Environmental Justice Newsletter

In This Issue:

• DEC Camps are Looking for Staff
• Apply Now for Climate Change & Justice Paid Internship
• DEC Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale Now Open

DEC Camps are Looking for Staff

Do you know an outstanding student that is interested in earning a competitive salary this summer? The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is recruiting staff for the 2021 Summer Environmental Education Camps season. DEC continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic to determine the operation of summer camp programs for 2021. All camps would be operated in compliance with CDC/Department of Health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Working at a DEC residential summer camp is more than just a summer job. It’s an opportunity for students to gain leadership skills, brush up on natural history, and meet others who share a love for conservation and the outdoors. Staff live in beautiful, rustic camp settings and are provided room and board for the summer.

We are still seeking applicants for a variety of positions including Health Directors, Waterfront Directors, Cooks, Counselors, Lifeguards and EMTs.

To learn more about employment at a DEC summer camp, visit our website.

Apply Now for a Climate Change & Justice Internship

NEIWPCC is accepting applications for an internship.to work with DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program. This full-time, paid internship is for six months and has an available remote option. Tuesday, January 12 is the deadline to apply.

The Hudson River Estuary Program is committed to promoting Justice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEIJ) in our organization and our work with stakeholders and partners. The Estuary Program acknowledges the interconnectedness of social and environmental risks and strives to strengthen our learning, dialogue and engagement around building a more inclusive and equitable future. This internship will assist the program in making greater progress in fulfilling this vision.

The successful candidate will assist with communications, outreach and engagement on climate change and DEIJ as it relates to watershed management strategies for the estuary. The intern will report to the Estuary Program’s team leader for climate change projects. These include assisting the state’s Climate Smart Communities certification program and Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The position will be based in the NYS DEC Region 3 office in New Paltz, NY with a substantial component of the work being performed remotely.

Duties and Responsibilities

Communications support:

• Research and develop summaries on the topics of climate change and DEIJ issues affecting communities in the Hudson Valley as it relates to watershed management strategies for the estuary
• Draft outreach and story content for e-newsletters and webpages
  Assist in the planning, execution and follow up of events and community engagement (virtual and in person)
• Presenting climate change and DEIJ info at educational events

Programming support:

• Develop and update useful resources and tools on climate change and DEIJ issues, solutions and state support programs as it relates to watershed management strategies for the estuary
• Attend and briefly summarize relevant conferences, webinars and events
• Participate in regular team and partner meetings

Recommended Qualifications

• An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in climate change, environmental policy, communications or relevant field, or equivalent life experience, is preferred.
• Candidates who have taken a less traditional path may be considered if an aptitude for success and a strong willingness to learn is clearly apparent.
• Ability to think and act in a broad, collaborative style and comfortable in group settings.
• Naturally prone to action and able to manage change.
• Inclusive and interested in helping others.
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills and able to write concisely and express thoughts clearly.
• Competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word), virtual meeting platforms and remote work environments.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel on a limited basis.

DEC Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale Now Open

DEC's Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery kicked off its annual spring seedling sale, which is open to the public and runs until May 12. Each year, the tree nursery offers for sale dozens of low-cost, New York-grown tree and shrub species to help implement large-scale conservation plantings across the state.

There are many environmental, economic, and social reasons to plant trees. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and are a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. Trees also lower heating and cooling costs, provide food and shelter for native wildlife, improve water quality by filtering runoff, prevent erosion, and increase overall health and well-being.

The tree nursery has more than 50 conifer and hardwood species available in bundles of 25 or more, plus several mixed species packets for those looking for a variety. For more information, including how to order, visit the Spring Seedling Sale webpage on DEC's website. Some species sell out early; DEC encourages the public to place orders by phone for the most up-to-date availability information.

Free Seedlings Available for Youth Education through School Seedling Program

Applications are now being accepted for the tree nursery's School Seedling Program. From now until March 31, schools and youth education organizations across New York State may apply to receive up to 50 free tree or shrub seedlings to plant with students.

The program is an excellent tool for educators to use in meeting Next Generation Science Standards. It provides a hands-on opportunity for students to learn about natural systems, and while planting and caring for seedlings, students learn about ecosystems and the valuable role trees play, in addition to building awareness of conservation issues. The goal of the program is to help instill a sense of environmental stewardship and set a foundation that will allow students to make informed decisions about the use of natural resources.

All schools (public, private, nursery, elementary, secondary, vocational, college, and university) and youth education-based organizations are eligible to apply, provided trees are planted within New York State. Visit DEC's website for more information or to apply online. For assistance or questions, contact the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery at nysnursery@dec.ny.gov or 518-581-1439.