Fall 2026 internships
You can be a part of this important reforestation effort by applying to be a Reforestation intern!
Be a part of a major reforestation effort!
This year, the Environmental Studies department started work on a 5 year, $500,000 grant from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation to build a forest! Called “the Common Experimental Forest”, it is located between the Commons Apartments and the West Loop road, in an area that was previously covered with vines and invasive plants.
Fall 2026 intern responsibilities
- Learn how the experiment forest will be configured and help with advertising and outreach about the project.
- Work outside in all weather conditions to survey the area and remove invasives.
- Plant native trees around campus
- Assist in the native plant nursery, including maintenance of grounds, care of seedlings, potting plants, and general upkeep
- Other assignments to be determined. I’m looking for interns who are interested in learning and doing whatever is needed for this project!
Timing
Students must be able to work 7.5 hours per week for the first 10 weeks of the semester (Aug 24 – Oct 31). Some of the job responsibilities can be done independently around your class schedule, but major field work requires that interns will need to be able to work as a group. This can be difficult during the week, as class schedules do not often align. Because of this, I’m looking for interns who are willing to work some hours on Saturday or Sunday. The breakdown would be approximately 2.5 hours distributed across the week and then 5 hours in a block on a weekend day. Please indicate in your cover letter if you are available to work on the weekends.
Pay and academic internship opportunity
Pay is $20 per hour. Must be eligible to work in New York State and able to complete employment paperwork with the SUNY Research Foundation. Each intern can work a maximum of 75 hours.
If you would like to get internship credit for this, you can also sign up for a 2 credit internship . These credits are 3000 level, so can be helpful to fulfilling major requirements and upper level class requirements. Getting academic credit is not required for the position.
How to apply
Submit a cover letter to Dr. Allyson Jackson (Allyson.jackson@purchase.edu) that details the following:
- Current class year and major
- Reasons why you are interested in this position
- Any coursework taken related to Environmental Studies and how it relates to this project
- Your availability during the week and over the weekend
- Whether you are interested in receiving academic credit in addition to pay
Applications are due August 17th (email the cover letter above to apply).