NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY
STEM High School Environmental Educator
Forest Park, Queens OR the Greenbelt, Staten Island
Job Announcement
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Through its visionary leadership and high-impact staff, the Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) champions urban natural areas in New York City and across the nation through innovative research, partnerships, and advocacy. We increase the health and resilience of urban forests and wetlands, catalyze connections between people and nature, and strengthen the environmental workforce.
Started in 2012, the Natural Areas Conservancy is the first park conservancy dedicated exclusively to New York City’s natural areas–20,000 acres across all five boroughs. Since 2019, we have also worked on a national scale, leading a network of representatives from cities across the U.S. to strengthen research, information sharing, and communication efforts to enhance the field of urban forest management.
We want all people to feel welcomed, inspired by, and connected to the natural world.
About the NAC Student Urban Nature High School Program
The NAC hosts a paid urban ecology internship program for local high school students using the framework of science identity to promote environmental stewardship among NYC youth. Over six weeks, high school interns become familiar with flora and fauna identification, field ecology, natural areas management, stewardship, and the scientific method through mentored monitoring and restoration projects. Interns also participate in professional development training in public speaking, networking, and leadership.
The STEM High School Environmental Educator position will support the Internship Community Coordinator with leading the day-to-day logistics of the internship program at the Staten Island program location. This role includes following the provided environmental education curriculum, leading daily programming, coordinating guest visits with partner organizations, serving as the main point of contact for interns who need assistance in the field, supporting interns in understanding scientific concepts, and mentoring interns as they develop and carry out their research projects. Ideal candidates will have experience in program coordination, environmental education, and urban ecological research.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the Internship Community Coordinator, the STEM High School Environmental Educator will be responsible for:
Participating in a paid summer orientation and CPR certification during the first week of employment (Monday, June 29 – Thursday, July 2), held at both our Manhattan and Queens offices.
Preparing for and leading high school programming in Staten Island, which includes facilitating activities and opportunities focused on urban ecology, experiential science learning, and college/career readiness, all centered around science identity
Liaising with NAC program partners at the Greenbelt to strengthen program efforts while building rapport with interns and encouraging individual growth
Supervising and guiding interns throughout the summer program through environmental research, field trips, and remote lessons
Documenting activities and the progression of the program through photos and videos to then share with NAC Communications
Tracking, dispersing, and collecting program equipment
Providing administrative support (intern and program documentation, approving intern hours, scheduling events and remote days, tracking attendance, etc.)
Assisting the Internship Community Coordinator with program evaluation through pre-surveys, post-surveys, and reviewing participant feedback
Assisting in data collection, data entry, analysis, and quality control as a mentor to the interns
Preparing for and facilitating intern science communication events, such as public presentations and the Student Research Symposium
REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS
A current or former student from a CUNY institution
This position is open to candidates with US work authorization
Interest in studying and improving local ecosystems
Educational program coordination experience
Field data collection experience within forests, wetlands and/or trail networks
Ability to maintain a positive, collaborative attitude during hot (and probably buggy) days outdoors in variable weather conditions
Strong science communication skills
Excellent organizational, analytical, and written communication skills
Ability to closely follow directions and adhere closely to field data collection protocols
Physically able to hike trails and carry up to 40 lbs
Ability to trave and work independently
PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS
Familiarity with the Greenbelt in Staten Island
Classroom management and conflict resolution
Mentorship experience
Experience working with high school-aged students
Research project design experience
JOB LOCATION
The position is approximately 80% field work and 20% office work. The STEM High School Environmental Educator will report primarily in the field to Forest Park, Queens OR the Greenbelt Nature Center and from office locations in Manhattan and Queens. While working from home, access to a computer and stable internet connection is required.
There will also be the opportunity to visit off-site locations outside of Forest Park and the Greenbelt during weekly field trips and/or stewardship events.
DURATION
8 weeks, 35 hours per week, June 29 through August 21, 2026
COMPENSATION/BENEFITS
Pay: $26 per hour. This is a seasonal position and is not eligible for company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, or 401(k) benefits. Sick/safe leave will accrue in accordance with company policy.
APPLICATION
To apply for the STEM High School Environmental Educator role at the Natural Areas Conservancy, apply online at our Career Center. In this application, you will include your resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts from your CUNY institution in the format listed below. You may be asked to provide the contact information of two references later during the interview process.
Please upload all materials as PDF files, with each labeled as follows:
A. Cover letter → 2026_last name_first initial_CL (i.e. ‘2026_Jones_J_CL.pdf’);
B. Resume → 2026_ last name_first initial_R (i.e. ‘2026Jones_J_R.pdf’);
C. Unofficial transcript → 2026_ last name_first initial_UOT (i.e. ‘2026_Jones_J_UOT.pdf’)
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the closing date of 11:59 pm on Wednesday, April 8. Please address any questions to workforce@naturalareasnyc.org.
SECTIONS OF ONLINE APPLICATION
Personal Information
Uploading resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcript
Eligibility and skills assessment questions
Voluntary self ID
Review, Self-Attest, and Submit
