Crew Member

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: June 12th  Compensation: $18.50/hour

Since 2016, the NAC has offered a paid internship program to over 100 students currently enrolled in or recently graduated from any school within the City University of New York (CUNY). We provide local students the unique opportunity to receive training in research, monitoring, and management of natural areas in NYC, and to actively apply that knowledge with field-based activities such as data collection, restoration, or trail improvements projects. During our full-time summer program and part-time spring and fall programs, interns receive training in skills including flora/fauna identification, field ecology, restoration techniques, and data collection protocols, as well as professional development training in the areas of self-budgeting, negotiating, workplace communication, and interviewing skills. 

Interns participate in one of the following tracks: (1) Monitoring & Assessment or (2) Trails. Further information about specific projects can be found in the attached project guide. Please note that eligible applicants for the Summer Internship are current students and recent graduates (up to 2 years post-graduate). Eligible applicants for the Fall Internship are current students.

The role of Crew Member will report to the Internship Coordinator for internal administrative purposes and an NAC or NYC Parks staff member for supervision. Outdoor work varies from 20-80% and depends on the project, with the remainder of work being completed from an at-home or NYC Parks office.

Under the supervision of NAC & NYC Parks staff, Crew Members will receive project-specific training. Skills covered depend on the project the intern is placed to work on, and may include plant identification, trail mapping, field ecology, and surveying methods. Ultimately this data collected in NYC parkland will support NYC Parks projects related to ecological conditions, wildlife, and vegetation.

Responsibilities/Duties

  • Under the supervision of a Crew Leader or Project Manager, accurately collecting data according to assessment protocols and/or conduct on-the-ground management of natural areas 
  • Working outdoors for long hours in NYC natural areas (forests, wetlands, and grasslands) in various weather conditions and carrying up to 40 lbs. 
  • Identifying flora and/or fauna present in NYC natural areas 
  • Entering and editing data on web-based forms or paper datasheets
  • Accurately navigating to study areas 
  • Assisting with data entry and/or logging work activities as needed 
  • Participating in professional development activities offered 
  • Interacting with staff and the public in a courteous and professional manner

Qualifications/Requirements

  • Current or recently graduated (last two years) CUNY student
  • Interest in studying and improving local ecosystems 
  • Excellent organizational, analytical, and written communication skills 
  • Ability to travel/work independently 
  • Ability to work outside for long hours and carry up to 40 lbs. 
  • Computer/Microsoft Office skills

PREFERRED 

  • Field data collection experience
  • Experience with ArcMap Desktop or ArcGIS Online 
  • Experience identifying plants, invertebrates, and/or fish
  • Experience using dichotomous keys for flora and fauna identification 
  • Experience using surveying equipment

Please note that if pandemic-related conditions and restrictions are unsafe for an in-person internship, this program will be offered as a remote or hybrid internship.

Additional Information

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Through its visionary leadership and high impact staff, the Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) champions urban natural areas in New York City and across the nation through innovative research, partnerships, and advocacy. We increase the health and resilience of urban forests and wetlands, catalyze connections between people and nature, and strengthen the environmental workforce. 

Started in 2012, the Natural Areas Conservancy is the first park conservancy dedicated exclusively to New York City’s natural areas–20,000 acres across all five boroughs. Since 2019, we have also worked on a national scale, leading a network of representatives from cities across the U.S. to strengthen research, information sharing, and communication efforts to enhance the field of urban forest management.

We want all people to feel welcomed, inspired by, and connected to the natural world.

JOB LOCATION:
Research Intern positions are available with reporting locations in all five boroughs of New York City    (Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island). While working from home, access to a computer and stable internet connection is required.

DURATION:
Summer internship will run from mid-June to early-August, with opportunity to extend to fall and the following spring. Please see the attached project guide for more details.

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS
The NAC is offering a salary of $18.50 hourly for this position at 35 hours/week. Positions are not eligible for medical, dental, or vision insurance or 401K benefits. Sick/safe leave will be accrued in accordance with company policy. 

APPLICATION
To apply for the Crew Member role at the Natural Areas Conservancy, please review the attached project guide and apply online at our Career Center. In this application you will include your resume, cover letter and unofficial transcripts from your CUNY institution in the format listed below. You may be asked to provide the contact information of two references later during the interview process.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position closes at 11:59pm on Tuesday, March 27th. Please address any questions to jobs@naturalareasnyc.org.

Please upload all materials as PDF files with each labeled as follows:

  • A. Cover letter → 2023_last name_first init._CL (i.e. ‘2023_Jones_J_CL.pdf’);
  • B. Resume → 2023_ last name_first init_R (i.e. ‘2023_Jones_J_R.pdf’);
  • C. Unofficial transcript → 2023_ last name_first init_UOT (i.e. ‘2023_Jones_J_UOT.pdf’)

SECTIONS OF ONLINE APPLICATION

  • Personal Information
  • Uploading resume, cover letter and unofficial transcript
  • Eligibility and skills assessment questions; project ranking preferences
  • Voluntary self ID 
  • Review, Self-Attest, and Submit

Subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, the Natural Areas Conservancy requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. We will consider requests for accommodation to this vaccination requirement during the recruiting process. Any requested accommodations must be reviewed and approved (if applicable) in advance of your start date.
 

Contact Information

The Natural Areas Conservancy
Email: jobs@naturalareasnyc.org
Website: Apply Online