About the role#
City Parks Foundation is looking for a college intern to join the Seeds to Trees program for the fall term. This role focuses on teaching elementary and middle school students about urban, forest, and marine ecology. You will work with staff and educators to turn local parks into outdoor classrooms. The internship runs from October 2026 through November 2026.
What you'll do#
- Implement environmental education programs in NYC schools and parks.
- Facilitate student activities, primarily in the field and occasionally in the classroom.
- Prepare lesson materials and care for living collections.
- Assist with data collection and recordkeeping.
- Gather photos, videos, and stories for marketing efforts.
- Transport, maintain, and store program equipment.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a Bachelor's degree program related to Education, Environmental Science, or Environmental Studies.
- A commitment to helping students build an interest in environmental science and NYC parks.
- A desire to work with urban, marginalized youth.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Willingness to work outdoors, including in light rain or high temperatures.
- Reliability regarding punctuality and attendance.
- Previous experience or knowledge in environmental science or education is a plus.
Location & details#
- This role is based in New York, NY.
- The position is on-site.
- This is a paid internship at $18 per hour.
- You must be authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available.
About City Parks Foundation
City Parks Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization based in New York. It operates programs across all five boroughs of the city. The organization focuses on arts, environmental education, sports, and community initiatives in public parks. It manages the SummerStage festival, the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, and the PuppetMobile. The staff size ranges from 51 to 200 employees.
How to get in at City Parks Foundation
Applying early to City Parks Foundation roles provides a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first, early applicants get seen before the pile grows. You should prioritize these early submissions to ensure your materials are reviewed before the applicant pool becomes crowded. Reaching out to the right people often yields better results than submitting to a general portal. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the role or a referral, which materially improves response rates. A brief, professional message to a recruiter can help your application stand out from the rest.
