KINGSTON, NY - The Ulster County Climate Corps, a paid summer internship program initiated by County Executive Jen Metzger, kicked off this week to begin work on seven climate projects in in six different County government departments. The intern projects will help advance the County Executive’s climate agenda. The program kicked off this week with a presentation from County Executive Metzger outlining the importance of the work and expectations of the program.
“I am thrilled to launch the Ulster Climate Corps and welcome the inaugural cohort of interns dedicated to tackling the climate crisis and working on solutions that benefit our residents and businesses," said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “As we face the challenges of climate change, we must empower the next generation of leaders to build a more sustainable and resilient future. I am looking forward to a productive summer working with this exceptional group of young people."
The Climate Corps interns are assigned to County departments to help implement the County’s climate and sustainability initiatives, including the Departments of Budget & Innovation, Economic Development, Information Services, Emergency Management, Public Works, and the Executive's Office. The seven Corps projects align with Executive Metzger's Executive Order, issued soon after she took office in January, which sets the most aggressive climate targets of any County in New York State.
The Climate Corps initiative comes at a crucial juncture when Ulster County is strategically positioning itself to leverage the advantages of a green economy. The County aims to attract new investments and job opportunities in various sectors, such as manufacturing, the building sector, transportation, and renewable energy, among others. County Executive Metzger has prioritized the establishment of a Workforce Innovation Center for the Green Economy in partnership with Ulster BOCES, SUNY Ulster, and SUNY New Paltz, and recently announced plans to locate the center at iPark 87, the former IBM campus in the Town of Ulster, which will house multiple businesses operating in the green economy. These businesses are projected to generate thousands of family-sustaining jobs in the coming years.
The Climate Corps is part of a broader effort to recruit and cultivate the next generation of climate-conscious County employees reflecting the talents and diversity of the Ulster County community. As part of the Climate Corps program, interns will gain professional and practical experience in local government, supplemented by skill-based training and education on topics related to the environment, project management, and public administration. The interns will also have opportunities to participate in community engagement and field work. Climate Corps internships pay $17 an hour.
The seven Climate Corps projects are:
- Climate Justice Outreach Plan: Develop a public engagement and outreach plan focused on low-income households, communities of color, and seniors, including producing materials, offering energy efficiency classes, and engaging with communities.
- Green Business Champions Program Support: Provide assistance and marketing for the Ulster County Green Business Champions program, which promotes sustainable business practices and recognition.
- Greening Office Equipment Lifecycles: Contribute to greening office equipment practices by conducting research, assisting with procurement decisions, implementing energy efficiency procedures, and ensuring proper equipment disposal.
- Electrifying HVAC Systems: Study the feasibility of transitioning HVAC equipment to electric systems in County buildings and facilities, researching technologies, improving equipment inventory, developing energy conservation measures, and making recommendations for capital projects.
- Climate Change Adaptation Annex: Research, create, and implement a climate change adaptation annex for the County's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, including reviewing the current plan, making recommended changes, and preparing a presentation on climate change recommendations.
- Workforce Wardrobe: Expand the SUNY Ulster Start Here Go Far Boutique to include a Workforce Wardrobe, by developing a plan for repurposing and recycling clothing and fabrics to divert them from landfills, while connecting job seekers and employees to free workforce attire.
- Climate Initiatives Dashboard: Create a visual dashboard that connects residents to climate-related grants, subsidies, and opportunities, collaborating with other interns to include relevant metrics and assisting with GIS mapping projects.
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