Outreach & Education Internship – Pisgah River Rangers

Description and Duties:

The Pisgah River Rangers is an outreach and education program designed to promote and protect the ecological health of Pisgah National Forest’s natural resources. This program focuses on environmental stewardship and public education & outreach focused on stream health. River Ranger Interns are employed through The Pisgah Conservancy. This program is created through a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, The Pisgah Conservancy, Pisgah Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and the Public Land Corps. Based out of the Pisgah Ranger Station in Pisgah Forest, NC. Interns will work alongside other River Ranger Interns under the supervision of the Lead River Ranger.

As a River Ranger Intern, most work will be outdoors. Duties include providing outreach to the public through educational programs (riverside programs, guided hikes, festivals, etc.) in Pisgah National Forest and surrounding community. Other regular duties include litter pick-up, conducting angler/creel surveys, cairn/rock dam removal in waterways, and creating outreach materials. There will be some opportunity during the summer to assist in biological monitoring of natural resources (snorkel surveys for hellbenders, electrofishing for brook trout, etc.) as well as working with other disciplines within the U.S. Forest Service (trail work, landscaping, and forest management).

Desired Skills

• Experience working on a team
• Strong communication skills
• Experience with public speaking or environmental education/outreach
• Familiarity with Southern Appalachian ecosystems
• Experience wading, swimming, or snorkeling in rivers
• Experience with social media and graphic design

Job Requirements:

Must be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from college pursuing a degree toward Natural Resources Management, Biology, Environmental Science, Education, Communications or related field. Must be able to lift heavy objects and carry equipment to and from worksites. Must be comfortable working outdoors in sometimes hot & buggy conditions. Must be comfortable wading and potentially swimming in streams of various depths. Must be comfortable communicating with the public, of all ages. Valid driver’s license is required.

Duration of Work & Compensation

This position is funded for 440 hours/11 weeks, from May 19th – August 8th, 2025. End dates negotiable. The first week is reserved for training.

$13/hour, not to exceed 40 hours per week, with some weekends and holidays required. Forest Service housing may be available on a first come, first serve basis.