Partnership for Wild and Scenic Rivers Program Overview

Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers (PWSRs) is a unique category of protected rivers managed through long-term partnerships between the National Park Service and local, regional and state stakeholders. This locally-driven, collaborative planning and management approach to river conservation is an effective alternative to direct federal management and administration. Nationally-designated river protection, anchored by federal funding, benefit from the hundreds of committed people contributing thousands of their volunteer hours and donating professional and other in kind services to protect, manage and enhance our national “Outstandingly Remarkable Values” for each river. Staff in Region 1 of the National Park Service support this program.

Position Overview

The Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program is seeking assistance for program development, communication efforts, and special projects that better promote and build awareness and support for the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program (PWSR). This effort will directly benefit the NPS PWSR program, local communities and the environment, and provide opportunities to work with key river partners. The intern can expect to:

• Develop a strong understanding of the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program through research, hands-on work, and networking with relevant staff and partners.
• Expand upon existing partnerships and communication efforts developed by Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers staff.
• Cultivate new and future partners through community engagement.
• Support Partnership Wild and Scenic River staff with the development and implementation of new river initiatives, river protection programs, natural resources projects.
• Engage with other National Parks Service staff, partners, and fellows to develop guidance relating to climate resiliency
• Pursue your own professional development and career interests.
• Advance NPS Strategic Priorities: Healthy Workforce; Tribal and Descendent Collaboration; Collaborative Stewardship; Diversity Recruitment; Supportive Networks; and Visitor Experiences

Position Responsibilities will include:

• Provide PWSR program support for new Wild and Scenic River designations and studies in New England. This includes:
  • Support the startup of new Wild and Scenic River designations and associated Stewardship Councils.
  • Assist with the new Wild and Scenic River studies in New England.
• Support key stewardship projects for the designated rivers in Northern New England. This includes:
  • Assist in planning and coordinating the Spring 2023 River Access Planning Workshop on the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers.
  • Assist River Stewardship Councils with Comprehensive River Management Plan updates for the Taunton and Lamprey Rivers.
  • Coordinate long term success reports for rivers ending 5-year Cooperative Agreement cycles.
  • Attend River Stewardship Council meetings for all PWSRs in Northern New England.
• Support PWSR program growth. This includes:
  • Cultivate community engagement on prospective new candidate and study rivers by helping PWSR coalitions interested in study.
• Support WSR programmatic initiatives. This includes:
  • Work with other PWSR Fellows to assist PWSR staff in developing a PWSR Guidance Document, compile resource library and sample business documents, and develop a shared drive/space for partners.
  • Participate on subcommittee(s)/workgroup(s) of the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council or NPS Wild and Scenic Steering Committee.
• Natural Resource Management Projects:
  • Work with other PWSR Fellows to develop a list of tree/plant species for restoration work in the Mid-Atlantic and New England Regions that will be relevant in 2040, 2100 when climate change has shifted ecosystems and environments northward.
  • Work with other PWSR Fellows to develop guidance documents/fact sheets on types of green infrastructure and low impact development that towns can use that will benefit the rivers.

Minimum Requirements:

• 18-30 years old as of January 2023 (up to 35 for veterans)
• US citizenship or permanent residency. Interns must undergo a government background check if selected.
• Available to work full-time (40 hours per week)
• Hold a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies or Natural Resources with a strong background in community planning and ecology; or similarly rigorous work experience in these fields.
• Driver’s License and ability to pass MVR through Conservation Legacy (must be over 21 years old or have had license for 3 years)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Have strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Be comfortable collaborating, brainstorming, and developing content with a wide range of partners.
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of people and develop strong partner networks.
• Have strong organizational skills.
• Have experience researching, developing, and publishing content for a variety of platforms and outlets.

Benefits:

• $634/week living allowance
• $5000.00 Professional Development and Training fund.
• On-the-job training from NPS staff, plus additional self-paced training opportunities on policy.
• $6,495 AmeriCorps Education Award, upon successful completion of the service term.
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority, upon successful completion of the service term.

How to Apply
Apply on-line at: https://stewardslegacy.org/open-positions. In addition to your resume, please submit a one page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position.

Please contact Alex Whittow, awhittow@conservationlegacy.org, with any questions.

Stewards Individual Placements Program does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.