PECaN Plant Health Intern

2026 NYC SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
PARKS & RECREATION-044
Contact: Leslie Nusblatt
Phone: (212) 360-8212
Fax: (212) 360-8263
Email: Leslie.Nusblatt@parks.nyc.gov
AGENCY DESCRIPTION
The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation manages 14 percent of the land in New York City with facilities ranging from playgrounds and large parks, to tranquil wooded areas and more than 14 miles of beaches. Parks serve as New Yorkers’ backyards, as vital meeting areas for outdoor play and recreation – but also as an important tool in mitigating the effects of climate change, critical engines for economic growth and development.
NYC Parks’ mission is to grow, maintain, and program a world-class park system prioritizing equity, access, safety, and nature.
In the past year, Parks completed a number of initiatives citywide that helped New Yorkers access their shared public spaces. These include:
• Securing more than $700 million in funds to build or substantially reconstruct six recreation centers, including two opening in 2026: the $141 million Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center in East Flatbush, Brooklyn and the $92 million Mary Cali Dalton Recreation Center in Tompkinsville, Staten Island.
• Expanding our free learn-to-swim programs to reach an additional 4,800 second graders and bring the total to nearly 18,000 youth served by our essential swim programming.
• Keeping more than 8 million people safe at the city’s public beaches last summer along with over 1 million patrons at outdoor pools, thanks to the highest number of Parks lifeguards since 2019, including a 23 percent increase in new recruits.
• Completing a $23 million investment in public space at New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments, bringing new playgrounds, sports equipment, and seating areas to NYCHA residents.
• Launching our latest Tree Census, which involves thousands of volunteers to measure the size, location, and condition of the city’s trees. Conducted once every ten years, the census helps to identify areas where more trees can be planted, supporting a more equitable urban canopy and increasing the many benefits trees provide.
• Celebrating the historic expansion of the Second Shift program, dedicating extra maintenance services for 100 additional hot spots at parks across the five boroughs during peak evening and weekend hours. This expanded the total sites citywide serviced by dedicated staff to 200 hot spots.
• Adding 100 new Parks Enforcement Patrol positions to bolster patrol strength throughout the city.
• Promoting equity in athletic spaces by rolling out new athletic permit rules and fee changes to improve access for non-profit and youth organizations.
UNIT DESCRIPTION
The Environment and Planning division aims to protect, restore, and expand New York City Parks including green spaces and natural areas to maximize their benefits for environmental and community health and resilience. The Natural Resources Group’s mission is to protect, restore, expand, and manage New York City’s over 12,000 acres of natural spaces and green infrastructure across the five boroughs, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. NYC Parks Plant Ecology Center and Nursery (PECaN) is the division’s plant and seed production facility located on Staten Island. PECaN’s mission is to support the restoration and enhancement of NYC's natural areas and green spaces by providing high-quality, ecologically appropriate plants and seeds, primarily grown from wild sources. We also promote access to nature and strengthen the health and resilience of our landscapes through education, research, and public engagement.
POSITION TITLE
PECaN Plant Health Intern
INTERNSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
This intern will work alongside nursery production staff to cultivate high quality, healthy plant material that will be distributed to natural areas, horticulture and green infrastructure projects around New York City. They will gain valuable horticultural skills in native plant identification, plant production and maintenance, integrated pest management, and data collection. Responsibilities may include the following:
• Monitor and assess health of plants in greenhouses and outdoor hoop houses
• Identify pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies, conducting research as needed
• Collect scouting and treatment data using established protocols
• Water and fertilize plants in the greenhouses and outdoor growing areas
• Weed greenhouse and outdoor plant stock
• Assist in the upkeep and sanitation of greenhouses and other work areas
• Assist with plant moves between and within greenhouses and hoop houses, and keep record of moves
• Mix and prepare various types of growing media
• Transplant herbaceous and woody plants at varying stages of development
nyc.gov/internships
• Assist in other parts of the nursery as needed
QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIAL SKILLS/AREAS OF INTEREST
• Has interest in learning about native plant production and integrated pest management
• Has experience or interest in horticulture and identifying plants native to the northeastern United States
• Interest in working outdoors, sometimes in adverse conditions (e.g., heat, muddy, or wet conditions)
• Ability to work independently
• Willingness to work with others, including volunteers and nursery staff of varying abilities
• Currently enrolled college student
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Start Date is beginning of June; exact date TBD.
This opportunity does not include remote workdays
Title: City Seasonal Aide
Salary: $19.14 per hour
Work Location: 3808 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314
Note that this position involves getting your hands dirty, heavy lifting up to 25 pounds, repetitive tasks, and exposure to heat, humidity, various insects, and the elements in general. Candidates should be prepared to work in these conditions.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please email cover letter and resume to Leslie.Nusblatt@parks.nyc.gov