Program details

The Cayuga Lake Watershed Internship Program (WIP) is collaboration of watershed based organizations offering internship opportunities for young adults. It gives interns insight into working in the fields of watershed protection, management, access and education from a variety of perspectives.

Fields of work/study include:

• environmental education
• environmental communication
• community engagement and outreach
• marketing and promotion
• outdoor recreation and access
• social and environmental justice
• ecology
• climate change
• farming and food justice
• eco-tourism
• environmental art
• nature therapy

While individual internships may be focused on specific job tasks, the collaborative component of the WIP will give you, the intern, an opportunity to reflect on your role within these fields.  The WIP brings you the opportunity to consider the pursuit of passion in our careers, the many methods of expression and communication (including art)  that we can use to deliver our messages, the role of community and non-profit organizations in our lives, and the role of culture, religion and spirituality as it affects our perspectives and our work.  Through presentations, activities, and conversations with professionals and your intern peers, you will have the chance to expand your knowledge and explore your career and personal interests.

Interns are hosted by partner organizations in line with their interests and skills where they are paid to work on program-specific projects. They also participate in weekly activities that enhance and enrich their collective learning experiences. The program is meant to be enriching, engaging and enjoyable!

The program runs from early June to mid-August. Positions are 20-40 hours per week with the majority of time spent working with partner organizations on projects and ~3 hours per week dedicated to WIP group activities which include presentations by community members, local organizations, field trips, and mutual sharing of experiences and learning regarding the fields mentioned. There is an initial orientation session and a final presentation of learning. Participants are expected to be active contributors to the program, developing mutual learning goals and projects and assessing outcomes.

Eligible participants are age 18-25 who are interested in increasing their professional skills and/or enhancing their college experience. Preference is given to young adults who are living in or studying in the Cayuga Lake watershed. We are interested in working with a diverse group of people from various socioeconomic, racial and gender identity backgrounds.

All positions are paid, at least ~ $20/hour and vary from 20-30 hours/week.

WIP PROGRAM DATES for 2026: June 1st – August 10th
Some positions may start or end earlier. 

TO APPLY: Review the position descriptions below and then click on the Apply Button. Please note: You will need a Google Account and need to be logged in for the form to work. 

You will be asked for general contact information and information about yourself, including writing a brief statement of your interests, and uploading a resume. You will also be asked to identify up to 3 positions that you’re most interested in.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Priority will be given to applications received by March 9th, but the application period will remain open until all positions are filled.

CONTACT INFORMATION: astrid@discovercayugalake.org or 607-327-5253 ext. 3

Discover Cayuga Lake (DCL)

A non-profit with a mission to cultivate informed and equitable relationships between people and the watersheds upon which they depend.  All DCL positions will include guiding paddle-based eco-tours, assisting with educational programs and focusing on specific project coordination as per the following positions listed in one position description.  Click HERE for the full descriptions.

• COMMUNITY PADDLE COORDINATOR
• FAMILY ECO-CRUISE COORDINATOR
• YOUTH PROGRAM MENTOR
• COMMUNITY OUTREACH & MARKETING ASSISTANT

The Soil Factory/WEAVE, in Cooperation with Oji:SDA’ Sustainable Indigenous Futures

Explores interactions between social, artistic and scientific networks through interactive and experiential community oriented projects. Click on position title.

• EXPERIMENTAL GARDEN ASSISTANT (2 positions available)

Cayuga Lake Watershed Network (CLWN)

A grassroots education and advocacy organization of citizens, businesses, groups, and local governments from across the Cayuga Lake Watershed. Click on position title.

• COMMUNITY OUTREACH & EDUCATION ASSISTANT

Astrid Jirka, WIP Coordinator and DCL Director of Tourism Initiatives and Outreach, she/her

– Astrid works to develop and promote DCL’s eco-tourism and community inclusion programs. She grew up in Ithaca in a German and Spanish speaking family, has degrees in Anthropology, Natural Resource Management and Intercultural Communication, and is also a Yoga Instructor.  She has taught courses in eco-tourism, and organized and led multiple student and yoga trips overseas, including to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poland. She’s a big believer in working together to protect the natural world and in spending lots of time enjoying the outdoors.