Community Engagement Intern

Community Engagement Intern

Wild Rivers Conservancy is currently recruiting applicants for a Community Engagement Intern at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway during the summer of 2026. The position will be a minimum of 10 weeks, beginning May 28th, 2026. 

Wild Rivers Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. We inspire stewardship to forever ensure the rare ecological integrity of the St. Croix and Namekagon Riverway. Learn more at: www.wildriversconservancy.org 

The Riverway, one of the nation’s first wild and scenic rivers, is a National Park consisting of 255 river miles that flow through some of the most scenic and least developed land in the Upper Midwest. Learn more at: www.nps.gov/sacn. 

Position Summary

The Community Engagement Intern will help expand public awareness of Wild Rivers Conservancy and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway by representing the organization at community events, festivals, and popular river access points throughout the summer. Utilizing our new Mobile Visitor Center van, the intern will engage visitors, share information about the national park, and promote stewardship of the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers. This role will also support the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the van and contribute to social media content that highlights its activities, locations, and impact in local communities. The intern will work alongside Conservancy staff, NPS Park Rangers, and Riverway Volunteers to help promote events and support event logistics.   The day-to-day supervisor is the Community Engagement Manager.

Core Functions

• Represent Wild Rivers Conservancy and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway at community events such as Musky Fest, River Fest, Stillwater Lumberjack Days parade, farmer’s markets, and other outreach opportunities
• Staff the Mobile Visitor Center van at river landings and public spaces, sharing park information, safety guidance, river stewardship messaging, and upcoming program details with visitors
• Facilitate interactive, family-friendly engagement activities with visitors
• Create, prepare, set up, tear down, and transport outreach materials and displays
• Create and share engaging social media content highlighting the Mobile Visitor Center’s activities, event schedule, and in-time locations
• Capture photos, short videos, and stories during events to help showcase the Conservancy’s community presence
• Collaborate with communications staff at NPS and the Conservancy to ensure consistent messaging and timely public updates on the van’s whereabouts
• Assist staff with outreach logistics, data collection, and evaluation of community impact
• Maintain and care for program supplies and equipment
• Contribute positively to a collaborative, mission-driven team environment
• Other duties as assigned to support the community engagement and public outreach goals

Qualifications 

• Must be a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States, with a valid state driver’s license
• Preference to college students or recent graduates with coursework in environmental science, communications, outdoor education, biology, public relations or a related field
• General knowledge of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is helpful
• Excitement for the natural world and a demonstrated ability to share it with others
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team, be detail-oriented and organized, and follow oral and written directions
• Ability to work with a flexible and changing schedule. Must be able to work some long days, weekends, and evenings
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds independently, and up to 50 pounds with assistance
• Must be able to begin internship on May 28th, 2026

Work Site and Conditions 

• The intern will be based at the Wild Rivers Conservancy office in Osceola, WI
• There will be travel throughout the St. Croix watershed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin
• Driving, parking and backing up a Mercedes Benz E-Sprinter van is required. Training available.
• This position will involve some physical activity, including walking, standing for long periods, and paddling a kayak or canoe at a variety of locations
• Schedules can be variable or on a week-to-week basis

Position and Wage Details 

This is a temporary, full-time internship ranging 32-40 hours weekly for a minimum of 10 weeks at a wage of $15/hr.