Sustainability Intern

Battery Park Authority • Internship • New York, New York • 4d ago

Position Summary:

The Summer Internship Program offers students work experience and professional guidance in several areas of the organization. Interns contribute to projects that support departmental work, develop new skills, and gain insight into their career interests. Interns will have the opportunity to explore behind the scenes of Battery Park City Authority’s (BPCA) innovative vision and design, complex public space management, leadership in sustainable practices, and commitment to outstanding public resources. As with all positions, this position will continually exemplify and promote the core values, mission and culture of BPCA.

Essential Duties:

The Parks Operations Division is made up of the Horticulture, Maintenance, and Shared Services Departments, which maintains the 32acres of open spaces and amenities within Battery Park City (BPC). Although there are separate duties for each department, our overarching sustainability goals and initiatives affect the entire Division. The project that the Sustainability Intern will work on is connecting to the BPC community to increase awareness and participation in BPCA’s sustainable efforts and practices. This includes achieving waste reduction goals, public awareness and education, and data tracking and monitoring. The project would entail assisting in already identified opportunities for public outreach and education, such as: tabling at programmed and/or permitted events; creating and implementing supplemental outreach ideas; and scheduling events to further develop community engagement and awareness.

The Sustainability Intern would support the Vice President of Parks Operations and work closely with the Project Manager and Working Groups in BPCA.

Job responsibilities are centered on spearheading community outreach and education opportunities to all who live, work, and visit BPC. Tasks such as, but not limited to:

- Identify opportunities for public engagement
- Support the Waste and Biodiversity Working Groups
- Research and recommend successful educational public engagement projects, events, and signage
- Be present at identified public events to speak with, answer questions, and engage the community
- Draft reports on feedback and data from events
- Update relevant content for social media and other media outlets
- Perform other duties as assigned

Education and Skills:

Undergraduate college student interested in public parks, zero waste, and sustainability
Strong interest in community engagement
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Excellent multi-tasker, organized and flexible
Reliable and punctual
Strong interest in learning on the job
Works well both independently and with others