Internship Program

The Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy recruits interns in its Operations and Events Department throughout the year. We seek intelligent, self–motivated candidates, who are good communicators, and serious workers.

Responsibilities of the internship include participating in the day–to–day operations of the administration office, assisting in the management of events in the park, special projects, and research in the field.

Qualified candidates are college or graduate students, proficient in Microsoft Office, able to do physical and online research, and have excellent oral and written communication skills.

To apply, email your resume with short cover letter to Claudette Richards or send a fax, ATTN: Claudette Richards, to (718) 430–1893. No calls please.

One Intern’s Story

From May through August 2009, Nile K. Williams, freshman at Colgate University, assisted the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy during our active summer season. His responsibilities were varied: He worked in our administrative offices and prepared materials and background information for events in the park. He also researched information for our new website and was regularly on site in the park for events, lending a hand. We were fortunate to benefit from his good work. Here are observations from Nile’s summer experience in Van Cortlandt Park:

“The first big event I worked on during my internship was the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy’s First Fête. This was a dinner reception to be held before the New York Philharmonic concert in the park. I spent a lot of time helping with the planning and execution of the event. I sat in on most of the planning meetings for the Fête, and made contributions where ever I thought I could. I helped design the program, sent out invitations to guests, collected materials we would need, and corresponded with the partner businesses. On the day of the event I helped mostly with set–up.

“As there was so much construction going on in the park this summer, I also benefitted from attending many meetings with engineers and landscape architects. They would discuss the large projects going on in the park, like the construction on the 65–acre Parade Ground. Sometimes these meetings would be on site, and I would get to see the actual construction going on. During these meetings we viewed plans for each area, and I got an idea of what the final product would eventually look like. As I plan to study Civil Engineering, all of that was very interesting to me, and the information I gained from just being there helped to understand more what would be in store for me when I finally become one.

“Before my summer at parks, I was familiar with Van Cortlandt Park, because I am a Bronxite, but I did not take advantage of it as maybe I should have. Through the weeks I have spent here I realized what a jewel Van Cortlandt Park really is. An oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle. I remember as I walked through the park and look up at the majestic trees towering over me, I would be overwhelmed by the beauty and serenity of the Park. I would literally ‘go to another place,’ and find peace for just a moment. Through this experience I have learned to appreciate Van Cortlandt Park more than ever. In fact my family and I have actually increased our use of the park since I started my internship.”