OCCA is a not-for-profit, 501 (c) 3 organization with more than 800 members and volunteers. OCCA works on issues pertaining to water quality, energy policy, land use, waste management, biodiversity protection, and policy research.

OCCA offers several internship programs each year. Please use the links below to learn more about each opportunity and how to apply.

Applications and Deadlines:

Applicants are accepted on an ongoing basis, but no less than 45 days prior to the start of each internship.

OCCA conducts a broad spectrum of programs and participates in events related to water quality, land-use management, energy conservation, and recycling. Volunteers are essential to the accomplishment of our mission-related activities. Their time, talent, and caring contributions make a positive difference regarding our local environment and environmental awareness. Volunteers set an example for others in the community to follow.

At OCCA, volunteers are needed for activities such as Household Hazardous Waste Day, bulk mailings, Recycling Committee, Fundraising Committee, Leading a hike, Trail Maintenance, Invasive species eradication, and events.

If you are interested in volunteering with OCCA click HERE to fill out an interest form. If you have any questions call 607-547-4488 or email coordinator@occainfo.org.

We are currently accepting applications for the Board of Directors.

The OCCA Board of Directors are all volunteers. The Board leads the organization by determining governing policies for OCCA and ensuring those policies are implemented through the work of the Board’s committees and the support of its staff; raising funds to finance the organization; providing oversight of the organization’s finances; promoting the organization and expanding its networks; and monitoring OCCA’s performance against Board-determined organizational goals.

If you want to join our Board or nominate someone, contact Executive Director Amy Wyant at director@occainfo.org.

If you are invited to join our board, click HERE to fill out an application.

OCCA is seeking motivated, energetic people interested in helping control and manage populations of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Members of the Otsego County Aquatic Invasives Rapid Responders will work two days/week (15-20 hours) from June through late August, performing manual removal of assorted aquatic invasive species including water chestnut, yellow floating heart, and European frog-bit, primarily in Otsego County. OCAIRR members will work in a variety of aquatic environments, specifically lakes, ponds and marshes, and will work from canoes, kayaks or in the water itself using waders or boots. Equipment will be provided but Response team members will be responsible for getting themselves and, in some cases, the equipment, to and from work sites.

The job requires long hours spent outdoors in difficult conditions. The work can be physically demanding and requires repetitive bending, lifting, and carrying of heavy invasive plant material; placing canoes or kayaks on top of vehicles; extensive paddling; spending long periods of time with hands or arms wet.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle with the ability to transport gear to and from work sites.

Additional requirements:

Ability to work outdoors for long periods with minimal access to facilities;

Ability to lift and carry up to sixty pounds.

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Willingness to get wet and dirty.

Basic competence handle canoe or kayak

The following skills/qualifications are preferred:

Coursework in biology, aquatic ecosystems, invasive species, etc.

Previous experience working with invasive species or in aquatic environments.

Ability to identify a variety of invasive species.

Part-time position, 15-20 hours/week

Pay: $20/hour

To apply: Send cover letter, resume, and list of references to Jeff O’Handley, Program Director, programdirector@occainfo.org, or via mail, PO Box 931, Cooperstown, NY 13326.