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The Henry J. and Erna D. Leir Global Internship Program at Green Chimneys seeks motivated and enthusiastic individuals from across the globe. The Leir Internship is for highly committed and flexible individuals who are able to dedicate a set period of time to Green Chimneys to acquire skills in the principles of nature-based education and therapy. The Leir Internship can serve as a supplementary practicum in training for a career in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Veterinary Science, Animal Care and Program Administration. There is no academic pre-requisite.
Timeframe: September to August or June to August
Choose the internship focus area that combines your interests Please note that some tracks may not be available to summer-only applicants.
· Farm Animal Education and Interaction For those interested in human-animal interaction, and the care, handling, training and management of farm animals.
· Wildlife Rehabilitation, Education and Interaction For those interested in human animal interaction with birds of prey; wildlife conservation education; wildlife rehabilitation; wildlife care and management.
· Equine Education and Interaction For those interested in human-animal interaction with equines; equine care, handling, training and management.
· Garden Education For those interested in horticulture education in a Children’s Garden setting; horticultural careers; nature-based education; management of a diverse educational and therapeutic garden.
The Leir Internship offers competitive compensation via The Leir Foundation, a generous longtime partner of Green Chimneys. Applicants can choose one of three options for length of participation, and choose to reside in campus housing or commute each day.
Internship with Housing Interns opting for campus housing receive room and board for the duration of their commitment. Glass House is a 6-bedroom residence just steps from the Brewster campus. The room and board package is valued at approximately $370 per week and includes a bedroom in a shared environment (kitchen, bath and living areas); utilities such as Internet and cable; three meals a day and snacks through Green Chimneys Food Services. Individuals are responsible for any additional and/or personal living expenses. Interns with a home address further than 100 miles from Brewster, NY, but within the Northeast region of the United States, receive a one-time travel stipend of $200. The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Interns with a home address in the Midwest, South, or Western regions of the United States, receive a one-time travel stipend of $500. These regions include all states not listed as part of the Northeast. The value of a housing-inclusive Leir Internship option is approximately $835 per week, not inclusive of any applicable travel stipend or approved completion bonus. For interns committing to a year-long internship experience, this represents nearly $44,000 in compensation, based on the total allocation of cash stipends and in-kind benefits. Additional Compensation Leir Interns receive a cash stipend of $450 per week, payable every two weeks. Interns may also be eligible for a $500 completion bonus upon satisfactory completion of the internship commitment, at the internship supervisor’s discretion. Interns are eligible to take up to two personal days in each 3-month period, or eight days within a 12-month period, without any impact on their weekly stipend allocation.
Commuter Option Leir Interns who live within a commutable distance may opt out of Green Chimneys housing. Total compensation value of the internship for these participants reflects the elimination of costs related to room and board. Meals are available through Green Chimneys Food Services each day intern is on campus, at an approximate value of $25 a day, or $125 per week. Interns who commute daily receive a travel benefit of an additional $50 per week, payable every two weeks along with their weekly stipend of $450. The value of a Leir Internship commuter option is approximately $640 per week, not inclusive of any approved completion bonus. For commuter interns committing to a year-long internship experience, this represents nearly $34,000 compensation, based on the total allocation of cash stipends and in-kind benefits. PROVISIONS AND
EXPECTATIONS The Henry J. and Erna D. Leir Global Internship / The Sam and Myra Ross Institute at Green Chimneys May2025 Summer Immersion Short-term internships in the summer months are available for students between academic sessions or individuals seeking a shorter commitment. Summer Interns in need of housing receive room and board at Glass House (see housing details) for the duration of their commitment. Those who commute daily receive a travel benefit of $50 per week, payable every two weeks along with their weekly stipend of $450. Summer Interns may also be eligible for a $250 completion bonus upon satisfactory completion of the internship commitment, at the internship supervisor’s discretion.
Intern Program Schedule Interns are expected to participate in programs 5 days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The weekly schedule is Tuesday through Saturday or Sunday through Thursday and includes holidays, at The Institute’s discretion. During orientation (first 3 weeks of internship), training may take place 6 days a week.
Applicant Requirements: All applicants must be at least 21 years old or three years post-high school, and able to commit to the full length of the internship. All applicants will be subject to a criminal background check, fingerprinting, and health screening. The Henry J. and Erna D. Leir Global Internship Program at Green Chimneys is a formal training program requiring international interns to obtain a visa. There are some government restrictions so visas are not guaranteed and, conditions change frequently.
