Education Intern Fall

Gowanus Canal Conservancy works to build an equitable, thriving, and resilient urban ecosystem in Gowanus—its waterway, urban forest, parks, and open space—through education, stewardship, and advocacy that empower our community.

We are seeking three (3) interns to assist with Community Science Water Quality and Urban Ecology field trips for K‑12 students. Each intern will have opportunities to lead small groups of students in hands‑on education activities related to water quality or urban ecology in and around the Gowanus Canal, help with set‑up and clean‑up for outdoor field trips, and work toward leading large group activities and facilitating trips on their own.

The field trips welcome students of all abilities, languages, and learning levels.

• Receive training in programmatic topics, Gowanus history, Canal ecology, water quality, and teaching best practices.
• Work with the GCC education team (Education Coordinator & Senior Manager) as a teaching assistant (informal teaching and hands‑on activities).
• Participate in team planning, training, program delivery, and reflection.
• Set up and break down trips, facilitate trip activities, and maintain materials.

• Background or demonstrated interest in environmental science, informal STEM education, or related field.
• Some experience teaching students in informal, outdoor settings or working with kids preferred but not required (desire & enthusiasm to learn is more important).
• Enjoy working outside and with kids, sometimes in variable weather conditions (may include cold, heat, rain, wind).
• Must be reliable, committed, responsible, and a clear and consistent communicator.
• Multilingual is a plus but not required.

• Work is performed in the field; potential exposure to heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Requires moderate physical exertion—lifting, pushing, and carrying, etc.
• Requires communicating information orally and in writing.
• Ability to enter and work at the Lowlands Nursery, an unpaved site with uneven terrain (mulch, gravel).
• Ability to be on your feet for long periods.

This is a seasonal, part‑time position paying $20 per hour for an average of 6 to 12 hours of work per week. This position starts September 14 and ends November 14, 2026.

Additional paid training will be scheduled on Wednesday, September 16;
Thursday, September 17;
Monday, September 21; and possibly one additional day on Thursday, September 25 between 9:30 am – 3:00 pm (hours will vary by date). Work will continue from September 22 to November 13, 2026, 6–15 hours per week. Interns must be available Monday–Friday from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. This internship will total between 90–108 hours.

Note:

field trips are not hosted on NYC public school closed days, and no trips are held December through March. Interns in good standing may return to teach in the spring from April through mid‑June.

GCC Lowlands Nursery, 25 9th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Gowanus Canal Conservancy is an equal‑opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds to apply.