FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2016
Contact: Scott Salotto (845) 638-5645
                 Kathy Galione (845) 708-7307 (RCSC)

ROCKLAND CONSERVATION & SERVICE CORPS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2016 INTERNSHIPS

NEW CITY, NY – County Executive Ed Day today announced that the Rockland County Youth Bureau is accepting applications for 2016 summer internships with the Rockland Conservation & Service Corps (RCSC). To be considered, students must be at least 17 years of age.

"I am extremely proud of our Conservation Corps summer program and the opportunity it provides college students to gain valuable experience in their chosen field," said County Executive Day. "For future college graduates, internships play a key role in giving them an edge in the hiring process. An experience with the RCSC takes them beyond the classroom, helps them understand the importance of civic-minded conservation and opens their eyes to the array of careers out there."

Conservation Corps summer interns are paid a stipend to perform a variety of outdoor, environmental community service projects throughout the County. Members are required to serve 350 hours between June 1 and August 12 at local sites, including the Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources, the Town of Clarkstown Planning Department, the Town of Ramapo, the Rockland County Drainage Agency, Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority and Cornell Cooperative Extension. At these host sites, members typically educate the public about ecological conservation and environmental health issues, conduct field research, build and maintain nature trails, teach environmental education at camps, create gardens, patrol streams, facilitate clean ups and implement recycling programs.

Fifty hours of training at Cornell Cooperative Extension are included in the 350-hour time commitment. Members are trained in areas including environmental education, trail building, conservation, curriculum development, leadership, team building, safety as well as a variety of other pertinent topics.

In addition, RCSC members receive the benefit of a $2,100 living stipend, which is delivered in bi-weekly paychecks. Members will also earn valuable work and service experience, network professionally and socially, potentially earn college credit and make improvements in the community.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate their enthusiasm for environmental issues, be committed to serving their community and be willing to participate in outdoor activities that include hot and rainy weather conditions and wet and/or wooded environments. This is a full-time (35-40 hours per week) opportunity (considered community service, not a job) over the summer, and candidates who apply, interview and are selected for the program will have a summer schedule that will permit the completion of the 350-hour time commitment.

Applications are accepted until positions are filled. The program begins June 1 with the bulk of the service taking place June through August. Candidates can apply at RocklandGov.com or request an application by calling (845) 708-7308 or by e-mail: rcamericorps@co.rockland.ny.us.