Outreach and Education Intern- Summer 2025

Vassar College is seeking a Summer 2025 Outreach and Education Intern for its Environmental Cooperative in Poughkeepsie, NY. This temporary, 35-hour per week position involves assisting with outdoor education programs, community outreach, and maintaining natural areas. The intern will engage local children in environmental education through field trips and activities, fostering appreciation for nature. The internship runs from June 30 to August 1, with a pay rate of $18.52 per hour.
Vassar College

Outreach and Education Intern- Summer 2025

Department: Environmental Cooperative

Duration of Position: Temporary

Work Schedule:

Employee Type: Temporary

Posting Date: 01/21/2025

Union Representation: Not Applicable

Posting Number: AS577P

Pay Rate: $18.52

Compensation:

About Vassar College

Located in the scenic Mid-Hudson Valley, Vassar College is a highly
selective, residential, coeducational liberal arts college. Vassar
stands upon the homelands of
the Munsee Lenape.

Vassar College is deeply committed to increasing the diversity of
the campus community and to promoting an environment of equality,
inclusion, and respect for difference. The College is an Equal
Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and especially
welcomes applications from veterans, women, individuals with
disabilities, and members of racial, ethnic, and other historically
underrepresented groups.

Vassar College is a smoke-free, tobacco-free campus.

Position Summary and Responsibilities

The
Environmental Cooperative brings together regional
environmental organizations, community groups, educators, the
Vassar College community, and residents to increase our positive
impact and expand conservation efforts in the Hudson Valley. We aim
to actively create and maintain natural areas and provide
educational opportunities that connect people with the outdoors
fostering a community mindset of environmental stewardship.
Exploring Science is our place-based outdoor education program that
allows youth to engage with nature and learn about the ecology of
their neighborhoods. We aim to inspire an interest and appreciation
of nature in the Hudson Valley.

The Outreach and Education Intern will assist with our summer
programs. They will work closely with Environmental Cooperative
staff and Vassar students to implement environmental education
field trips with local children, increase awareness and
appreciation of nature in Poughkeepsie, and maintain healthy
natural areas on and off campus. During the summer, the
Environmental Cooperative provides field trips to the Preserve at
Vassar and programs at local parks in the City of Poughkeepsie.
Outdoor lessons include age-appropriate activities that increase
comfort outdoors and appreciation of the natural environment. These
include outdoor storytime, nature crafts and games, nature
journaling, and explorations in the natural sciences. The intern
will help raise awareness of nature in Poughkeepsie by working with
community partners to table at events and assist with other outdoor
programming. As time permits the intern will assist with the
maintenance of native wildflower gardens that promote pollinator
habitat in the City of Poughkeepsie, on the Preserve and Vassar’s
campus.

The internship is 35 hours per week for 5 weeks from June 30 -
August 1st. Working hours typically from 9-4:30pm Monday-Friday.
There may be occasional weekend and evening hours dependent on
program schedules.

Responsibilities:
• Assist with developing and teaching outdoor programs.
• Assist with outreach activities, such as tabling at local
community events and environmental programs hosted by the
Cooperative on the Preserve at Vassar.
• Assist with the maintenance of native wildflower gardens at
College Hill Park and on Vassar’s campus. This includes weeding and
watering established gardens, transplanting plants, and seed
collection for distribution to local partners.

Qualifications
• Have a strong interest in teaching environmental education
programs and outreach events.
• Comfortable working with children and the general public (all
ages).
• Must be willing and able to work outdoors in summer weather
(high humidity and heat).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; must be
comfortable speaking in front of groups of people.
• Have a passion for the outdoors and a desire to share this
passion with others.
• Being bilingual in Spanish is helpful.
• Must have transportation to the Environmental Cooperative daily
(located on the Preserve at Vassar, 50 Vassar Farm Lane).
• This position is grant funded and limited to applicants
currently enrolled in a high school or undergraduate degree
program.
• Applicant must be a resident of Dutchess County, Poughkeepsie
residents are highly encouraged to apply.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To complete your on-line application, you will be required to
attach your resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3
professional references. All attachments must be in PDF format.
Review of applications will begin immediately. If you have any
questions, please contact Human Resources, 845-437-5820.

For full consideration applicants should apply by:

All applicants must apply online at: https://employment.vassar.edu/postings/4287.

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