Review Vacancy
AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of
TitleEnvironmental Educator Intern (SUNY Climate Corps/Park & Recreation Aide 4-6)
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA)
Salary RangeFrom $19.04 to $21.57 Hourly
Duties Description Duration: May-September 2026
Location: Southwick Beach Nature Center
Hours: 37.5 hours/week (flexible days and hours)
Undergraduate pay rate: $19.04/hour
Graduate pay rate: $21.57/hour
The Southwick Beach Nature Center will be a brand-new recently converted establishment that will be in its fourth season for 2026. It’s located within Southwick Beach State Park in our newly built beach front concession building. Southwick Beach State Park is spacious and popular, known for outstanding swimming and sunning on its long sandy beach. Campers and day-users enjoy picnicking, hiking and games on the playing fields. The park is adjacent to the Lakeview Wildlife Management Area, home to the environmentally sensitive coastal sand dunes.
Environmental Educator Interns connect park visitors to the natural world by developing programming and stewardship activities. Programs can include interpretive hikes, lectures, family-friendly activities, shoreline clean ups, climate change programs, and various outdoor recreation opportunities. This will be an exciting new opportunity to create programming opportunities from the ground up within the Nature Center and to connect patrons to the environment around them.
Job duties:
• Develop and present public programming in the areas of environmental education, outdoor recreation, ecology, wildlife viewing, nature awareness, arts, culture, and climate change.
• Greet visitors and disseminate information regarding park events, amenities, and rules and regulations to the public.
• Provide impromptu interpretation at Southwick Beach facilities and special events.
• Lead stewardship activities with volunteers and the public, such as trail maintenance, habitat restoration, shoreline clean up, and planting programs.
• Maintain all teaching materials including tools, books, taxidermy, specimens, and art supplies.
• Provide administrative support such as scheduling organization and class visits, creating and distributing promotional materials and preparing reports. (program flyers, calendar of events, posters etc.).
• Assist with upkeep of Nature Center space, exhibits, grounds, and park trails.
Minimum Qualifications Qualifications
There are no minimum qualifications for this title per Civil Service.
See additional comments for operational needs.
Additional Comments This internship is only open to currently enrolled SUNY students.
Operational Needs:
• Current undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree at a SUNY institution in environmental education, forestry, environmental science, ecology, natural resources management, or related discipline.
• Candidate must be self-motivated, able to initiate projects and tasks, have good time management and organizational skills, and effectively work with others.
• Candidate should be comfortable working around live animals (live animal exhibits, leashed dogs, wildlife).
• Candidate 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.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address nysparks.climatecorps@parks.ny.gov
Address
Street Southwick Beach State Park
8119 Southwicks Pl
Notes on ApplyingThe internship is only open to currently enrolled SUNY students. Interested candidates are invited to apply by submitting a cover letter, resume and confirmation of full-time SUNY enrollment (transcript or enrollment letter) to:
nysparks.climatecorps@parks.ny.gov
Please include "Southwick" in your subject line.
Applications will be accepted until March 9, 2026.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Agency