Environmental Education Intern

The Fresh Air Fund is a youth development organization providing transformative outdoor experiences, at no cost, for New York City children from underserved communities. At six sleepaway camps in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley, children have new experiences, learn new skills and gain new perspectives. Youth also participate in year-round leadership, career exploration and educational programs.   

The Fresh Air Fund also owns and operates the Sharpe Reservation which houses five of the six Fresh Air Camps, the Sharpe Reservation Environmental Center which serves over 18,000 visitors each year. The Fresh Air Fund also operates Camp Junior, a camp for young people from the Bronx in Harriman State Park.  

Position Summary  

The Fresh Air Fund is hiring a Seasonal Environmental Educator to help facilitate school and summer programs. The role requires the person to facilitate environmental education lessons, assist with logistics, and support all aspects of the running of the Sharpe Reservation Outdoor Education center. Additionally, the person in this position will support The Fresh Air Fund summer programs by working on the model farm, challenge courses, and supporting our teen backpacking program.  The ideal candidate is curious, goal-oriented, and hard working with previous experience working with children or outdoors.     

This is a seasonal position that is scheduled to begin in March 2026 and continue until November 2026. The role will report to the Outdoor Education Coordinator of Sharpe Reservation.    

Responsibilities 

• Assist with logistical setup and breakdown for all visiting groups, including preparing supplies and facilities before arrival and after departure.
• Support on-site group facilitation, including:
  • Welcoming and greeting groups.
  • Meal facilitation.
  • Evening programming.
  • Light maintenance tasks.
• Learn, assist with, and facilitate outdoor education lessons for youth and group participants.
• Help maintain all hiking trails and support ongoing stewardship of outdoor spaces.
• Participate in the planning, facilitation, and evaluation of all challenge course programs.

• Maintain and organize program supplies to ensure readiness for daily use.
• Keep accurate records of teaching and facilitation, including daily logs (online or written).
• Support Fresh Air Fund for summer programs, investing time with campers to meet their needs, encourage growth, and act as a positive role model.
• Complete a Capstone project.
• Deliver dynamic outdoor education to youth at an end of summer day camp. 
• Perform other duties assigned to support program operations.

Qualifications 

• Strong interest in environmental education, outdoor leadership, and adventure-based learning.
• Ability to facilitate and teach students in both large and small group settings.
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly to changes in schedule or program needs.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Demonstrated ability to handle concerns or challenges respectfully and professionally.
• Willingness to learn and lead lessons and activities from an expansive curriculum.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license required; personal vehicle preferred.

Employment Details 

• Employment Period: March 2026 – November 2026
• Hours: 30 hours per week
• Compensation: $16- $18/hr. Shared on-site housing is provided, if needed. Meals are provided when groups are in residence.
• Benefits: None available for this short-term position.