Natural Areas Intern
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Compensation: $17.00/per hour
Job: Natural Areas Intern (1)
Duration: 4 weeks (July 14-August 7)
Job Type: Internship; Seasonal; Contracted; 24 hours per week
Schedule: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Pay Rate: $17.00/hour
Work Location: Randall’s Island Park, New York, NY 10035
INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION
This internship is part of a four-week summer program, designed to provide hands-on experience, cross-departmental learning and professional development in urban environmental/non-profit careers. Interns will contribute to field-based projects at Randall’s Island Park, while participating in workshops, career panels, and a culminating project. Interns will contribute in a meaningful way to the Park and the organization and will gain foundational experience in a professional setting. Funding for the program has been generously provided through the Pinkerton Foundation.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Natural Areas Intern will report to the Natural Areas Manager and Director of Environmental Programs, taking occasional direction from the year-round Restoration Coordinator. The Natural Areas Intern will help program and maintain Randall’s Island Park’s natural areas, including wetlands, forests, meadows, and other ecologically significant features. The Natural Areas Intern will be required to work on-site, primarily outdoors and on some weekends.
Responsibilities/Duties
• Work with the Natural Areas Manager, Restoration Coordinator and other members of the Natural Areas team to plant, cultivate, and maintain native wetland grasses, shrubs, and trees located within restored natural areas, including wetlands forests and meadows. Primary responsibility will be identifying, controlling, and removing invasive plant species from the site.
• Lead environmental education programs for K-12 schools, including in-class sessions and hosting students on the island for field trips.
• Assist in training and educating volunteers, school children, young adults, and community groups during stewardship and educational events at the restoration sites, including large events and weekend programs.
• Assist with environmental monitoring, including water quality, wildlife, and vegetation.
• Assist and support departments across RIPA when needed.
• Support the Communications department by providing content for social media posts about RIPA’s natural areas when needed.
• Maintain ongoing communication with the Natural Areas Manager and Director of Environmental Programs.
• Other general tasks as assigned.
This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.
Qualifications/Requirements
• 18 years of age and above.
• Interest in the environment, research, education and urban green spaces.
• Motivated and punctual, able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to use and/or learn how to use light power equipment and hand tools.
• Willing to work outdoors in all types of weather, under strenuous conditions.
• Ability to perform physical labor; must be able to lift up to 50lbs.
• Ability to collaborate and create positive working relationships.
• Ability to shift priorities and focus, when needed.
• Detail-oriented, with considerable attention to order and cleanliness throughout the park.
• Ability to answer questions from park patrons in a friendly and welcoming manner.
PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS
• A certificate, and/or coursework in Ecology, Horticulture, Environmental Science/Studies, or a related field.
• Experience in landscape maintenance.
• Knowledge of local habitats, flora, and fauna with experience in identifying common native and invasive plants.
• Experience with education, environmental monitoring and/or outreach to community and school groups.
• Experience working with volunteers and the general public.
• Good communication skills
• Knowledge of computer basics (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Fluent in Spanish
Contact Information
Randall's Island Park Alliance
Website: Apply Online