Green Team

The Gowanus Green Team are paid high school apprentices engaged in environmental stewardship, nursery maintenance, green infrastructure, and urban conservation work each Spring and 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 the Gowanus Canal Conservancy’s growing maintenance team, providing stewardship for green spaces in Gowanus and the Lowlands Nursery.

Apprentices participate in classroom lessons, field work and training, and trips to parks and restoration areas in Gowanus and around NYC. Apprentices explore a range of environmental themes including Gowanus Canal history and ecology, stormwater management, urban forestry, environmental justice, waste management, urban design, 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:

Applications for the 2023 Green Team cohort are currently closed.

DETAILS

  • Hourly Pay: $16.00
  • Program length: May 6- August 12, 2023
  • Application Deadline: March 3rd at 11:59 PM, 2023

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

  • Currently a high school sophomore or junior
  • 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

COVID-19 and Green Team: Gowanus Canal Conservancy wants to keep our team and community as safe and healthy as possible. We strongly encourage that Green Team members are up to date on their vaccinations. Please note that some field trip opportunities may only be open to those who are vaccinated. All Green Team members will be asked to test weekly.

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

Partners and Sponsors

Council Member Shahana Hanif
Council Member Lincoln Restler
The Pinkerton Foundation
Fifth Avenue Committee
Friends of Governors Island
Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club Boathouse
Green City Force
NYC Compost Project Hosted by Big Reuse
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)
SIMS Municipal Recycling
Trees NY