Are you an intern or early career professional working in the environmental field? Join the Catskill Center and the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) for an afternoon of connection, career exploration, and skill-building in the heart of the Catskills.

Date: Friday, July 17, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location: Catskills Visitor Center, 5096 New York 28, Mount Tremper, NY

Join us at the Catskills Visitor Center to:

• Learn more about local environmental careers, employers, and job opportunities,

• Develop and practice resume, networking, and interview skills, and

• Network with professionals from a range of agencies and organizations working and hiring in the region.

Whether you're just getting started or exploring your next step, this event is designed to help you grow your network and your future in the field.

This is a free event, but please be sure to register.

Agenda
11:00 am – Welcome from Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of Catskill Center

11:10 – Keynote – Justin Perry, Bureau Chief of Invasive Species, New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC)

11:30 – Introductions
Who’s Who from CRISP Partners & organizations in attendance

12:00 pm – Career Q& A Panel
Justin Perry, Bureau Chief of Invasive Species, NYS DEC
Leslie Surprenant, Former Section Chief Invasive Species Coordination, NYS DEC
Sarah Coney, CRISP Aquatic Invasive Species Manager, Catskill Center
Michelle Balint, Conservation District Program Technician, Schoharie Watershed Stream Management Program
Gillian Mathews, Rondout/Neversink Stream Management Program
Max Kelly, Stream Educator, Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program & Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County

1:00-1:30 – BYO Picnic Lunch
Informal networking and tables with organization & employment information:
Student Conservation Association
New York City Department of Environmental Protection
and more!

1:30-2:20 pm – Networking Session & Tabling
Networking Bingo

2:30-3:15 pm – Resume Workshop Ulster County Office of Employment and Training
Learn best practices and tips & tricks for making your resume stand out

3:15 – Skills Stations
Resume Review with Ulster County OET: Bring your resume on a thumb drive or as a
Google Doc and get tips to improve your resume

Mock Interview, Job Boards & Job Searching, LinkedIn, Networking Skills,
Workplace Attire

4:00 – Adjourn

If you have any questions, please contact the Catskill Center CRISP Director, John Thompson, at jthompson@catskillcenter.org