Working Apprenticeship Through Estuarine Research for Students (WATERS) : High School Apprentice

Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Inc.

Posting Dates: 01/3/2025 – Until Filled

Title: Working Apprenticeship Through Estuarine Research for Students (WATERS)

Department: Natural Areas

Job Type: Internship/Apprenticeship; Part-time; Contract; Non-Exempt

Pay Range: High School- $16 an hour; up to 297 hours (First Year)

Work Location: Randall’s Island Park, New York, NY 10035

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Working Apprenticeship Through Estuarine Research for Students (WATERS) program invites local students to engage in estuarine and marine research on Randall’s Island. This opportunity enables interns to work alongside Randall’s Island Park Alliance (RIPA) staff to select and investigate an estuarine research topic. Apprentices will gain hands-on scientific experience by designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and disseminating their findings to the broader community. Under the mentorship of RIPA researchers and through networking with professors and professionals in various ecological fields, participants will explore diverse STEM and STEM-adjacent career paths. Additionally, the program offers professional development support, including assistance with resume writing, cover letter crafting, and preparing professional statements. Interns will report to the Park-as-Lab (PAL) Coordinator.

This is a year-round position requiring on-site work during the summer and offering flexible remote work options during the academic year.

The program is funded by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund and the NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaboratively design, conduct, analyze, and present estuarine-focused research in partnership with fellow apprentices.
• Meet daily with the PAL Coordinator to plan activities and discuss project progress.
• Support the Natural Areas team in ecological and environmental monitoring tasks, such as fish seining, waterbird monitoring, and water quality assessments.

Please note: This internship description does not encompass all potential tasks and responsibilities; additional duties may be assigned as needed.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Current enrollment in a 4-year high school.
• Demonstrated interest in disciplines such as oceanography, marine biology, limnology, ecology, environmental sciences, or natural resources and/or similar fields.
• Strong interest in scientific research, environmental justice, and resource management.
• Excellent organization skills and strong attention to detail
• Motivated and punctual, able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to foster positive relationships.
• Willingness to work under various weather conditions and in challenging environments (e.g., rocky shorelines, extreme temperatures, presence of insects).
• Knowledge of computers basics (Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook).

o Please have at least one reference available, upon request

The Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and believes in a diverse and an inclusive work space and environment.

RIPA maintains confidentiality of all applications and therefore will never contact a present employer without prior consent from the applicant.