External Opportunities

I credit external opportunities as one of the reasons for my intellectual and professional development during my time as an undergraduate student and I strongly encourage my students to apply for any and all opportunities they can find. In my classes, it is a common occurrence for the first few minutes of class for me to talk at length about these opportunities. Although this requires students to challenge themselves and exit their comfort zones, watching my students apply for and participate in these opportunities is a personal highlight of my job and sets my students up for personal success. Although not an exhaustive list, here is a list of external opportunities from the local to national level you can apply for. 

• GeoSPACE Geoscience Field Program: "The GeoSPACE program is built on the idea that field courses can and should be accessible and inclusive. Beyond the field course, GeoSPACE students become part of a mentoring and support network designed to help students find success in their future geoscience endeavors. In addition to creating opportunities for people with disabilities and other marginalized identities to gain field experience and mentorship, our goal is to act as a model for other field course leaders who are interested in creating more equitable field learning opportunities for their students."

• New York City Department of Environmental Protection: "We offer paid and unpaid undergraduate and graduate internships year-round in a variety of fields during the fall, spring, and summer sessions. This page will list open positions when available. Students that are interested in a position should apply as soon as possible, as applications are often reviewed on a rolling basis."

• New York City Parks Department: "NYC Parks helps bring together people from all over our great city. From the iconic Central Park to neighborhood playgrounds, we own and operate some of the most exemplary green spaces in the world. At NYC Parks, our mission is to plan resilient and sustainable parks, public spaces, and recreational amenities, build a park system for the present and future generations, and care for parks and public spaces."

• New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection: Full-time, part-time, and seasonal opportunities working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Many of these opportunities have rolling deadlines, and seasonal opportunities open up intermittently. Because of this, it is recommended that you check this website frequently for updates on new employment opportunities depending on the time of the year, in particular during the fall and spring semesters. 

• National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates: "'NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. An REU Site may be at either a US or foreign location."

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): "The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is America’s civil space program and the global leader in space exploration. The agency has a diverse workforce of just under 18,000 civil servants, and works with many more U.S. contractors, academia, and international and commercial partners to explore, discover, and expand knowledge for the benefit of humanity. With an annual budget of $23.2 billion in Fiscal Year 2021, which is less than 0.5% of the overall U.S. federal budget, NASA supports more than 312,000 jobs across the United States, generating more than $64.3 billion in total economic output (Fiscal Year 2019). "

  • NASA Pathways Internships: "We strategically hire our Pathways Interns based on long-term potential and alignment with NASA’s future workforce needs. Specializing in multi-semester experiences, the Pathways Internship Program prepares you for a career at NASA and offers a direct pipeline to full-time employment at NASA upon graduation. In addition to the Pathways Internship Program, there are many other exciting types of internship opportunities at NASA—check out intern.nasa.gov or view the internship brochure below for more information!"

  • NASA Intern: A list of diverse internship opportunities from NASA designed for students at a variety of academic levels including undergraduate, master's, and Ph.D. students. This list is updated when new opportunities arise, so make sure to review this list periodically for new and exciting opportunities you can apply to. Please make sure to review the eligibility requirements. 

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Student Opportunities Database: "Welcome to NOAA’s student opportunities database! NOAA has opportunities for students of any level — from kindergarten through high school, undergraduate and graduate, and even recent graduates. Opportunities include one-day events, summer internships at NOAA, multi-year fellowships, and more."

• United States Environmental Protection Agency: "EPA internships, fellowships, and recent graduate positions provide a great introduction to our work and may lead to permanent employment. These opportunities are available at our Washington D.C. headquarters, in our ten regional offices, and at our labs and research centers throughout the nation."

• United States Geological Survey (USGS) Pathways Internship Program: "The USGS Internship Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and getting paid for the work performed."

• American Museum of Natural History:

  • Museum Education Experience Program: "Through our comprehensive learning program, interns develop the skillful art of initiating engaging science conversations through our interactive and reflective workshops. MEEP interns initiate science discussions with our Museum’s visitors using the halls as a launchpad. They go beyond conveying mere facts to support our people in fostering a deeper understanding and connection to the science content in our exhibition spaces." They have deadlines listed for the Fall, Spring, and Summer.

  • REU Physical Sciences Program: "The Research Experience for Undergraduates Program in Physical Sciences (Earth and Planetary Sciences and Astrophysics) is funded by the National Science Foundation. The Museum's Division of Physical Sciences—in collaboration with the City University of New York (CUNY)—is pleased to offer summer undergraduate research opportunities in Astrophysics, and Earth and Planetary Sciences. Our program brings approximately eight students to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City each summer for a ten-week experience working with our curators, faculty, and post-doctoral fellows. Students receive a $ 5,000 traineeship stipend, as well as per diem costs for housing and meals, relocation expenses, and transportation subsidies. Housing is made available at nearby Columbia University."

  • REU Biology Program: "The Research Experience for Undergraduates Program in Systematics and Evolutionary Biology is funded by the National Science Foundation and has been in place for 30 years. Our program brings approximately ten students to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City each summer for a ten-week experience working with our curators, faculty, and post-doctoral fellows. Research projects span diverse fields of comparative biology including paleontology, genomics, population biology, conservation biology, and phylogenetics and taxonomy. Students have access to the Museum's immense natural history collections as well as state-of-the-art equipment for advanced imaging (CT scanner, SEM, TEM) and genomics (Sanger and pyrosequencing platforms). Students receive a $6,000 traineeship stipend, as well as per diem costs for housing and meals, relocation expenses, and transportation subsidies. Pending COVID pandemic conditions, and assuming the program is held onsite at AMNH, housing at nearby Columbia University is made available. In addition to conducting original research projects throughout the summer, students also participate in formal instruction in systematics and evolution, and receive training in ethics, networking, communication, and other career-building skills."

• Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden: '"We’re hiring!  Apply today to work with Snug Harbor’s team at our historic 83-acre campus." Many seasonal opportunities arise at Snug Harbor so make sure that you are checking this site frequently, in particular during the spring semester. 

• Freshkills Park Alliance:

  • Employment Opportunities: An active list of paid employment opportunities at Freshkills Park Alliance on Staten Island New York, the largest landfill-to-park reclamation project in the world! Seasonal opportunities at this park do exist, so make sure you are checking particularly in the spring semester. 

  • Volunteer Opportunities: "Bring your energy and enthusiasm to our volunteer events and help with beautification/cleanup projects at Schmul Park, the New Springville Greenway, 2240 Richmond Avenue and our kayak launch.  Come participate in the events, learn more about the Park and then spread the enthusiasm to your friends and family. By maintaining green spaces and assisting with events, like our annual Discovery Day, volunteers help make visiting Freshkills Park a great experience. Staff are always there for support and guidance. You can find upcoming volunteer events on our Events page.  Please know that when these programs [run], [they] will be conducted in accordance with all necessary protocols."

• Tibor T. Polgar Undergraduate Fellowship: ''The Tibor T. Polgar Fellowship program is a student research program of the Hudson River Foundation (HRF) conducted in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Named in honor of Dr. Tibor T. Polgar, a major participant in the early planning and development of the Foundation, this program provides a summer grant ($5,500 for each fellowship) and research funds (up to $1,500) for up to eight undergraduate students to conduct research on the Hudson River, under the guidance of a faculty mentor (mentors to receive a $1,000 honorarium)."

• Pathways Into Science: "The mission of the Institute for Broadening Participation is to increase diversity in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workforce. Since 2003, IBP has connected underrepresented students with STEM funding and research opportunities, and has provided faculty and administrators with tools and resources to help promote the positive factors that keep underrepresented students on the STEM pathway into successful STEM careers. We design and implement strategies to increase access to STEM education, funding, and careers, with special emphasis on diverse underrepresented groups. We believe that diversifying the STEM workforce is the best way to ensure our nation's economic vitality and solve global challenges."

  • Environmental Science

  • Atmospheric Science

  • Forestry

  • General Earth & Agriculture Sciences

  • Geological Sciences

  • Hydrology

  • Marine Sciences & Oceanography

  • Natural Resources

  • Paleontology

  • Sustainability

  • Artificial Intelligence

• Central Park Conservancy: An active list of opportunities at Central Park Conservancy in Manhattan. Seasonal opportunities at this park do exist, so make sure you are checking particularly in the spring semester. 

• CUNY Pipeline Program: "The Pipeline Program is a CUNY-wide initiative designed to provide educational and financial support to CUNY undergraduates from groups currently underrepresented in our nation's universities who are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in preparation for college-level teaching and advanced research."

• Natural Areas Conservancy: "Welcome to the Natural Areas Conservancy Career Center! Please see below for current openings to join our team of staff and interns to further our mission to champion urban natural areas in New York City and across the nation through innovative research, partnerships, and advocacy."

• American Conservation Experience: "American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities for young adults and emerging professionals of all backgrounds to explore and improve public lands while gaining practical professional experience."

• EDICT Internships: "EDICT is a partnership between Clean Energy Leadership Institute (CELI), Elemental Excelerator, and FutureMap. It is designed to match employers from all corners of climate innovation — for-profits, nonprofits, funders, and government organizations — with aspiring climate professionals, college students, and recent graduates from traditionally excluded backgrounds."

• Queer Outdoor & Environmental Job Board: "This job board is a collaboration between Pattie Gonia and Red Fong (they/them). It was launched in June 2021 to get queer folks hired in the environmental and outdoor industries!

So far...

2,448 Queer people have posted their info to the board

1,568 Jobs have been posted from brands including yours along with other top outdoor brands and non-profits

1,171 of the jobs listed on the board have been filled.

We know that these numbers don't accurately reflect how many people have actually found jobs through this board.  Please feel free to let us know if you did! Please contact pattiegoniajobs@gmail.com with questions"

• UCAR Center for Science Education (UCAR SciEd): "Students who participate in internships at UCAR and NCAR gain valuable experience, forge connections with leaders in their fields, and contribute to cutting-edge research projects."

• MobilizeGreen: "MobilizeGreen develops leaders who share the values of the communities most impacted by climate change. By removing barriers and creating access to career pathways, MobilizeGreen connects youth of color with leadership opportunities through partners working to solve environmental issues. We help young people launch their careers, provide access to hands-on work experience, soft skills training, and professional development, and help partners get work done."

  • The Virtual Intern: "We offer paid project-based virtual internships, typically 4 - 8 weeks, each quarter  that introduces you to real-world teams and projects where you’ll be able to showcase your passion, energy and commitment in a truly unique way. It’s all about giving you the experience that allows you to change the world."

  • Career Pathway Fellowships: "If you are looking for paid career pathway opportunities with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (“FWS”), one of our fellowship programs might be just what you’re looking for! We have three FWS fellowship programs —maintenance,  infrastructure,  and resiliency cohorts— that bring together a culturally and ethnically diverse group of students and recent graduates to serve in supportive, growth-oriented fellowships. These paid fellowships with benefits typically are 26-52 weeks on wildlife refuges."

  • Resource Assistant Internships: "The Resource Assistant's Program typically is a 26 - 52 week paid internship program with a Federal public lands agency, including agencies such as the USDA Forest Service.  The program is designed for emerging professionals, typically recent graduates, to launch their natural and cultural resources careers. Interns receive hands-on learning experience, mentorship, and coaching to complete mission-critical work."

In my position as the Coordinator for the Earth and Ocean Sciences, I work closely with students in selecting courses for their semesters. In some cases, I advise students on courses that are appropriate for their degrees in Earth and Environmental Science, but also courses that may be useful to their future careers. This does not just extend to opportunities at the university but extends to external learning opportunities including online training, workshops, events, and free or low-cost certifications. Below are some academic resources that students may find valuable during their time at the university and if you have any you want to share please send them my way.

• Esri's MOOC Program: "These free online courses are for anyone who wants to build new skills, grow professionally, and expand their horizons. Courses range from four to six weeks and are self-paced. Have fun, explore a new topic, get hands-on practice with the latest ArcGIS software, and earn a certificate of completion."

• ARSET - Satellite Remote Sensing for Urban Heat Islands: "This training will address the use of remote sensing in determining where "hot spots" of land surface temperature are located in urban areas, why these areas are experiencing increased temperature, which populations are most vulnerable, and ways to mitigate the effects through adaptive land use planning."

• Forage Work Experience: "Virtual Work Experience Programs are online programs built and endorsed by leading companies. They contain a series of resources and tasks designed to simulate the real-world experience of starting a career and for those who are looking to gain experience before seeking an internship. Virtual Work Experience Programs also allow you to connect with employers in a unique way!"

• MATLAB Free Certificates: "MathWorks, the company behind the MATLAB programming language and software, offers 17 free online courses through their MATLAB Academy platform. The courses introduce learners to the MATLAB language and tools — with a focus on machine learning — and MathWorks’ specialized software, such as Simulink. Most notably, MATLAB Academy courses include a free certificate of completion as well as an accompanying progress report" (Classcentral, 2024).

• UN e-Learn Think, Talk, Act Climate: "Tackling climate change requires action at all levels of society, from individuals and educators to policymakers and businesses. By fostering awareness, capacity building and innovation climate change learning helps communities and individuals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and effectively adapt to the changing climate."

• The Open University Climate change: transitions to sustainability: ''Human societies have to take urgent action to end their dependences on fossil fuels. We have to alter the whole path of our development and decision making in order to make our societies both environmentally adaptable and sustainable. This free course, Climate change, takes on the task of trying to chart some of the ways in which it might be possible."

• The Open University The Oceans: "The oceans cover more than 70 per cent of our planet. In this free course, The oceans, you will learn about the depths of the oceans and the properties of the water that fills them, what drives the ocean circulation and how the oceans influence our climate."

• Undergraduate Course Catalog: You can browse our undergraduate and graduate course offerings. Remember that courses are added or modified every so often; remember to check it occasionally or reach out for information.

Students may not enroll in my courses thinking that they will receive information related to their professional development, but I try to help them develop the skills needed to be successful after graduation. In the classroom, my students will learn about internship and scholarship opportunities, resume assistance, on-campus industry specialists, the Center for Professional Development, the Alumni Association, honors programs, and professional societies. They will also have the opportunity to develop a writing and technical portfolio, specifically in my upper-level courses. Below are some useful professional development resources I am curating for my students that may be helpful.

• Geosciences Education & Mentorship Support: "GEMS provides mentorship support for undergraduate and early-stage graduate students in the geosciences. We believe that all students wishing to pursue an advanced degree should have access to resources and support. In order to address existing mentorship gaps, particularly for students from historically excluded groups in the geosciences and academia, we match students with faculty, postdoctoral, research staff and graduate student mentors. In addition, we hope to provide materials, webinars, and Q&A sessions on how to apply to graduate school. GEMS aims to increase the accessibility of graduate programs and funding for all students, which we recognize is only one component of a larger effort needed to diversify the geosciences."

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Earth and Environmental Scientists: Provides a summary of information on what they do, the typical work environment, how you become one, what the pay in this field looks like, the potential job prospects, data by state and area, along with similar occupations and additional information you may find useful as you enter the job market. 

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Geoscientists: Provides a summary of information on what they do, the typical work environment, how you become one, what the pay in this field looks like, the potential job prospects, data by state and area, along with similar occupations and additional information you may find useful as you enter the job market.

• Geological Society of America Networking & Mentoring: For members of the Geological Society of America, this is a list of mentoring and networking opportunities at their conferences. It also includes resources for non-members to assist early career professionals and students.

• The Staten Island Zoo Internship: "The Staten Island Zoo is extremely committed to our internship programs. Our goal is to provide great learning experiences for interns while continuing an exceptionally high level of care for our zoo animals. With a close staff to intern ratio, interns are a part of the zoo family. During their time at the Zoo, interns gain hands-on, practical work experience.

Research and College Credits

Individuals interested in specific topics may also be permitted to work on independent research. This project would be developed in conjunction with Zoo staff approval in order to meet the specific needs of the animal health department.

If students are eligible to receive college credits for their internship hours, the Zoo will actively support this process. Staten Island Zoo interns have received college credit at Delaware Valley College, Keane University, and Wagner College."

• Freshkills Park Alliance: "Bring your energy and enthusiasm to our volunteer events and help with beautification/cleanup projects at Schmul Park, the New Springville Greenway, 2240 Richmond Avenue and our kayak launch.  Come participate in the events, learn more about the Park and then spread the enthusiasm to your friends and family. By maintaining green spaces and assisting with events, like our annual Discovery Day, volunteers help make visiting Freshkills Park a great experience. Staff are always there for support and guidance. You can find upcoming volunteer events on our Events page.  Please know that when these programs, will be conducted in accordance with all necessary protocols."

• Staten Island Greenbelt Conservancy: "From trail maintenance and stewardship to trail races and special events, we rely on volunteers to keep the Greenbelt in great hiking shape. We welcome inquiries from community groups and organizations. We also host corporate volunteer days and are happy to arrange a mutually beneficial project. For volunteer opportunities, please contact Jeanne Doyle Paliswiat at 718.667.2165 ext. 115 or Jeanne.Paliswiat@parks.nyc.gov. "

• Snug Harbor: "Volunteers are essential to Snug Harbor. We are always looking for people of all ages and skills to work with us and make Snug Harbor truly a treasure for the whole community. Do you have a special passion or skill set where we can work together to serve the community?  If so, we can’t wait to meet you!  Introduce yourself and ask any questions you have by filling out this volunteer application. We love hearing from people to who would like to work the gardens, welcome guests, help with administrative duties, manage soil and raise produce, and more.  With 14 botanical gardens on an 83-acre campus and events taking place all year, there’s plenty to do and we’d love to have you join us. For corporate teams interested in group volunteerism, days of service, or volunteer retreats, please contact Susannah Abbate, Director of Education and Engagement, at (718) 425-3512 or engagement@snug-harbor.org."