Climate Corps Application

Applications are now OPEN for the 2026 Climate Corps internship.

The Ulster County Climate Corps is a paid, project-based, ten-week summer internship program. Participants will be assigned to County departments to help implement the County’s climate and sustainability initiatives and meet the goals of the NYS Climate Act.

This internship program is part of a broader effort to recruit and cultivate the next generation of public servants reflecting the talents and diversity of our community. Interns will gain professional and practical experience in government, supplemented by skill-based training and guest lecture on topics related to the environment, project management, and public administration. Interns will also have opportunities to participate in community engagement and fieldwork.

Program at a glance:

  • Applications due March 20
  • Open to applicants ages 16 & up
  • $18/hour
  • Runs June 8 - August 14
  • 2-5 days a week for 10 weeks
  • Weekly professional development sessions

Apply here

Apply

Step 1.Review Climate Corps Details

  • Check out the More Info tab to review the Skills to Bring & Develop and Professional Development Opportunities that Climate Corps offers.
  • Learn about the Project Focus Areas Climate Corps interns might work on, and decide which areas you're most interested in. 

Step 2.Write a Cover Letter

Please write a cover letter describing:

  • Why are you interested in participating in the program
  • The skills or experience you bring
  • What you hope to gain from the internship

Step 3.Gather Documents

Additionally, please prepare the following

  • Resume
  • Transcript (Optional)

Step 4.Apply Online

Apply online and submit your documents here. Applications are accepted until March 20.

Apply here

Step 5.Interview with Program Administrators

Interviews are expected to begin in Mid-March. Candidates will meet with program administrators to discuss their interests, skills, and goals. Selected interns will be matched with projects that best align with their areas of interest and experience.

More Info

Skills to Bring & Develop

Interns are encouraged to use their existing skills and explore new ones through hands-on projects. Here are some skills that may be applied or strengthened during the programs:

  • Research & Writing – Summarize findings, draft reports, or create educational materials. 

  • Data Analysis & Visualization – Analyze energy, emissions, or transportation data; create charts, maps, or infographics. 

  • Policy Research & Planning – Review policies, track initiatives, draft summaries, or support program planning. 

  • Public Speaking & Presentation – Present findings, lead workshops, or speak at public events. 

  • Community Outreach & Engagement – Organize events, conduct surveys, or facilitate community input. 

  • Field Research & Environmental Monitoring – Collect ecosystem or energy data, monitor water use, or assist with outdoor projects. 

  • GIS Mapping – Map energy infrastructure, EV stations, green spaces, or other spatial data. 

  • Graphic Design – Design flyers, social media graphics, infographics, or outreach materials. 

  • Digital Communications & Social Media – Create posts, update websites, or manage campaigns. 

  • Storytelling & Multimedia – Produce videos, photo essays, or interactive stories for outreach. 

  • Project Coordination & Event Planning – Organize workshops, coordinate projects, track tasks, or support event logistics. 

  • Equity Analysis & Community Listening – Identify impacted communities, conduct focus groups, or integrate equity into programs. 

  • Systems Thinking & Creative Problem Solving – Analyze complex challenges, propose solutions, or design integrated strategies.

 

Professional Development Opportunities

Interns will participate in workshops, presentations, field trips, and panels designed to support career exploration and skill development. These opportunities are intended to deepen understanding of climate action, build professional skills, and connect interns with local leaders and organizations in the field.
  • Presentations from Local Climate Leaders – Learn about climate science, policy, and sustainability initiatives from experts in the field. 
  • Understanding Government & Climate Action – Explore how local, state, and federal governments address climate challenges. 
  • Skill-Building Workshops – Participate in sessions on public speaking, resume writing, interview skills, and presentation design. 
  • Field Work in County Parks – Gain hands-on experience through environmental monitoring and conservation projects.
  • Site Visits to Local Agencies – Visit organizations involved in climate-related work to see real-world applications of sustainability initiatives. 
  • Career Panel – Meet and engage with professionals working in climate science, policy, sustainability, and related fields to learn about career pathways and day-to-day work.

Key Dates

Application Deadline: March 20, 2026

Program Dates: June 8 - August 14, 2026

Contact Us

Vanessa Shea
 Senior Assistant Deputy County Executive
(845) 340-3800
exec@ulstercountyny.gov

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