Emerging Leaders in Climate Solutions Internship

Wildlife Conservation Society; New York (NY); On-site; USD 360 - 440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend $400 lump sum

Job summary

The Emerging Leaders in Climate Solutions Internship (ELCSI) at the Central Park Zoo offers students from non-science fields a unique chance to join the global fight against climate change. You will gain hands-on experience through field investigations at premier NYC institutions, including the Wildlife Conservation Society, and develop a culminating project showing your new knowledge and skills.

Program runs January through early May 2027 for about 85–100 hours total, with Fridays in January

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled as a CUNY or SUNY undergraduate student or in a trade school; preference for non-science majors.
• Interest in learning about climate change, sustainability and green jobs.
• Must be willing to travel around NYC and participate in physically demanding field explorations.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Students 18+ must pass a background screening if accepted.

Responsibilities

• Participate in on-site field investigations at NYC sites to observe climate solutions in action.
• Engage with mentors and develop a culminating project integrating learned concepts.
• Attend orientation and field activities across Central Park Zoo and NYC area.

Skills

Climate change interest

Education

Enrolled in CUNY/SUNY undergrad or trade school

Job description

Emerging Leaders in Climate Solutions Internship

Location: Central Park Zoo & frequent field investigations throughout the NYC area. Department: Education. Duration: January - early May 2027; approximately 85-100 hours total. Schedule: Fridays in January + weekly field investigations in February-April. Interns will be able to sign up for sites and trips based on interest and availability. Number of Positions Available: 15-20. Application Deadline: November 13, 2026. Stipend: $400 to be paid as one lump sum upon the successful completion of the internship, less applicable taxes.

Internship Summary

Anyone Can be a Climate Innovator! You don't need to be a science or STEM major to make a massive impact on our planet. The Emerging Leaders in Climate Solutions Internship (ELCSI) at the Central Park Zoo offers students in non-science fields and trades a unique opportunity to join the global fight against climate change. Whether you're pursuing business, the arts, tech, law, or another field, you'll gain the tools to integrate environmental action and sustainability into your chosen career. Through hands-on field investigations at premier NYC institutions, including the Wildlife Conservation Society, you'll learn how organizational leaders drive real-world climate solutions. With support from expert mentors, you'll develop a culminating project showing how your new knowledge and skills have helped you reshape and reimagine your future goals. This formative experience will give you a competitive edge on your career path, and all it takes is a passion to learn, innovate, and make a lasting impact.

Program Timeline & Commitments

• December: December 17 orientation at Central Park Zoo
• January: January 8, 22, 29 at the Central Park Zoo
• February – early May: Various dates; on-site field explorations in NYC area, project development and culminating event

Learning Outcomes

• Learn the scientific causes of climate change and the social effects on NYC communities and environmental effects on ecosystems.
• Participate in field trips and field investigations to sites throughout NYC to observe climate solutions in action and connect learning to real-world application.
• Meet with professionals in various green industries to learn how their work relates directly or indirectly to climate adaptation or mitigation.
• Hone communication skills needed to both present a final project and initiate meaningful conversations about climate related issues within your social circles.
• Identify ways in which climate science and solutions can influence and impact different areas of study and future career goals.
• 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 in your field

Qualification Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled as a CUNY (City University of New York) or SUNY (State University of New York) undergraduate student or in a trade school. Preference will be given to non-science majors.
• Interest in learning about climate change, sustainability and green jobs.
• Must be willing to travel around NYC and conduct physically demanding/challenging, hands-on explorations at field sites.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States
• Students 18 and older must successfully pass a background screening if accepted (provided by WCS)

Salary Range

$400 Stipend