Riverkeeper
https://www.riverkeeper.org/ Non-profit, 30+ team members Address: 20 Secor Road Ossining, New York 10562 (remote work is possible) Action Areas: Environmental Justice and Food Security, Public Health, Environmental science and advocacy About: Riverkeeper protects and restores the Hudson River from source to sea and safeguards drinking water supplies, through advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science and law. Position description: Our organization has availability to accept students to work either on our Science Team or our Advocacy, Policy and Planning Team.- On the Science Team, you may be: conducting water quality field work, analyzing water quality data, designing science communications, or developing your own research project.
- On the Advocacy, Policy and Planning Team, you may be: developing policy solutions, engaging communities, or evaluating legislation.
Vassar Preserve
https://www.vassar.edu/preserve Non-profit, 10-15 team members Address: 50 Vassar Farm Lane, Poughkeepsie NY Action Areas: Conservation About: The mission of the Vassar Ecological Preserve is to protect and preserve the ecological diversity of the land to ensure that its educational value will be maintained in perpetuity. The Vassar Ecological Preserve promotes increased understanding and appreciation of the natural systems on the preserve through fieldbased education and research. Position Descriptions: Preserve and Trail Steward (reports to Keri VanCamp) This position is part of a team that works to protect and maintain the Preserve and natural areas on campus. The Preserve and Trail Steward monitors and maintains the trail system at the Vassar Ecological Preserve. Stewards work to improve trail conditions by clearing debris and vegetation, constructing boardwalks, and improving drainage. Other responsibilities include monitoring and improving general conditions on the preserve. The Steward submits monitoring reports to the Preserve Director. They promote a leave no trace ethic by educating visitors about rules and the potential impacts of visitation. They will also work with the other work study students on joint stewardship, monitoring, and outreach projects. Job Requirements: Interest in learning about management of the Ecological Preserve. Must enjoy working outside and have experience working in various weather conditions. Must be able to use power and hand tools. Previous carpentry experience is desirable. Although not required, a driver’s license is preferred. Invasive Species Management and Restoration Assistant (reports to Keri VanCamp) This position is part of a team that works to protect and maintain the Preserve and natural areas on campus. The Invasive Species Management and Restoration Assistant monitors and manages high priority invasive species populations. They collect seed, propagate and plant native species. They work to create volunteer opportunities for land stewardship and lead guided walks to increase public awareness. They work with the other work study students on joint stewardship, monitoring, and outreach projects. Job Requirements: Interest in learning about invasive species management and ecological restoration. The applicant must have experience working outdoors in various weather conditions, ability to use hand and power-tools, and experience leading groups of people. Knowledge of local flora and fauna is helpful. Although not required, a driver’s license is preferred. Environmental Monitoring Assistant (reports to Keri VanCamp) This position is part of a team that works to protect and maintain the Ecological Preserve and natural areas on campus. The Environmental Monitoring Assistant will work to implement monitoring that is outlined in the Preserve’s Conservation Action Plan. They will maintain the weather station, monitor plants and animals, set up new types of environmental monitoring, and work on ongoing research projects. They will also work with the other work study students on joint stewardship, monitoring, and outreach projects. Job Requirements: Interest in learning about environmental monitoring projects occurring at the Preserve. They must enjoy working outdoors, have excellent written and oral communication skills, plant and animal identification skills, be able to follow monitoring protocols, and collect accurate data. Although not required, a driver’s license is preferred. Native Plant Propagation Assistant The Native Plant Propagation Assistant will work to collect and start native species to support restoration efforts on the Preserve. They will assist with restoration projects on the Preserve. Job Requirements: They must enjoy working outdoors, have plant identification skills, and be able to follow collection protocols. Although not required, a driver’s license is preferred. Preserve Gateway Assistant This position will assist with the Gateway Project which aims to improve access and restore the entry to the Preserve. They will assist with the restoration of a riparian buffer by planting trees, coordinating volunteers, maintaining plantings, and helping to remove invasive species. They will develop outreach materials to help communicate the project to the public. They will assist with other projects as needed. Job Requirements: Student should have an interest in restoration, native plants, and public engagement. They must enjoy working outside. Skills: Gardening/farming experience, GIS/Mapping, Previous experience in this field, Research skills Hours: 4 hrs/weekAre you interested in getting involved with The Preserve? Visit here for your next steps.
The Environmental Cooperative
https://offices.vassar.edu/environmental-cooperative/ Non-profit, 5-10 team members Address: 50 Vassar Farm Lane, Poughkeepsie NY Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, conservation About: The Environmental Cooperative is the outreach arm of the Preserve at Vassar. We work to connect Vassar students with Environmental efforts in the local community as well as bring more students to the Preserve for structured learning opportunities. We work closely with local schools and community groups to bring children to the Preserve and local parks for outdoor education programs. We also work to steward natural areas on campus and in conjunction with local partners. Position Descriptions: Environmental Coop Intern – The Environmental Cooperative Intern will assist with all aspects of programming and activities at the Environmental Cooperative. This includes assisting with community outreach and outdoor education programs. They will work closely with Environmental Cooperative staff teaching environmental science field trips to children from local schools and organizations on the Preserve and in local parks. Programs typically include hikes on the Preserve, arts and crafts, nature-themed games, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, they will help with stewardship and conservation projects on campus and in the community. These include weeding pollinator gardens, collecting seeds of native plants on the Preserve and at local natural areas, and plant propagation. They will help the Environmental Cooperative with local community projects such as engagement in the Pollinator Pathway Initiative, the Fall Kill Watershed Coalition, and the Revive College Hill Park Coalition. Prior experience in these areas is optional. However, we are looking for someone committed to learning about teaching outdoor education programs and the natural world around us. The applicant will gain an understanding of environmental education, urban/suburban conservation, natural resources management, land stewardship, and communicating information to a general audience. Language Justice Intern – The Environmental Cooperative Language Justice intern will assist with Spanish translation for community outreach events, education programs, and written materials relevant to the Environmental Cooperative and the Preserve. There will be opportunities to collaborate with staff and students from the Cooperative, Preserve, and other offices on campus as well as community groups. The intern will gain experience and understanding in real-time and written translation, environmental education, urban/suburban conservation, natural resources management, sustainability, and communicating information to a general audience. Individuals from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM are encouraged to apply. Natural Areas Steward – The Campus Natural Areas Steward monitors and maintains natural areas on campus. These include pollinator gardens and tree plantings both on the main campus and on the Preserve. . Job duties include weeding natural areas, prepping areas for new plantings, and collecting and propagating native seeds. They will also work with the other student interns on joint stewardship, monitoring, and community outreach projects. Other activities may include assisting with environmental education and outreach programs. Individuals from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM are encouraged to apply. Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Gardening/farming experience, Graphic design, Previous experience working with young people, Public speaking/presenting, Social media management Hours: 4hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with The Environmental Cooperative? Visit here for your next steps.Dutchess Outreach, Inc.
https://dutchessoutreach.org/who-we-are/about-dutchess-outreach/ Address: 29 N. Hamilton Street (multiple areas in the building) Action Areas: Environmental Justice and Food Security, Food Security Advocacy About: Dutchess Outreach acts as a catalyst for community revitalization and exists in Dutchess County as an advocate and provider of hunger and relief programs in order to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to fresh, healthy food, and the support they need. Position Description: Students can self select to be involved in one or a combination of the following projects:- Project #1: Students will assist in the creation of a dynamic web interface map connected to an existing database created by Dutchess Outreach of socially disadvantaged farms in New York State. The database currently exists as an AirTable. The goal of this project is to ensure that the database of socially disadvantaged farmers is publicly accessible and can be easily updated and maintained.
- Project #2: Students will conduct research to gather and map data on the locations of farms, aggregation and processing centers, and distribution centers throughout New York State.
- Project #3: Students will help conduct and map results from community food assessments in Dutchess County in order to identify where the greatest need is.
Nature’s Impact
www.naturesimpact.org Address: based out of Poughkeepsie/ Hudson Valley For profit, 1-5 team members Action Areas: Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture About: Nature’s Impact is a social enterprise dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and the environment. Through environmental education, sustainable garden design, and thoughtfully curated events, we empower individuals to appreciate, protect, and celebrate the natural world while promoting sustainable practices. Position Description: Students will be able to assist with environmental programming, art programming, social media, and research if necessary. Students will learn about organic gardening and working with children. Skills: Gardening/farming experience, Previous experience working with young people, Social media management Hours: 4hrs/week or 8hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with Nature’s Impact? Visit here for your next steps.The Peace Education Center of the Hudson Valley
www.pechv.org Non-profit, 1-5 team members 430 Main Street Unit C, Rosendale NY 12472 Action Areas:Education Policy and Equity, Environmental Justice and Food Security, Racial Justice, Interdisciplinary work for peace and justice About:The mission of the Peace Education Center of the Hudson Valley is to empower individuals and organizations to create and sustain ecologically-minded, just, and peaceful communities. Position description:We’re looking for folks who would like to be part of these projects: 1) creating Peace Education documents, curriculum, and zines; 2) help with research on schools & teachers, community groups, peace & justice networks, grants & foundations; 3) grant writing; 4) program planning; 5) promotion and marketing. Desired Skills:Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Previous experience working with young people, Writing Additional Requirements: Driver’s license would be great if students could be on site in Rosendale for part of the time. Hours: 4hrs/week, 8hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with the Peace Education Center? Visit here for your next steps.Sustainable Hudson Valley
https://www.sustainhv.org Non-profit, 1-5 team members Address: 7 Livingston St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Racial Justice, direct climate mitigation and adaptation About: Sustainable Hudson Valley’s mission is to speed up, scale up, jazz up and leverage progress against climate change, creating communities where people and nature thrive. We are the only regional organization devoted to on-the-ground programs and projects that concretely reduce greenhouse gas emissions, draw carbon out of the atmosphere and create economic opportunities in the process. Position Descriptions: coming soon Desired Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Copywriting, Fact-checking, GIS/Mapping, Graphic design, Writing, Data collection/analysis Hours: 4 hrs/week; 8hrs/weekAre you interested in getting involved with Sustainable HV? Visit here for your next steps.
Poughkeepsie Farm Project – Farm Crew
farmproject.org Non-profit, 15-20 team members Address: 51 Vassar Farm Lane, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Action Areas: Environmental Justice and Food Security About:The mission of the Poughkeepsie Farm Project is to cultivate local leadership in sustainable farming, food access, and education, and to foster an inclusive, welcoming community for everyone. Our Vision is a community that works collaboratively to provide equitable access to nutritious food via a just and resilient food system. Position description: Play a supportive role of the Poughkeepsie Farm Project farm crew. This position includes contributing to all aspects of farm production including but not limited to harvesting, seeding, weeding, sowing, thinning crops, support with CSA customer relations and food distribution efforts, assisting with volunteers and workshare members, clean up and maintenance of all tools and spaces, and meetings with farm crew members as necessary. Hours:4hrs/week, 8hrs/week Positions Available:1, 2Are you interested in getting involved with the PFP? Visit here for your next steps.
Hudson Valley Regional Council (HVRC)
https://hudsonvalleyregionalcouncil.org/dutchesscapi/ Non-profit, 15-20 team members Address: 105 Anne St., Newburgh, NY Action Areas:Environmental Justice and Food Security, Public Health, Climate Resilience About: HVRC is one of 7 regional councils in NY State providing technical and strategic assistance to local governments. We cover 7 counties in the mid-Hudson region and are focused on issues such as sustainability, water quality, economic development and climate resiliency. Position Description: Assist local municipalities with Climate vulnerability assessments and climate adaptation plans. Desired Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Copywriting, GIS/Mapping, Research skills Hours: 4hrs/weekAre you interested in getting involved with HVRC? Visit here for your next steps.
Town of Gardiner Environmental Conservation Commission
https://www.townofgardiner.org/departments/environmental-conservation-commission Address: 2340 STATE ROUTE 44/55, Gardiner, NY 12525 Action Areas: Environmental Conservation About: We have been partnering with Vassar CEL for 2 years in creating and updating our online mapper for our Natural Resources Inventory for the Town of Gardiner. The NRI is an official town document that describes all the natural areas of the town and other related data about the landscape and town features. We have some final updates that need to be completed using the ArcGIS online mapping program from ESRI. Position Descriptions: In conjunction with Vassar staff, students will complete updates to several mapping features and make some adjustments to specific items in the mapper. This mapper is a critical tool in assessing applications to the building department and planning board and in understanding the natural features of the town that need special attention. Desired Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Fact-checking, GIS/Mapping Hours: 4hrs/weekAre you interested in getting involved with The Town of Gardiner? Visit here for your next steps.
The City of Newburgh Department of Planning and Development
https://www.cityofnewburgh-ny.gov/245/Planning-Development Address: 123 Grand Street, Newburgh, NY 12550 About: The City of Newburgh Department of Planning and Development manages a variety of services and programs that assist the City in land use development, economic growth, and neighborhood revitalization aimed at sustainable living. The Planning and Development Department has a broad range of responsibilities including: (Brownfield Investigation and Remediation, Census and Demographics, Community Development, Disposition of In-Rem City-Owned properties, Economic Development, Environmental Assessment, Heritage, Land Use Boards management, Land Use Planning, Long Term Master Planning, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Planning) Position Description: The City of Newburgh Conservation Advisory Council (“CAC”) has been an awarded a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“NYSDEC”) Hudson River Estuary Program to complete a Natural Resources Inventory (“NRI”). The NRI will identify, describe, and map natural resources occurring within the City of Newburgh and adjacent properties that constitute the boundaries and watersheds of the City-owned Washington Lake and Brown’s Pond/Silver Stream drinking reservoirs. The City is seeking one or more students (number to be determined by CEL faculty advisor) to work with a City representative to create an NRI interactive web map by Spring of 2025. The interactive web map will complement the NRI report and allow the Planning Board, City Departments, as well as the general public, to interact with the data obtained by the NRI study more easily. An example of a finished product is available here. The maps will be developed under the supervision of the College’s supervising consultant, Neil Curri. The student will also provide a narrative to each map that explains the context of the map and its layers. The NRI interactive web map will consist of the below maps:- Land Use • Zoning • Climate Resiliency • Physical Setting • Water Resources • Habitats and Wildlife • Cultural and Historic Resources • Comprehensive
Are you interested in getting involved with The City of Newburgh? Visit here for your next steps.
Woodstock, New York – Planning Board
Woodstockny.org Address: 45 Comeau Drive, Woodstock, NY 12498 Action Areas: Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Housing Insecurity/Justice, Public Health, Voting Rights, Legal Access About: The Planning Board and the Complete Streets Committee use maps for a variety of internal processes and also for public information. Position Description: Support a local trail guide transcribe paper logging roads and other trails Desired Skills: GIS/Mapping Hours: 4hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with The Town of Woodstock? Visit here for your next steps.Bedford2030
https://bedford2030.org/about/ Address: based in Bedford, NY (remote work available) Action Areas: Environmental Justice and Food Security, Environmental Advocacy & GHG Reduction About: Bedford 2030 addresses the urgent issue of climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and preservation of natural resources. We organize a grassroots effort in our community to achieve aggressive climate action goals identified in the Bedford Climate Action Plan. Position Description: We are looking for a student to help us conduct interviews and create content to promote and expand our energy coaching program. The energy coach is a program that provides free coaching to community members to decrease the environmental impact of their homes. We would like to do a big push to encourage people to sign up in the spring and are looking for an intern to help us create all the content necessary to highlight and promote the program this fall. Desired Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Copywriting, Fact-checking, Research skills, Social media management, Video editing/production, Data collection/analysis Hours: 4hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with Bedford2030? Visit here for your next steps.Town of Lloyd Environmental Conservation Commission
https://www.townoflloyd.com/environmental-conservation-council Municipal Volunteer Advisory Council, 5-10 team members Address: based out of Lloyd, NY (remote work available) Action Areas: Environmental Justice and Food Security, Environmental Conservation About: The Environmental Conservation Council (ECC) is a town-appointed council that advises the Town of Lloyd on the preservation, development and use of Lloyd’s natural and historical resources. Position Description: The student will assist the ECC in the creation of a CSC Task Force, which will serve as a central body of leadership that promotes and supports climate mitigation and adaptation in the community. The student may assist with outreach and communications to municipal officials and residents, and help prepare materials for CSC Task Force meetings. The student will also work with the ECC and Hudson Valley Regional Council to complete a Greenhouse Gas Inventory report for the Town of Lloyd, as well as gathering information and documentation for energy benchmarking (tracking energy use, measuring performance over time). These projects will build a baseline of information against which Lloyd can measure the success of future Climate Smart actions. In addition, the student may also assist in gathering information and documentation related to other CSC actions, such as LED street light replacement, and other infrastructure improvements, projects, and plans the Town has completed or is in the process of completing, which may be points-earning CSC actions. Desired Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Research skills, Writing, GIS/Mapping and Data collection/analysis desired but not required Hours: 8hrs/week, If the interested student or students only have 4 hrs/wk to commit to the project, we’ll take it and it will make an impact. Are you interested in getting involved with The Town of Lloyd ECC? Visit here for your next steps.United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region
uwdor.org Non-profit, 15-20 team members Address: 75 Market Street, Poughkeepsie Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Environmental Justice and Food Security, Housing Insecurity/Justice, Public Health About: We fight for the health, education and financial stability for every person in our community. Position Description: We have learning opportunities in our impact, fundraising and marketing departments. Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Graphic design, Previous experience working with young people, Previous experience in this field, Public speaking/presenting, Research skills, Social media management, Web design, Writing, Video editing/production, Data collection/analysis Hours: 4hrs/week Positions Available: 2 Are you interested in getting involved with UWDOR? Visit here for your next steps.Revive College Hill Park Coalition
https://www.rchpc.org/ Address: 149 N Clinton Street, Poughkeepsie NY Non-profit, 5-10 team members Action Areas:Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Access to Nature About: The mission of the Revive College Hill Park Coalition (the Coalition) is to foster healthy, outdoor spaces for all to gather, celebrate, and recreate. The Coalition works to support environmental initiatives, and Poughkeepsie’s history at the Park. A local historic landmark, College Hill Park is located in the heart of the 5th Ward of the City and is notably the largest city park and the highest point in the city, offering a beautiful 360-degree view of the local landscape. In recent year there has been an increase in reactivating the park due to it close proximity to the Walkway, it natural beauty and its rich historic and cultural importance to black history in Poughkeepsie. The Revive College Hill Park Coalition is an entirely volunteer organization made up of local experts and residents who are working to increase awareness about and advocate for the park. Position Description:The College Hill Park Steward will assist coalition members with raising awareness and responsible stewardship of College Hill Park. These duties include participating in gardening days at the historic Lown Memorial Pollinator Garden, assisting with a current ongoing project that is focused on creating interpretive bilingual signage for the park, and assisting with communication efforts to the local community through social media and creating fliers, tabling, and other activities. The ideal intern would have an interest in nature and gardening as the position would require working outside. Graphic design experience and a comfort with translating Spanish to English for signage is desirable. The intern will also need transportation to the Park. Desired Skills:Bilingual Spanish-English, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Copywriting, Fact-checking, Gardening/farming experience, Graphic design, Writing Hours:4hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with The Coalition? Visit here for your next steps.Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue
https://www.luckyorphans.org/ Non-profit, 30+ team members 2699 Route 22, Dover Plains, NY Action Areas: Mental Health Access and Support, animal welfare, humane education About: People Helping Horses Heal People is the mission that guides everything we do. It holds us to the highest standard of care and rehabilitation for our horses and is at the heart of our educational approach and programming. As a sanctuary, we are committed to the life-long wellbeing of our horses and believe in the healing bond between humans and horses. Since Lucky Orphans opened its barn doors in 2008 we have helped many horses, along with some sheep and goats, find a more promising and meaningful future. It is our goal to not only save these wonderful animals but to also strengthen the relationship between people and animals to build a more compassionate future. Position Description: Students can engage in equine experiential education, equine-assisted therapy, volunteer opportunities, event planning, social media/website design. Desired Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Gardening/farming experience, Previous experience working with young people, Public speaking/presenting, Social media management, Web design, Video editing/production Additional Requirements: Background check Hours: 4hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with Lucky Horses? Visit here for your next steps.The Growing STEMZ Foundation
growingstemz.org Non-profit, 1-5 team members Address: 295 Mill St. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Mental Health Access and Support, Racial Justice, Equity in STEM Education About: The Growing STEMz Foundation is an organization dedicated to empowerment for communities through STEM/STEAM education via consulting, program development, professional development, tutorials, parent engagement and more. Collaboration with others and Expressive Arts meets Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, are the hallmarks of our mission. We envision community engagement through project based experiences and developing 21st Century Skills for a competitive global marketplace. We advocate for Educational and Environmental Justice, Equity in STEM Education, and Social Justice. Our ideal customers are students, educators, and parents. Our ideal partnerships will lead to increased exposure, learning, and college/career readiness for urban, underserved and marginalized communities in STEM. Position description:- Informal direct teaching (Teachers Assistant) via Science LABs, Science Club, Science Research in Elementary School Environment.
- Audit Teacher Planning Meetings
- Develop Youth Workshops (STEAM, Field Research)
- Assist in Planning and Coordinating STEM FEST Event May 2025
- Conduct and analyze surveys and questionnaires for organizational development
- Conduct Materials and Resources Inventory (develop a system)
- Enhance Organization Social Media
- Outreach
Found & Fixed Hudson Valley
https://www.foundandfixedhv.com/about-us Worker-owned cooperative with 1-5 team members Address: 10 Commercial Ave, Highland NY 12528 Action Areas: Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture, community wealth building, democratic work places, landfill reduction About: Found & Fixed Hudson Valley diverts furniture from the landfill by repairing, refinishing, and repainting damaged wood pieces. We launched our worker cooperative in 2022 to combat the 12 million pounds of furniture that goes into landfills each year in the United States. Through our work, we give new life to old pieces while also providing sustainable, cost-competitive alternatives to big box stores. Where possible, we use sustainable and eco-friendly products on our pieces such as non-toxic paint, strippers and sealing agents. Position description: Students can work on a number of different projects based on their skills, interests, and intended career path. Projects may include:- Woodworking (for those who want hands on experience)
- Conducting outreach to artists that upcycle and planning a series of community-oriented workshops (ie., how to do kinsugi, how to deconstruct and reuse wool in a sweater, how to make a lamp out of anything, etc.)
- Marketing support (helping us stay on top of social media trends, developing a social media calendar, interviewing people for newsletters, writing short blog posts)
- Participation in the coop! We are a worker owned workplace and manage all aspects of the business democratically. Our org is governed by committees (or circles). Students will gain experience in democratically managed orgs by participating in team meetings and relevant circles.