Green Team

Gowanus Green Team members are paid teen apprentices engaged in environmental stewardship, green infrastructure maintenance, and urban conservation work each summer. This program aims to educate local youth, expand job opportunities, and cultivate awareness and urgency regarding the importance of environmental work in Gowanus and New York City. Green Team is an integral part of Gowanus Canal Conservancy’s stewardship of the neighborhood, providing maintenance for green spaces in Gowanus.

Apprentices participate in field work and training, a Citizen Pruner course and certification, and trips to parks and restoration areas around NYC. Apprentices explore a range of environmental themes including Gowanus Canal history and ecology, stormwater management, urban forestry, environmental justice, composting, and horticulture. Participants develop physical skills, including gardening, infrastructure maintenance, and plant identification; teamwork and communication skills; and knowledge about urban environmental issues facing our city.

TO APPLY:

Green Team applicants must apply for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Deadline to apply is March 13, 2026. When the application prompts you, please enter one of the following community partners:

Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services BK

Center for Family Life in Sunset Park

DETAILS

Hourly Pay: $17
Program length: July 6- August 14, 2026

RESPONSIBILITIES

Field work – Perform physical work outside in all weather conditions in green spaces around Gowanus.
Trips – Travel by public transit to sites around the city to work with partner organizations and learn about environmental issues.
Indoor sessions: Participate in our classroom sessions focused on horticulture, stormwater management, urban forestry, and design.

QUALIFICATIONS

16-19 years old
Interest in working outdoors in an urban environment
Interest in working on a team with a diverse set of partners
Low-income youth of color with an interest in environmental work and careers are highly encouraged to apply, preference for Gowanus and NYCHA residents
Must be able to travel by public transportation to work sites around the city

If you have any questions, please email Aurelia at aurelia@gowanuscanalconservancy.org.

Green Team is possible thanks to generous funding from:
NYC Council Member Shahana Hanif
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development
National Grid
NYC Green Fund administered by City Parks Foundation
The Pinkerton Foundation

Additional support is provided by:
M&T Bank Charitable Foundation
The City Gardens Club of New York City

Partners:
572/574 Warren Street Tenants Association
Brooklyn College Urban Sustainability Program
Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens
Center for Family Life in Sunset Park
Gowanus Dredgers
Gowanus Houses Gardeners
HeartShare
Henry Street Settlement
Hudson River Park Trust
NYC Department of Environmental Protection
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
Prospect Park Alliance Woodlands Youth Crew
Red Hook Farms
The Gowanus Mutual Aid NYCHA CSA
The Opportunity Network
Trees New York
Wyckoff Gardens Resident Association