While I love the word isthmus, there’s no doubt in my mind that if I had to pick a favorite geographic feature, it would be rivers (and my favorite river is the Au Sable in Michigan). A lot has to do with my fly fishing addiction, but I’m continuously amazed by the power of moving water. It’s no coincidence that so many of the world’s greatest cities formed along rivers–they really are the lifeblood of civilization. It’s easy to forget this when your water comes out of a faucet and the fish you eat is grown in a pond, but there are still people across the world whose lives are completely intertwined with the rivers they live along. International Rivers is a Berkeley, CA non-profit organization that is “at the heart of the global struggle to protect rivers and the rights of communities that depend on them.” There are all kinds of threats to rivers, but dams are often the biggest ones. Many consider hydroelectric power to green, but they overlook the consequences of stopping the natural flow of a river.

A River Runs Through It

River ecosystems are extremely sensitive. To get a better understanding of just how sensitive they are, take a look at International Rivers’ page on Rivers in Crisis. Then read up on some of the organization’s accomplishments to see what they’re doing to protect these ecosystems and the people who depend on them. Some of International Rivers’ current campaigns include Amazonia Viva, Patagonia Sin Represas, and Zambezi – River of Life. If you’re interested in learning more about things like “dams, energy and water policy, climate change, and international financial institutions,” then take a look at International Rivers’ Jobs page. Right now they’re looking for an Administrative Assistant–the position looks like it could be a great fit for a new or recent grad.

Links to Help You Begin Your Research

• InternationalRivers.org
• Jobs at International Rivers
• About International Rivers
• International Rivers’ Staff
• International Rivers News
• International Rivers’ Blogs
• International Rivers’ Annual Reports

What’s your favorite river?

We've identified International Rivers as having career opportunities in the following categories:

• administrative
• all employers
• California
• conservation
• energy
• environmental
• green
• international
• international development

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