Greenway and River Access Intern

The Neponset River Watershed Association is looking for two enthusiastic Greenway interns from late spring through summer of 2024, with an interest in urban planning and community engagement, particularly in communities of color. The interns will work in close collaboration with the Association’s Greenway’s Coordinator, Executive Director, and community volunteers.   

The interns will help plan and manage programming events along the Greenway Corridor to help improve the community relations with the Neponset River and its greenspaces. The interns will also assist in park revitalization projects aimed at helping to improve riverfront and parkland access around the Neponset Watershed and help organize volunteer opportunities in these parkland spaces. The interns may use digital mapping (GIS) to look at various extension opportunities for greater trail connectivity to regional trail networks and to assist in leading meetings to collect public input on trail extension options.  

Furthermore, the interns will engage with Environmental Justice communities through park improvement projects and event planning, and will gain experience with coordinating volunteers and learn about the daily functions of an environmental non-profit.  

Finally, this work will provide the interns with experience in community engagement, access improvement initiatives, GIS mapping software, and volunteer coordination.  

Where  

Typically, work occurs at the Neponset River Watershed Association office (2173 Washington Street Canton, Massachusetts, 02021) and in the field throughout the Lower Neponset River in Dorchester, Quincy, Mattapan, Milton, and Hyde Park. There will be a mix of working remotely with daily ‘check-in’ Zoom meetings, meetings in the field at project sites, and ‘in office’ meet ups.   

When  

The interns will be responsible for a minimum of 16 hours weekly depending on availability, interest, and other commitments. Help can begin as early as May and last through October and we request a minimum commitment of 10 weeks. The hours are flexible and can be determined at the end of each week for the following week, though field days will be planned in advance. Work occurs primarily during normal business hours, with occasional early morning, evening or weekend activities or meetings.   

Qualifications: 

Required: 

• Self-motivation, reliability, and the ability to work independently. 
• The ability to engage racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse community members. 
• The intern should enjoy working in the field on uneven or muddy terrain and under adverse weather conditions (rain, cool mornings, hot afternoons, etc.).  
• Basic computer skills are required.   

Preferred: 

• An undergraduate or master’s student pursuing degrees in geography, environmental policy, public health, urban planning, or related fields.  
• Experience with managing volunteers. 
• Experience with mapping software (ARCGIS).  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential. 

To Apply  

To apply, please send an email describing why you are interested in the position with a copy of your resume to Andres Ripley, [email protected]