Summer Internship: FIN'tern (Fishing Intern)

Summer Internship: FIN’tern (Fishing Intern)

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Position Summary

As the Summer FIN’tern, you will engage people of all ages in the outdoors, supporting fishing and recreational programming at all three branches and various County Parks. The FIN’tern program provides a unique opportunity for young anglers to learn a lifetime sport and provide a healthy outlet at a critical point in their lives. You have the opportunity to create a life-changing impact, introducing families and young adults to an inexpensive hobby that connects them with nature, each other and a sustainable, nutritious food source.

Our Summer Employment and Internship Experience

• The FIN'tern is paid a stipend of $1,120 on a bi-weekly basis. 
• This role is allotted 3 days (24 hours) of PTO for planned vacation or sick days.
• 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.
• We nurture an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative workplace culture. 
• You will have the ability to attend all UEC events or programs at a low or no cost. Children of employees attend programming, including summer camps, at reduced rates.

Application Review Date: March 11th, 2026

• It is strongly recommended that all interested applicants submit their applications by this date. 

Employment term: June 8th, 2026 to August 21st, 2026

Location and Schedule: Work is conducted in-person 5 days/week, 30 hours/week, at all three branches and various County parks.

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DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Schedule and conduct fishing programs with partner organizations such as recreation agencies, Boys & Girls Clubs, senior centers, nature centers, Scouts, other youth development agencies, and community education providers.
• Lead aquatic resource and fishing education outings based on the Wisconsin DNR Angler Education Program.
• Deliver programming to a diverse audience.
• Coordinate fishing clubs and outings at various County Parks' fishing sites.
• Monitor and maintain equipment for the Tackle Loan Program at the host site.
• Maintain participation records and submit them weekly to the DNR. The FIN’tern will submit final reports to the host site and DNR at the conclusion of the internship.
• Provide assistance to fisheries field biologists, 1 day per week during the summer.

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To be successful in this position, you will demonstrate the following competencies:

We know that hardly anyone ‘checks ALL the boxes’ on job requirements, and that’s okay! If some or many of the items listed below describe you and your experiences, we’re excited to talk with you and encourage you to apply.

• Instructional Abilities: Demonstrates the ability to teach fishing-based programs with a grasp on group management, youth engagement strategies, positive risk-taking, and adventure education. 
• Adaptability: Ability to function both independently and collaborate well with others; you are motivated through change and by new opportunities.
• Effective Communicator: You articulate thoughts and express ideas effectively using oral, written, visual, and non-verbal communication skills, as well as listening skills to gain understanding. The ability to deliver information in person, in writing, and in a digital world.
• Collaboration: Ability to collaborate and share planning and teaching responsibilities with peers
• Problem Solving:  Ability to solve problems, think, reason and learn from experiences. May develop creative solutions or innovative future approaches.

Required Qualifications: 

• A high school diploma or equivalent education.
• At least one year of work or learning experience.
• First Aid, CPR, Lifeguard Certification or ability to obtain certification is required. UEC will arrange the appropriate training within the first two weeks of employment.
• Willingness and ability to drive a 14-passenger bus or van (includes maintaining a valid driver’s license and ability to meet the requirements of insurability under Urban Ecology Center’s commercial vehicle insurance policy). 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual in either Spanish or Hmong.
• Interest or background in Environmental Science, Education, or related fields.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds with or without accommodation.  
• Ability to sit, stand, crouch, or bend regularly.  
• Fine motor skills to assist with technical aspects of teaching new skills.

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What does a typical workday look like?

Condition & Location: 

• Open office workspace with an active team atmosphere. Using shared workspaces at all three UEC locations. 
• Our summer programs are held primarily outdoors, so the work environment will be dependent on weather conditions. 

Schedule: 

• Standard business hours; Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.

Equipment Used: 

• Computer equipment, Google software, fish and tackle equipment, outdoor recreation equipment, and cookware.

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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.

Salary : $1,120