Emerging Leaders in Climate Solutions Internship

Wildlife Conservation Society • Internship • 3d ago

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

Requirements/Qualifications:

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)

What to expect in the application:

The application will ask you to upload a resume, but this is not required. You DO NOT need to upload a cover letter.
You will be asked to provide the name, email, and phone number of at least 1 reference.
You will be asked to provide 100-200 word responses to the following long answer questions. Applicants who do not fully respond to these questions will not be considered.
- What skills and/or experience make you a strong candidate for this position?
- What are some sustainable actions you would like to promote and how do they support conservation?
- Tell us about something you have done to benefit the environment or your local ecosystem/community (these can be big or small actions)
- Have you ever participated in a program at, worked for, or volunteered with one of the WCS Zoos or Aquarium? If so, tell us about your experience.
- Is there anything else you would like to tell us about in support of your application?

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