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

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation is seeking an Environmental Intern for May/June to September 2025. Responsibilities include conducting waste audits, training staff on sustainability practices, and engaging with park visitors. The role requires a current SUNY student in a relevant field, with knowledge of waste management. The position is based in Ithaca, NY and involves regional travel.
Duties Description

Duration: May/June - September 2025 (flexible start & end date)
Hours: Typically between 8am - 5pm, variable weekly schedule, may include weekend days and holidays. 20 - 37.5 Hours per week.

Overview

Sustainability stewards will:
•Support efforts to minimize the amount of waste that parks send to the landfill by encouraging recycling, composting, reduction, and re-use.
•Conduct & train staff on waste audits, carry out waste infrastructure surveying, conduct staff and visitor education, and assist with other sustainability programs.
•Report to a regional supervisor for field work and receive guidance from the OPRHP Sustainable Operations team based in Albany, work closely with State Parks in the region, and engage with external partners.

Job Duties
•Coordinate and lead waste audits across the region with facility staff and volunteers.
•Conduct waste infrastructure surveying in the field.
•Travel as needed, primarily within the region, to carry out sustainability projects.
•Provide training to park staff and vendors on recycling and composting best practices and other waste diversion topics.
•Work with environmental educators to educate park visitors about recycling and composting by conducting visitor surveys, leading programs, staffing event tables, etc.
•Assist with other sustainability initiatives in the park or region as needed.
•Write a final report with a summary of the pilot, lessons learned, and recommendations for adopting strategies at facilities.

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Minimum Qualifications

Current SUNY undergraduate or graduate student, pursuing a degree in environmental policy, conservation, engineering, sustainability, or similar discipline.
•Knowledge of waste management, circular economy, waste audits, composting, and/or recycling.
•Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.
•Must be physically able to perform medium physical labor.

Additional Comments

This internship is only open to currently enrolled SUNY students.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Closing Date/Time: 04/18/25