POSITION SUMMARY 

City Parks Learn has operated interdisciplinary environmental education programs in schools and parks since 1992. Coastal Classroom focuses on coastal ecology, water quality, urban waterfront restoration and preservation in shoreline parks in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx. Coastal Classroom offers multi-session programs for summer camp organizations, community based organizations and other youth summer groups. Through site specific inquiry-based lessons, we provide stimulating and meaningful learning experiences for a range of community members.  

POSITION DESCRIPTION

City Parks Foundation (CPF) seeks a College Intern to assist Coastal Classroom Staff in providing instruction and guidance to middle school students and paid high school interns during Summer 2024 under the supervision of the Coastal Classroom Program Manager. The successful candidate will have a strong knowledge base in aquatic ecosystems and shoreline ecology as well as at least one year experience in delivering instruction to and working with adolescents in an educational setting. Training for his position will take place in late June and beginning of July. This position will be working primarily from either Kaiser Park in Coney Island, Brooklyn, a Catalyst site for Partnerships for Parks, a division of City Parks Foundation or from the Hallets Cove Site in Astoria in collaboration with the Socrates Sculpture Park. A few hours for administrative duties will be required at our education offices located at 1234 Fifth Avenue in Central Park’s beautiful Arsenal North building. 

COMPENSATION: $18 – $20 per hour

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly support and assist program managers and seasonal educators, primarily on site. 
• Deliver sequential, developmentally appropriate lessons for diverse participants, primarily middle school youth.   
• Help facilitate the seamless implementation of field activities while supporting the Program Manager  and Program Director as needed
• Provide logistical support and complete general administrative duties, as needed.
• Assist with data collection and recordkeeping. 
• Help maintain, repair and protect boats, tools and equipment, including waders, nets, buckets, water quality kits and other gear. 
• Requires quick setup and breakdown time, including moving heavy equipment (boats, waders, nets, moving cart) and other physically arduous tasks. 

REQUIREMENTS  

• Enrollment in a Bachelor’s Degree or anticipated degree program in Education, Marine Ecology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, or related field 
• Interest in working with diverse students, especially middle school youth from low-income communities
• Knowledge of science education, marine ecology, marine biology, environmental science, or related field, or pursuit of a degree in one or more of these areas of study  
• Basic knowledge of marine ecosystems, marine life, data collection, and data analysis
• Lifeguard Certification a plus
• Non-motorized boating experience a plus
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team essential
• Versatility, resourcefulness and creativity required (contagious enthusiasm would be great)
• Willingness to work outdoors from July-August in hot/sometimes uncomfortable weather conditions (manual labor necessary)

ABOUT CITY PARKS FOUNDATION

At City Parks Foundation (CPF), we are dedicated to invigorating and transforming New York City parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through arts, environmental education, sports, and community building programs for all New Yorkers. Our ethos is simple: we believe thriving parks mean thriving communities.

Community engagement includes Partnerships for Parks, a public-private program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks, which supports and champions a growing network of community leaders who care and advocate for the transformation of our neighborhood parks and the Parks and Open Space Partners-NYC coalition of conservancies and alliances. We also administer the NYC Green Fund, a regranting program for parks and open space nonprofits and grassroots organizations.

We produce SummerStage, the iconic free, outdoor performing arts festival in NYC, presenting world-class artists from across the globe and our own neighborhoods on our mainstage in Central Park and in local parks in all five boroughs, and our Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre and roving PuppetMobile present marionette puppet theater throughout New York City.

We connect youngsters to nature in the urban environment through progressive, experiential teaching. Using parks as classrooms, we provide learning experiences and hands-on activities in urban forests, coastal areas, and gardens.

Free golf, tennis, track & field, soccer, and fitness programs bring high-quality instruction and equipment into areas where few organized athletic opportunities exist. We offer leveled training, year-round scholarship coaching, and special pro events.

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