Environmental Intern (SUNY Climate Corps/PRA 4-6)

Environmental Intern (SUNY Climate Corps/PRA 4-6)

Central NY Park Region - Jamesville, NY

*This internship is only open to currently enrolled SUNY students.

• The Environmental Stewardship Team in the Central Region of New York is looking for Climate & Watershed Education Steward(s) to design, develop and implement environmental education and stewardship programming primarily focused on engaging youth from underserved communities (e.g., urban and rural high schools).
• Through informal science education, place-based learning, and stewardship experiences within watersheds, including NYS Parks and other public spaces, youth participants will learn about and develop an awareness for climate change, sustainable living, and their relationships with the natural environment (e.g., fish and wildlife, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, historic cultures & land uses).
• Interns will work with DESP staff and volunteers & Stewards from FORCES (Friends of Recreation, Conservation & Environmental Stewardship) to plan and implement 2–3-week programs for multiple school districts over the summer.
• Interns will work 35-40 hours per week.

Job Duties

• Deliver outreach and education that will include field visits, hands-on lessons, and recreational activities to involve and engage high school students in environmental stewardship and sustainability both inside and outside Parks.  Example activities include forest health assessment, stream & lake water quality monitoring, plant & animal surveys, recycling & waste prevention, exploring watersheds and interpretive hikes.
• Assist with daily/weekly program schedules; communicating and coordinating with school district staff and partner organizations; training of volunteers and FORCES Stewards; and program evaluations, promotions, and reporting.
• Participate in Environmental Stewardship projects that focus on climate resiliency, natural resource management and field biology (e.g., invasive species assessment and mapping, rare species protection).
• Field duties may include invasives species control and mapping, restoration/enhancement projects with native plant materials, water resources monitoring and protection, and public presentations and programs.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in environmental education/interpretation, environmental studies, sustainability, ecology, biology or other similar discipline.
• Candidates must be self-motivated, able to initiate projects and tasks, have good time management and organizational skills, and effectively work with park staff and the public.
• Candidates with prior knowledge and experience for environmental education, teaching and/or mentorship for youth (e.g., K-12) preferred but not required.
• Candidate must have a valid driver’s license.

*Variable hours dependent upon student schedules & project/program needs

(office) Monday through Friday, 830 am – 430 pm; occasional weekend days 

This internship is only open to currently enrolled SUNY students. Interested candidates are invited to apply by submitting a cover letter, resume, and confirmation of full-time SUNY enrollment to: Tom.Hughes@parks.ny.gov

 Applications are due April 18, 2025

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Agency