Responsibilities will be adjusted based on the intern's interest and availability but can include the following:
RIVERKEEPER DEPARTMENT
Water Quality Monitoring (until October) - Riverkeepers conduct tidal water quality monitoring from April to October. Interns will have an opportunity to go out on the boat and learn sample protocols. They will also be asked to support with data entry.
Advocacy and Legislation - Throughout the fall Riverkeepers work on local policy issues and prepare for the Maryland General Assembly in January. Interns may be asked to attend hearings and do research on advocacy issues.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
Tree and Native Plant Maintenance – Visit planting partner sites to check on plantings, perform general maintenance, and support upcoming plantings in the fall. This will also include site surveying around Chestertown to identify potential tree locations. Learn more about ShoreRivers Tree the Shore here.
Maryland Grows Oysters (MGO) - Support oyster restoration efforts by preparing for MGO Oyster pick-ups, doing oyster cage repairs, and other tasks as needed.
Attending and Tabling at Community Events - ShoreRivers is invited to numerous events throughout the year including Earth Day festivals, career fairs, community events, etc. Interns may be asked to attend these events and represent ShoreRivers.
Project Clean Stream – Support and coordinate annual Project Clean Stream Trash Pickups.
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Annual – During the fall ShoreRivers host Shaw Bay Raft up Concert, The Ride for Clean Rivers, and Riverside Rendezvous as fundraising events. If the intern's schedule allows, they may be requested to attend the events, work events, and help with set up/take down.
Expeditions - Throughout the year, ShoreRiver hosts experiential events for members ranging from paddling with the Riverkeepers, visiting restoration sites, cooking with invasive species, etc. The intern may be requested to support these expeditions.
CAPSTONE PROJECT
ShoreRivers tries to have interns complete an independent capstone project throughout their time as an intern. This could include writing a grant to complete a project on campus, analyzing an existing ShoreRivers program and providing recommendations on future directions, or conducting research. At the end of the internship, each intern will give a short presentation about their project and share their findings/recommendations. Once the intern is familiar with ShoreRivers programs and work, they will work with their supervisors on determining the topic.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:
While this intern will focus their time with the Riverkeeper and Community Engagement Department, ShoreRivers also has opportunities with the Education, Agriculture and Restoration, and Communications departments. This could include attending a field trip, going soil sampling, visiting a restoration site, and more.
