Environmental Educator Intern (SUNY Climate Corp/PRA 4-6)

The Environmental Educator Intern position at Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation in Homer, NY, involves supporting sustainable environmental education programs at state parks. The intern will work 20-40 hours per week, engaging with park staff and community organizations. Duties include developing pilot projects, assessing program needs, and participating in environmental stewardship activities. Candidates must be current SUNY students in relevant fields and possess good organizational skills.
The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description OverviewDuration: May/June-September 2025 (flexible start & end date)Location: OPRHP Central Region – Syracuse, Binghamton, Oswego, Utica/Rome, NY Hours: Variable hours depending upon student schedule & project/program needs. Office hours Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm (flexible hours and days) Overview • The Central Region is looking for a Naturalists and/or an Environmental educator intern to improve the agency’s ability to implement more sustainable environmental education programs and practices at New York State parks and historical sites, including park campgrounds and swimming area. The Environmental Educator intern will support efforts to further develop and implement the statewide Ladders to The Outdoors program in collaboration with SUNY ESF, Syracuse City school district, the city of Binghamton, Utica/Rome, Oswego and local community-based organization and nonprofits youth organizations throughout the Central region.• The intern will report directly to the Regional Environmental Educator and Regional Ladders to Outdoors coordinator, work closely with State Park staff, volunteers and engage with external partners.• Interns will work 20-40 hours per week during the internship. Job Duties • Obtain knowledge and understanding of park management, best management practices for environmental education including but not limited to energy conservation, and sustainable operations, and new technologies/methodologies for implementation.• Communicate and coordinate LTO programs with regional Facility Managers, other operational staff, partners, and the public.• Assess LTO nature-based program deliverables and needs across the region and provide recommendations for improvement.• Develop pilot projects that will be implemented in 2025 that will enhance OPRHP’s environmental education, including energy conservation and climate change resiliency.• Participate in Environmental Stewardship projects for youths that focus on climate resiliency, natural resource management and field biology (e.g., invasive species assessment and mapping).• Obtain knowledge and understanding of the Central regions’ tree planting program and the impact of the Ladders to Outdoors (LTO) program on our future natural resource stewards. • Support field work for tree planting and habitat restoration projects.

The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications QualificationsQualifications • Current, undergraduate, or graduate SUNY student pursuing a degree in environmental studies, sustainability, landscape architecture, or 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 of working with youth or environmental field work preferred.

Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments This internship is only open to currently enrolled SUNY students.

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