is seeking legal interns for the summer of 2013. Interns will gain in-depth and practical experience in the field of public-interest environmental law and play a critical role in helping Riverkeeper further our core mission, to safeguard the ecological integrity of the Hudson River and its tributaries by tracking down and stopping polluters. Interns will work closely with Riverkeeper staff attorneys and investigators—building cases, prosecuting polluters, and advocating for strong environmental policies in the Hudson River Watershed. Responsibilities may include preparing case briefings, drafting legal documents, conducting research, and investigating pollution reports.

  Qualifications
  Riverkeeper prefers applicants who have completed at least two years of law school, although we will consider applications from exceptional first-year law students. Applicants should ideally have a basic understanding of administrative law and have exposure to federal environmental statutes, such as the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). We are looking for interns with strong legal research and writing skills, organized work habits and a passionate desire to advocate for clean water and ecosystem protection. We will strive to provide interns with a valuable, rewarding work experience that is challenging, educational and fun.

  How to Apply
  Interested applicants should send a resume and writing sample to Phillip Musegaas, Hudson River program director, via email at phillip@riverkeeper.org or postal mail to Riverkeeper, 20 Secor Road, Ossining, NY 10562. No calls please.

• Summer 2013Communications Intern

  Riverkeeper is seeking a motivated and talented Communications and Social Media Intern to assist with communications and public relations efforts.

  Specific duties include:

  • Research and assist with online outreach around Riverkeeper issues and campaigns (including blogs, social networks, and other online communities)
  • Drafting blog and social media posts
  • Assist with other aspects of an evolving communications and outreach strategy
  • Strategies and assist with promotion and distribution of the Riverkeeper Journal
  • Track campaign related news and post updates to Riverkeeper in the Press
  • Assist with website content updates
  • Assist with documentation of events including photography and/or video
  • Help put together and mail out basic press kits
  • Catalog media mentions and organize publications

  • General requirements:

  • Social Networking skills
  • Experience posting to blogs and/or experience with CMS
  • Light photo editing skills
  • Must have own computer and ability to work both remotely and in office
  • Detail oriented
  • Additional Qualifications

  • Interest in Hudson Valley and environmental issues preferred

  This is a part time position unpaid internship with flexible hours (between 14 and 20 hours per week).

  Start and end dates are flexible.

  To Apply:
  Please email a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to: gchambers@riverkeeper.org. Please write “Summer 2013 Communications Intern” in the subject line. No phone calls please.