The Urban Ecology Center hires nearly 30 people annually for our Green Career Pathways summer employment & internship experience. Our model of creating neighborhood-based environmental education centers energizes urban public natural areas. Located in vibrant public green spaces in Milwaukee, our fast-growing organization serves over 200,000 people of all ages annually. Our Green Career Pathways efforts are providing people with an immersive green career experience while having a significant impact on our mission. 

The UEC’s Research and Community Science Department will hire one (1) Research and Community Science intern for the summer of 2023. Application review will begin on February 12th; candidates are encouraged to apply by that date. The interview cycle should conclude no later than March 30th. 

Position Summary: The goal of this full-time internship is to develop skills in wildlife research and monitoring for a variety of taxa and to become an environmentally responsible mentor in the urban Milwaukee community. You will also spend a portion of time assisting in the Center’s animal room, helping to care for the animal ambassadors and assisting with projects. You will experience the full scope of the Urban Ecology Center’s department of Research and Community Science at our Riverside Park, Washington Park, and/or Menomonee Valley branches. You will also assist with programs, projects and general operations as needed.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with the Center’s Research and Community Science department to support and help independently lead wildlife research and monitoring efforts in the Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum, Washington Park and the Menomonee Valley. Additional projects may be offsite in and around the Milwaukee area.
• Gain an understanding of the goals of the Community Science department, especially as they relate to adaptive management of the Center’s green spaces.
• Facilitate monitoring projects which could include biotic (bird, bat, invertebrate, snake, mammal) and abiotic (water, air quality) surveys.
• Assist the Animal Care Specialist with regular animal care tasks and projects.
• Work alongside and mentor high school students concurrently enrolled in the Urban Ecology Center’s High School Outdoor Leadership Program and students enrolled in the Center’s Young Scientists Program.
• Assist with logistics, geospatial technologies, and data management as needed.

OUR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT & INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

• Our summer employment term runs from June 5 to August 25, 2023. Interns are paid an $1,100 bi-weekly stipend and allotted 3 days (24 hours) of PTO for planned vacation or sick days. (PTO will be scheduled with your supervisor)
• You will attend training for the first two weeks of your experience, with opportunities for further learning & development throughout the summer. We host both a Summer Kickoff event and an End of Summer Celebration.
• As a member of the Research and Community Science team, you will be managed by the Research and Community Science Coordinator and work collaboratively with the Land Stewardship, Community Programs and Volunteer teams. 
• You may have the opportunity to earn additional money by working as an attendant at our events (weddings, rentals, other parties, etc). 
• We nurture an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative workplace culture. 
• You will receive an Urban Ecology Center membership and will have the ability to attend all events at a low or no cost. Children of employees attend programming, including summer camps, at reduced rates.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Skills and Abilities

• Previous experience working with volunteers, wildlife, and strong communication skills are preferred. 

Experience, Education, and Certifications

• High school diploma or GED is required. 
• (Preferred) Working toward or completion of additional learning (certification, associates, undergraduate or graduate degree) in natural sciences, education, or a related area

WORKING CONDITIONS, LOCATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Condition & Location: Open office workspace with an active team atmosphere. Using shared workspaces at all three UEC locations.
• Physical Requirements: Sitting for prolonged periods, typing on a computer keyboard, lifting objects of 25 pounds or less
• Equipment Used: Computer equipment, fundraising software, HRIS, Google software, tools
• Schedule: Standard business hours with occasional evening and weekend events

The Urban Ecology Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to make all personnel decisions without discriminating on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, physical disability, mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national or ethnic origin, and any other protected status.