Project TRUE Mentor bei Wildlife Conservation Society

Temporary/Seasonal

Job Title: Project TRUE Mentor

Reports To: Project TRUE Coordinator

Location: Bronx Zoo

Job Type: Seasonal

Department: BZ-Education

 

Job Description:

Location: Bronx Zoo

Start Date: September 9, 2025

End Date: January 17, 2026

Schedule: Approximately 16 hours per week; full days on Saturdays.

Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour

 

Who We Are: Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology) is a research mentoring program for rising high school juniors and seniors who live in the Bronx. The program aims to increase the number of underrepresented youth pursuing STEM majors by providing hands-on authentic field research experiences and mentorship from undergraduates, graduate students, and STEM professionals. During the 7-week summer and 16 week fall program, groups of high school students are paired with a Fordham University undergraduate student, who serves as their near-peer research mentor. Each undergraduate-led team selects an urban ecology research topic, designs research questions and methods, and carries out data collection and analysis. They then present their findings at public events at the Bronx Zoo and elsewhere around the city. The Mentor collaborates with the rest of the Project TRUE team to support the high school students.

 

Position Overview: This grant-funded position to work as a Project TRUE Mentor is a unique opportunity to engage youth in urban ecology research and provide science mentorship in an informal science education setting. The Mentor will collaborate closely with the Project TRUE leadership team to support Project TRUE high school interns in carrying out authentic urban ecology research projects at the Bronx Zoo. The Mentor will assist in planning, developing and facilitating science research and mentorship activities. They will also advise and provide guidance on data analysis and the synthesis of findings with the support of Project TRUE leadership. Above all, the Mentor will support and inspire the next generation of science researchers. This is a fully in-person position based at the Bronx Zoo.

 

Responsibilities

The Project TRUE Mentor will…

● Share knowledge and passion of urban ecology and science research with high school student participants.

● Assist in the development of urban ecology research and mentorship activities.

● Guide groups in field research and ensure scientific rigor of research projects, including experimental design, field methods, data analysis, synthesis of findings, and poster development.

● Organize and manage materials and equipment.

● Perform all related tasks and duties, as assigned.

● Comply with all policies and procedures as presented by WCS and the WCS Education Department, including health and safety policies.

● Attend professional networking events related to STEM research and youth engagement.

#LI-DNI
 

$20.00/hr

Qualifications

● Current Fordham University C-STEP undergraduate student who served as a Project TRUE Mentor in Summer 2025

● Prior mentorship experience.

● Ability to work within a highly team-oriented environment, as well as independently.

● Excellent verbal communication skills to help interpret science concepts and explain complex ideas to high school students.

● Reliable, flexible, and accountable.

● Must be able to lift and carry up to 20lbs and face the rigors of fieldwork including long periods of time outdoors, large amounts of walking and standing, and exposure to the elements and rugged/overgrown terrain.


Benefits and Perks

● We value creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and building a culture where everyone is welcomed and can flourish.

● As staff, you will receive access to Bronx Zoo and the other WCS parks