Why Employers are Hiring NAC Intern Alumni for Green Jobs
By Natural Areas Conservancy on August 27, 2026
One of the most satisfying outcomes of the NAC workforce programs is seeing our intern alumni find green jobs after college and putting to use the environmental knowledge gained in our programs towards their budding careers. We chatted with four employers about why they hired NAC intern alumni, and why the workforce programs we offer set them up for success.
Christina Taylor, Deputy Director of Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, hired intern alum Leslie Garcia in the role of Trail Stewardship Manager.
Karen Law, Project Development Coordinator of Natural Areas Management at NYC Parks, hired intern alum Sarah Meenan in the role of Natural Resources Training Coordinator.
Isaac Kirk-Davidoff, Civil Service: Community Coordinator at NYC Parks hired intern alum Annie Gugliotta in the role of Trails Operations Coordinator.
Christina Perdos-Vullo, Project Development Coordinator for Forest & Highland Park at NYC Parks hired intern alum Jillian-Mae Prego in the role of Forest Park Trust Community Engagement Associate.
1. How do you think the NAC internship program prepared alumni who work at your organization?
Christina T: In New York City, there are limited opportunities for young people to learn about trail maintenance. However, in a city like NYC, safe and accessible trail maintenance is vital to preserving its remaining natural areas. Van Cortlandt Park has over 20 miles of trails that are heavily used and require ongoing attention. Hiring an NAC alumna as our Trails Stewardship Manager means that we had a person who could hit the ground running and begin working on our trails without a learning curve. This person joined our team and immediately had a positive impact on the park’s natural areas and our community.
Karen: NAC NEST alumni are well prepared for NYC Parks jobs because of the experiences and professional development they gained through the internship and fellowship programs. Our team at NYC Parks has benefited greatly from the dedicated work of NAC interns, who have helped collect ecological monitoring data in thousands of acres of forested natural areas across the city. For several years now, we have hosted 2-4 NAC interns each summer, some of whom now work at NYC Parks. The hands-on experience, knowledge gained of plants and natural areas in the NYC region, and networking opportunities are invaluable in making alumni stand out in the hiring pool.
Isaac: NEST gives participants well rounded experience in ecological work in the city. They get experience in several positions and get a feel of what works well for them.
Christina P: Aside from familiarity with our common native and introduced species, Jill came into her role at Forest Park with an understanding of the complexity of urban natural areas management in New York City. She also understood the importance of engagement with local stakeholders and came to us prepared to work in the field alongside staff and our many volunteers.
2. How would you describe the performance of the NAC interns you’ve hired from the program?
Christina T: The NAC intern we hired started working with us with a high level of experience and understanding of how to maintain trails and how to improve them for all users. The vast majority of our work to improve trails and natural areas is done with volunteers and this person is beloved by our volunteers, which makes getting the work done that much easier. This experience has been invaluable to us as a small organization. Without other staff to properly train someone for this type of fieldwork, we’ve come to rely on NAC’s excellent preparation!
Karen: NAC NEST alumni who have been hired to NYC Parks jobs work exceptionally well on our team. Their curiosity and commitment were apparent during their time as interns, and continue now as Parks employees.
Isaac: NAC interns do phenomenal. They have a deep desire to work in this field.
Christina P: My experience has been that NAC interns are equipped with knowledge and ready to implement what they have learned. Jill is a fast learner and also always willing to share what she knows with other young folks who may be coming up behind her. She has jumped into many a walk or impromptu workshop with later NAC high school or college interns as well as our own SYEP and other youth groups. I have really appreciated that passion and readiness to share/give back knowledge with others.
3. Would you recommend students intern at the NAC as a gateway into the environmental field?
Christina T: Yes, as an organization that provides internships for high school students, we understand and value the role that internship programs provide for young people as an entry point in the environmental field. NAC’s program is unique for the depth of technical instruction shared.
Karen: Absolutely I would recommend that students apply for the NAC internship program. The internship will expand their perspective on how a municipality manages natural areas and allow them to connect theory to practice. The internship will prepare them to enter the environmental field with confidence.
Isaac: Absolutely!
Christina P: Yes, and I do so when I know others are looking. We are a host site for NAC’s High School internship program, and I have told each of those classes that I wish I had that foot in the door so early. NAC is uniquely well equipped to give students experience in both scientific data collection and hands-on restoration work in New York City’s natural areas.
