Do you play well with Otters? The Wild Center, in partnership with NYSERDA, is seeking a highly motivated Climate Justice & Education Fellow to support the Center’s climate justice and clean energy initiatives. Core responsibilities include assisting with community engagement activities, supporting clean energy project development and implementation, facilitating partnership building, and engaging in other projects related to advancing climate justice and clean energy priorities in disadvantaged communities. The Fellow should be prepared to work with community partners, high school students and educators, and visitors. 

The fellow will co-create their position with The Wild Center, to tailor projects to their areas of expertise and interest, as well as aligning work with personal and professional goals. Fellows must be New York State residents and members of a Priority Population and/or reside in a Disadvantaged Community.

The position runs for 12 months from January 5, 2026 - December 30, 2026. Position is based in the rural community of Tupper Lake, NY in the Adirondack Park and requires working on site at The Wild Center.  

Position Responsibilities

• Assist The Wild Center’s Climate Team with planning and implementation of major climate events/workshops such as: the Youth Climate Leadership Retreat, the Adirondack Youth Climate Summit, NASA Earth-to-Sky Training, the Civics in the Adirondacks Convening, Building a Greener Adirondacks Conference, and more
• Assist with year-round youth engagement efforts, which may include visiting school green teams, leading workshops for teens, and chaperoning field trips.
• Assist Climate Team staff on climate communications, including social media and event promotion.
• Support partnership building with the Adirondack Climate & Outreach Resilience Network and the North Country Rural Resilience Roadmap
• Work with the staff Green Team and Facilities department to update the Green Tech Tour highlighting the sustainability features of our campus, which will include leading the tour at museum-wide conferences/ programs throughout the fellowship
• Alongside members of the Education Team and Climate Team, create public-facing, climate justice-centered educational programming using our Climate Solutions exhibit and/or the Science on a Sphere theater
• Engage, facilitate, and maintain community partnerships that advance local and regional climate justice and clean energy priorities.
• There is flexibility within this position to develop projects that align with the fellow’s passions, strengths, and areas for growth.
• Approach all work with a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Must be a New York State Resident and member of a Priority Population and/or reside in a Disadvantaged Community
• Strong communication skills, including writing, editing, and public speaking - this position requires public speaking and educational program presentations.  
• High attention to detail
• Self motivated and comfortable working independently as well as in a team environment
• Passionate about working in a community-based organization, working with people and interest in the environment
• Excited and willing to learn and develop new skills
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt to change as it arises - The Wild Center is a dynamic, team-based setting where responsibilities can change quickly
• Organization and time management skills - you will work on multiple tasks concurrently
• Competence using computers, particularly the Google Suite, Zoom, Canva and social media outlets (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
• Evening and weekend work is expected at specific times 
• Exposure to the Youth Climate Program and/or Youth Climate Summits is beneficial but not required

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $37,000 for a 12-month contract (40-hour work week)
• Comprehensive benefits package including, health insurance and life insurance
• Shared housing may be available upon request but is not guaranteed
• Monthly peer group meet-ups to connect with other NYSERDA Climate Justice Fellows in your cohort
• Up to $3000 for professional development and support
• Participation in a Climate Justice Certification Course from the Columbia Climate School (fellows will complete 2 skills labs and a 12-module course in climate justice leadership).
• Work in a LEED-certified, state-of-the-art facility on a 115-acre campus on the Raquette River, featuring over 50 species of live exhibit animals
• Formal training opportunities and ongoing mentorship in climate change communication, climate justice, museum interpretation, and climate leadership
• Professional networking opportunities with leaders in the climate education field and opportunity to connect with Youth Climate Summit sites around the world.