Community Engagement and Recreation Intern
Position Classification: Non-Exempt, Part-time Paid Internship Position: 16 hours/week (0.40 FTE) for 18 weeks
Weekly hours are approximate dependent on grant funding and to be confirmed upon offer of employment
Salary: $18/hour
Start Date: 05/11/2026
End Date: 08/28/2026
Location: Hybrid: Community engagement fieldwork at various locations along the Connecticut River in CT and MA between Middletown, CT and Springfield, MA. The majority of community engagement and recreation field work will take place in Connecticut (80%). Strong preference for an intern who lives in Connecticut. Administrative work done at CRC office space in Middletown, CT.
Health Benefit Eligible: No
Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes
Supervisor: Connecticut River Steward
Position Description
The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) seeks an intern to support the Community Engagement Partnership (CEP) program between CRC and the National Parks Service. Strong preference for an intern who lives in Connecticut. Intern must have a permanent address in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Vermont.
The CEP activities will include interactive and educational outdoor experiences, such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing, guided boat trips, and birding river walks along the Connecticut River. The Community Engagement and Recreation Intern, in conjunction with CRC staff, will help support and facilitate these activities and bolster CRC staff capacity to increase partnerships and outreach with schools, youth, family, and community organizations within and around the Greater Hartford area, including the cities of Hartford, CT and Springfield, MA. The goal of this partnership programming is to make science and recreation accessible to diverse participants, including those who may not otherwise have opportunities to engage with the river.
Primary Responsibilities
Event Logistics & Facilitation Support (75-80%):
Participate in preparation and planning meetings for community engagement and recreation events
Support the Connecticut River Steward and Events Coordinator in executing CRC recreation, environmental education, and community outreach events (ie. Environmental Education Boat Trips for Schools, Community Paddles, and youth engagement kayak sessions, etc)
Support organizational and logistical tasks including organizing event materials, packing items for event participants, contacting vendors for quotes, tracking attendance, and ensuring registration systems are set up
Travel throughout the lower watershed in CT and MA as needed to attend events, serve as a CRC representative, and facilitate community engagement activities
Outreach and Community Engagement (20-25%):
Increase Connecticut River Steward’s capacity by attending partner meetings and supporting planning and partnership building work
Support and conduct targeted outreach to advertise events or programs for a variety of audiences and distribution channels
Reach out to contacts in the community such as local businesses, schools, nonprofits, and environmental clubs to develop partnerships for future events and collaboration fort paddling in a kayak and/or canoe
Willingness to become a certified American Canoe Association Community Paddlesports Leader (3-day training provided 5/18-5/20)
Driver's license, access to a reliable vehicle, and the ability to access events in Connecticut and Massachusetts
Ability to participate in strenuous physical activity outdoors and to lift and carry up to 40 pounds
Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time
Comfort with supporting events on evenings or weekends when necessary
Ability to work independently as well as with a team of staff and volunteers
Qualifications
Are you excited about this opportunity and don’t meet every requirement? We understand that many folks who may be impacted by biased hiring standards, such as women, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC applicants, may only consider applying if they meet every requirement listed in a job posting. If you are interested in this opportunity and believe you meet most of the job requirements, we encourage you to apply.
Interest in youth and community work, as well as environmental advocacy
Strong interpersonal skills and relational awareness; trauma informed practices appreciated
Experience leading outdoor recreation activities (ex. guided kayaking, fishing, etc)
Ability to swim and comfortable in water with no to slow current
Enthusiasm for community science, environmental education, and community engagement
Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and fostering belonging in the Connecticut River watershed
Comfort in taking the lead to organize and facilitate groups of all ages
Office Location
Hybrid: Community engagement field work at various locations along the Connecticut River in CT and MA between Middletown, CT and Northampton, MA. Administrative work done at CRC office spaces available in Middletown, CT or Greenfield, MA.Hybrid: Community engagement fieldwork at various locations along the Connecticut River in CT and MA between Middletown, CT and Springfield, MA. The majority of community engagement and recreation field work will take place in Connecticut (80%). Strong preference for an intern who lives in Connecticut. Administrative work done at CRC office space in Middletown, CT. Intern must have a permanent address in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Vermont.
Salary and Benefits
Salary: $18/hour
Health Benefit Eligible: No
Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes
Application Instructions
Use the form below to submit a resume and brief cover letter in one PDF document that is titled with your first and last name, and the position you’re applying for.
Application Deadline
April 21st, 2026. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis ending April 30th.
Overview of the Organization
The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed.
CRC has been a steward of the Connecticut River and its tributary streams since 1952. Our programs include advocacy, aquatic invasive species management, dam removal, habitat restoration, migratory fish surveys, recreation, trash cleanups, and water quality monitoring. Through collaborative partnerships in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, CRC leads and supports efforts for resilient and life-filled rivers from source to sea. We are uniquely positioned to leverage local, state, regional, and federal resources as the only science-based nonprofit working throughout the entire watershed. Our values of inclusion, collaboration, resilience, and stewardship guide our ongoing work to address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Together through community engagement and education, we’re helping to ensure healthy rivers for all. Learn more at ctriver.org.
Connecticut River Conservancy is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and will engage in an inclusive recruiting and hiring process. It considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.