The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History (RTPI) is currently hiring area high school and college students to work alongside its conservation staff this summer for the fifth annual Project Wild America Youth Ambassadors (PWA) Program in Jamestown. Building on the successes from the past four years, students enrolled in RTPI’s PWA program will immerse themselves in Jamestown’s ‘urban ecosystem’. These students will investigate, monitor and improve habitat for threatened species in the area and raise public awareness about our important natural resources, environmental challenges and opportunities.
RTPI’s educational programs aim to promote the natural world as a community asset and to demonstrate the direct relationship between the health of our region’s ecosystems and the health of its population and economy. By empowering young people to become active participants in the exploration and appreciation of our local natural resources, we impart relevant job skills and facilitate critical thinking and positive action. The applied study of natural history and natural resource conservation on a local level can nurture an increased awareness and understanding of global environmental issues. What’s more, the personal experience and regional knowledge acquired through this type of program can encourage local retention of graduates with degrees in the natural sciences.
2018 Project Wild America Youth Ambassadors
The Project Wild America Youth Ambassador program runs from June 24 through August 3 this year. Youth ambassadors are expected to work Monday through Friday during the six-week project period with occasional additional weekend or evening hours; participants will receive a $1,500 stipend upon successful completion of the program. This year, student stipends and program support were made possible through generous support from the KeyBank Foundation.
To apply for a position, please contact Project Wild America Youth Ambassador Coordinator Elyse Henshaw by emailing pwa@rtpi.org or calling (716) 665-2473 ext. 231. Detailed information can be found on the PWA Youth Ambassador’s website www.projectwildamerica.org. Those interested in crew leader positions should apply by completing and submitting the PWA Crew Leader Application 2019 by 4:00 pm on Friday, May 3rd. Those interested in crew member positions should apply by completing and submitting the PWA Crew Application 2019 by 4:00pm on Friday, May 31st.
