Climate Solutions Intern

The Climate Solutions Intern at Central Park Zoo is an opportunity for CUNY undergraduate students in NYC to engage in climate education and action. Interns will learn about climate change, conduct social research, and develop community adaptation plans. They will gain skills in communication and project management while exploring career paths in conservation and green industries. No prior science experience is required, but a willingness to learn is essential.
Climate Solutions Interns are undergraduate students based in NYC who are interested in finding where they fit in the global fight against climate change. Interns will be trained to understand the climate crisis and join the Wildlife Conservation Society in its goal of extending climate education and action into NYC neighborhoods. With resources and guidance from mentors, interns will select a social research question of their choice and use their findings to synthesize a formal plan for how their communities can adapt to a climate-related phenomenon. Interns do not need previous experience with science, but should have an interest and willingness to learn.

Learning Outcomes:
• Learn the scientific causes of climate change and the social effects on NYC communities and environmental effects on ecosystems.
• Meet with professionals in various green industries to learn how their work relates directly or indirectly to climate adaptation or mitigation.
• Hone communication and project management skills needed to both present a research project and initiate meaningful conversations about climate related issues within your social circles.
• Learn about the variety of career pathways in the zoo, aquarium, conservation, and green career field including training and degrees necessary.
• Learn and develop workplace skills needed to excel in an internship or job experience
• Make preparations to be a competitive applicant for green industry internships & jobs and receive support in applying for and pursuing new opportunities.

Qualification Requirements
• Must be currently enrolled as a CUNY (City University of New York) undergraduate student or in a trade school. Preference will be given to those in their sophomore and junior years.
• Interest in learning about climate change, sustainability and green jobs.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States
• Students 18 and older must successfully pass a background screening if accepted (provided by WCS)

Tagged as: Internships