Urban Forestry Intern

Hiring 2-4 interns 
20 hours/week June-August
Paid $19.00/hr
Breakdown of time: Field 80%, Office 20%, with some flexibility for remote work 

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. 

Background 

Riverside Park Conservancy is the non-profit organization that cares for Riverside Park South, Sakura, West Harlem Piers and Riverside Park. From 59th street to 181st street covering 400 acres of natural areas, landscapes and other park amenities. There may be an opportunity to work in another NYC park with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance located in the Bronx. Their mission is to preserve, support, and promote the ecological, recreational, and historical value of Van Cortlandt Park. Van Cortlandt Park is home to 11 soccer fields, 16 baseball fields, 8 cricket pitches, and 12 tennis courts. And, the park is world-renowned for its Cross Country Course! 

Position Summary 

The Urban Forestry Intern(s) will spend the summer in Riverside Park and/or Van Cortlandt Park, working to gather data for both Park’s forestry needs. This pivotal role will help guide and inform both Park’s forestry work and provide necessary data entry.  

Reporting to the Riverside Park Conservancy Director of Horticulture, this is a great opportunity for undergrad or graduate students to work in the field of Urban Forestry. Learn how a non-profit Conservancy helps to care for natural areas trees in NYC. The intern will gain an understanding in how management and environmental justice impact our city’s forest and further efforts to create healthy forests for years to come. This is a great opportunity for those interested in a career in non-profit work and/or forestry.  

Qualifications: 

1. Be currently enrolled as an Undergraduate or Graduate Student in Environmental Sciences or Humanities, Conservation, Urban Forestry, Social Sciences, or similar field.  
2. Comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite. 
3. Ability to collect and gather data.  
4. Strong tree ID and/or ability to efficiently use a key to ID. 
5. Interest in learning about Urban Forestry and passion for the environment. 
6. Basic knowledge of NYC tree species and Cartegraph platform a plus, but not a requirement as training will be provided. 
7. The ability to bring unique perspective and ideas on how to best gather and manage data for organization. 

Key Responsibilities, but not limited to: 

1. Gather data on trees in both parks including: 
2. DBH (diameter at breast height using measuring tape) 
3. Tree species (field guide and other resources provided) 
4. Access to GIS to create maps  
5. Tree health metrics  
6. Input data into online Cartegraph Assessment Management platform. 
7. Collect photographs to help with messaging and monitor progress. 
8. Work alongside both RPC and VCPA staff to create forestry management plans. 

What we can provide to you: 

1. Field experience and knowledge of NYC native and ornamental tree species. 
2. Training in Cartegraph, a tool used in non-profit and government agencies to keep track of progress, map key points and work being completed. This tool uses ArcGIS and has the ability to be adapted based on organizational needs. 
3. Exposure to non-profit sector with opportunity to collaborate with others in various departments and leadership levels.  

To apply:

Please email [email protected] with the subject line Forestry Intern.

Riverside Park Conservancy is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all applicants and employees. We recognize the importance of diversity and offer equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.