Our Climate Corps interns have the opportunity to contribute to projects across a wide range of climate-related areas. These focus areas highlight the types of issues the program addresses and the kinds of projects interns may work on, from renewable energy and sustainable transportation to conservation and climate equity. Click Next to explore project focus areas and example projects that have been done in the past.
Typical work activities:
- Research community solar opportunities
- Assist with outreach for renewable programs
- Track County clean energy initiatives
Example Project:
Energy & Electrification GIS Mapping
Developed a GIS story map and database tracking County building energy use, EV charging stations, and energy projects, combining data analysis with weekly fieldwork.
Typical work activities:
- Support home energy audits
- Develop outreach on energy-efficient upgrades
- Analyze building energy use
Example Project:
HVAC Electrification Upgrades
Examined the feasibility of electrifying HVAC equipment in County-owned buildings, assisted with equipment inventory, consolidated fuel source data, and drafted a five-year HVAC equipment replacement plan for the County.
Typical work activities:
- Research public transit
- Map EV charging stations
- Analyze walking/biking infrastructure
- Promote low-carbon commuting
Example Project:
EV Charging Station Planning & Mapping
Analyzed tourism destinations, zoning, and infrastructure data to recommend strategic locations for public EV charging stations across Ulster County.
Typical work activities:
- Create recycling and composting materials
- Coordinate waste reduction programs
- Track sustainable purchasing
Example Project:Waste Reduction & Composting for County Facilities
Helped establish composting at County buildings, assessed surplus office inventory, and developed educational materials and communications for employees.
Typical work activities:
- Promote sustainable agriculture practices
- Support local farms
- Research soil health and regenerative agriculture
Example Project:
Sustainable Farming Practices Research
Designed and conducted a County-wide survey of farmers, met with stakeholders to identify barriers to adopting sustainable practices, and analyzed findings to inform future agricultural initiatives
Typical work activities:
- Map forests or wetlands
- Assist with tree planting
- Research land use strategies for carbon sequestration.
Example Project:
Climate Adaptation & Disaster Readiness Mapping
Developed dashboards, storymaps, and other ArcGIS resources documenting climate adaptation projects. Mapped floodplains, determining how accessible homes are in emergency situations to guide future conservation plans.
Typical work activities:
- Track greenhouse gas emissions
- Research sector-specific reduction strategies
- Support reporting and public communication
Example Project:
Climate Smart Communities Certification Support
Researched and documented County climate actions to support Silver-level recertification, and updated public-facing Climate Smart Communities content.
Typical work activities:
- Identify communities disproportionately impacted
- Support inclusive engagement events
- Develop educational materials on equity.
Example Project:
Climate Justice Outreach Plan
Developed an index of cost-saving programs, created a toolkit for outreach to underserved populations, and mapped climate vulnerabilities in State-designated disadvantaged communities.
Typical work activities:
- Research green jobs
- Support internship or workforce programs
- Highlight career pathways in sustainability.
Example Project:
Climate Smart Business Support
Created resource guides for businesses identifying private, non-profit, and public clean energy incentives and how to approach applying for them.
Typical work activities:
- Support climate action planning
- Review policy documents
- Track municipal initiatives
- Assist with stakeholder meetings
Example Project:
Sustainable Purchasing Best Practices
Updated County sustainable purchasing training, analyzed program data, and reviewed national best practices to recommend improvements to procurement policies.
Typical work activities:
- Develop school or community workshops
- Create youth-friendly materials on energy and conservation
- Lead public education activities
Example Project:
Youth Climate Education Programming
Developed and delivered age-appropriate climate education lessons, facilitated interactive discussions, and evaluated program effectiveness to inform future youth programming.
Typical work activities:
- Map flood or storm-prone areas
- Help communities plan for hazards
- Create guides on preparedness and adaptation
Example Project:
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Implementation
Supported public education and municipal outreach by identifying ways to integrate hazard mitigation planning into climate resilience actions tailored to Ulster County’s risks and infrastructure.