Posted: Feb 19, 2026

Community Outreach Intern Job Opening

Prairie Rivers Network seeks a self-motivated individual who is passionate about the environment and people to serve as a Community Outreach Intern for Prairie Rivers Network in Southern Illinois. This position will work closely with people in the communities in Saline County, Illinois.

About Prairie Rivers Network

At Prairie Rivers Network (PRN), we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. Our programs confront many of the root causes of environmental degradation in Illinois while addressing the sources and impacts of climate change and advancing just and equitable solutions.

The Opportunity

This is a short-term, paid internship hosted by Prairie Rivers Network, with work being performed in Saline County, Illinois. This intern position is for approximately 15-25 hours a week for 3-7 months, with details to be determined based on the candidate’s availability and in consultation with PRN staff. The weekly hours and timeframe are flexible. The work will be performed in Saline County and remotely under the supervision of PRN staff. This internship will be paid $18/hour. 

This internship will provide you with an inside look at one of the most effective environmental organizations in the state. Your time at PRN will provide the opportunity to support program work across the organization, with a particular focus on supporting PRN’s education campaign on energy opportunities within Saline County, IL. Bring your skills, and we’ll help you grow them.

What You Will Do at PRN

Potential Tasks

• Support the creation & distribution of educational and outreach materials for the public, community leaders, and decision-makers about energy opportunities, including solar, energy efficiency, electrification, and energy audits
• Represent PRN at local events and other community opportunities through tabling and community engagement. 
• Support other local PRN and partner initiatives, such as checking in on pollinator gardens and assisting Southern Illinois staff as needed. 
• Support outreach through local newspapers, radio stations, social media platforms, and direct mailers to spread awareness about the incentives and benefits of energy efficiency and solar projects.
• Support residents with personalized assistance in understanding and applying for energy savings opportunities. 
• Support partnerships with local non-profits, schools, and businesses to co-host events and share information through their networks. 
• Engage with local influencers and community leaders to champion the cause and help spread the word.
• Support online webinars and Q&A sessions to reach residents who may not be able to attend in-person events.
• Help share success stories through local media, social media, and at community events to inspire and motivate others.

Skill Requirements

Basic skills

• Great team player with excellent communication skills
• Enjoys communicating with the public and meeting new people
• Has basic knowledge of how to operate Google Docs and Sheets 
• Conscientiousness in attendance and punctuality
• Can effectively manage workload and self-administrative tasks 
• An understanding and respect for advancing equity, justice, and diversity

Preferred Skills:

• Basic public speaking 

Self-Management

• Set priorities that accurately reflect the relative importance of job responsibilities and complete work in a timely manner
• Work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction

Communication

• Support the needs of the communications team through attending weekly meetings and following through on tasks assigned.
• Return communications on all platforms in a timely manner
• Write concise, logical, grammatically correct routine business correspondence
• Speak on a one-to-one basis using appropriate vocabulary and grammar to obtain information and explain policies, procedures, etc
• Speak with persons of various social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.

Collaboration

• Work as part of a team and collaborate with colleagues
• Establish work relationships with co-workers, the local community council, local members, and other stakeholders

Travel

• We estimate that this position will spend time travelling within Saline County, which would require a valid driver’s license and vehicle. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel. There is potential for limited trips outside of Saline County as well. Travel expenses are covered by PRN.

To Apply

We want to get to know you. We value great writers with creativity and inspiration. Tell us why you really want to join our team.

Interested candidates should email their cover letter and resume to: jobs@prairierivers.org.

Subject line of your email should be “Intern Application,” and attach your cover letter and resume with the file name consisting of “Last name, First name Resume/Cover Letter.”

Please indicate in your cover letter that you recognize this position is in Saline County, Illinois, and you live there or within a reasonable travel distance.

Please: no phone calls, drop-ins, or paper applications.

Hiring Process

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. We will acknowledge, by email, receipt of each application.

Prairie Rivers Network is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice in all aspects of our work and organization. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job, therefore our job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, helps build the competencies and knowledge that translate to our openings. Diversity of experience and skills, combined with passion, is a key to innovation and a culture of excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.