Urban Ecology Center (SEJ Program)

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. 

• There are 5 different internship positions with Urban Ecology this summer. Please read through the descriptions below carefully and indicate in your cover letter which position(s) you are applying for.

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1.)  Position Summary:   As a Summer Community Program Facilitation Intern, you will play an integral role in delivering engaging, safe, and environmentally focused outdoor programs for participants of all ages. You will collaborate with Community Program staff to facilitate urban outdoor recreation activities such as paddling, biking, hiking, and fishing, as well as informal environmental education experiences. 

In addition to program facilitation, you will take on non-teaching responsibilities, including:
● Maintaining program equipment and supplies
● Supporting departmental administrative tasks
● Assisting the Education Department in various capacities
● This role requires availability on Saturdays and occasional evenings.
 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Program Facilitation & Delivery
• Co-lead and assist with the facilitation of outdoor recreation programming such as paddling, biking, hiking and fishing. 
• Welcome, lead, and close experiences by speaking in front of large groups of diverse, multi-aged  audiences. 
• Prepare all activity materials, program spaces, and gear for experiences scheduled.
• Lead program engagement stations along with the Community Programs Team at large UEC events.
•  Work in collaboration with other educators to maintain an inventory of program supplies.
• Using program lesson plans, create program facilitation outlines for each program based on group size, needs, ages & location
• Maintain Safety Practices
• Complete first aid, CPR, and AED training certification- provided by Urban Ecology Center. 
• Adhere to all Urban Adventure program procedures as laid out by the Urban Ecology Center Community Programs Department and Safety Committee. 
• Anticipate, prevent, identify, and respond to safety issues.

Department Support/General Tasks:
● Maintain a detailed schedule of availability and work plans.
● Work with staff, teens, organization partners, and adult volunteers to plan and offer Special Events.
● Work closely with seasonal staff, fellow interns, and high school outdoor leaders to deliver programs and grow in their abilities as programmatic staff. 
● Act as a representative of the Center through customer service by fostering a welcoming atmosphere and responding to questions and concerns.
● Regularly attend staff meetings which could include quarterly All Staff meetings, weekly branch meetings, and Community Programs team meetings.
● Periodically contribute to Urban Ecology Center newsletters and marketing materials.
● Assist with other projects and tasks as needed, including program supply inventory, recreational equipment maintenance/care, and more. adventure equipment.
● Embrace and demonstrate Urban Ecology Center’s teaching philosophy, approach, and continuous learning.

OUR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT & INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE:
● Our summer employment term runs from June 9 to August 22, 2024. 
● 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 
Recommended Skills and Abilities
● Instructional Abilities:  Demonstrated abilities to teach science and nature-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. 
● Time Management: ability to distinguish priorities, focus on relevant issues, and set realistic time goals. 
● Driving a Motor Vehicle: Ability to meet requirements of insurability under Urban Ecology Center’s vehicle policy.  Willingness to drive a 14-passenger bus.
● (preferred/required at MV) Bilingual English/Spanish: The ability to develop and teach programs in both English and Spanish is recommended.
● (preferred) Outdoor Recreation Skills: Paddling experience, belay experience, and other outdoor recreation experience is strongly desired. Physical exertion, with reasonable accommodation, is required for various activities, such as carrying and paddling canoes or hiking for a full day. 
Experience, Education, and Certifications
● High school diploma or equivalent education is required.
● First Aid and CPR certification or the ability to obtain is required.

● At least one year of work or learning experience beyond high school is required.
● A background in youth development, environmental education, outdoor education, or related field is preferred
● Redcross Lifeguard Certification is preferred. The ability to obtain this certification is highly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS, LOCATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Condition & Location: 
● Open office workspace with an active team atmosphere. Using shared workspaces at all three UEC locations. 
● Time spent outdoors, in all types of seasonal weather.  Our community programs team spends at least 75% of their time outdoors, the work environment will be dependent on weather conditions.
● Time spent in a classroom, working with groups of people of all ages.  

Physical Requirements: 
● Lifting bikes 3 feet out of a bike rack or vehicle.
● Team-lifting canoes from storage racks to activity locations.
● Hiking, biking, walking, or paddling for a full day- up to 6 hours.
● Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
● Ability to build and work near campfires, outdoor open flames in a contained fire ring.
● Ability to sit, stand, crouch, and bend on a regular basis.

Equipment Used: 
● Computer- Google Suite, Zoom telephone, & Slack.  
● Office specific: copy machine, paper cutters, AV Equipment. 
● Outdoor and recreational equipment, including but not limited to kayaks, canoes, canoe/kayak paddles, pedal boats, climbing harnesses and helmets, fishing poles and tackle, mountain bikes, bicycle helmets and bike locks. 
● Science education supplies, including but not limited to microscopes, insect nets, cooking supplies

Schedule: 
● Tues-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturdays 9am-3pm with the expectation of at least one evening shift (12-8pm) per week.

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2.) Position Summary: As the Neighborhood Engagement Intern, you will work with a dynamic team to experience the “nuts and bolts'' of a nonprofit organization. You will ensure a positive experience for visitors by helping to coordinate the reception area, giving tours, and greeting visitors to the Center and support neighborhood outreach initiatives. 
The UEC’s Community Engagement Department will hire 1 Neighborhood Engagement Intern for the summer of 2025.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Neighborhood Outreach 
● Support neighborhood outreach efforts; including tabling at events, distributing flyers, and distributing promotional materials.
● Utilize the principles of relational organizing to connect new community members to what is available to them through engaging with the Urban Ecology Center. 
● Participate in community conversations and neighborhood events. 
● Co-lead projects related to our visitor experience.
● Support our community garden programs.
Reception Desk
● Welcome visitors and program participants while promoting the Urban Ecology Center; interact with community members to share how they can deepen their engagement with our organization.
● Assist in training new volunteers.
● Support front desk operations such as directing phone calls, guiding members on our website, and taking payments in our system.
● Help enforce visitor and building policies.
● Keep reception desk areas neat, clean, and professional.

OUR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT & INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE:
● Our summer employment term runs from June 9 - August 22, 2025.  
● 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 Neighborhood Engagement team, you will be managed by a Branch Director and work collaboratively with the Neighborhood Engagement Coordinators and Specialists.
● 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 have the ability to attend our public programs/events at a low or no cost. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Skills and Abilities
● Collaboration: You have a strong ability to collaborate and share responsibilities with peers while providing guidance on organizational processes.
● Effective Communicator: you can articulate thoughts and express ideas effectively using oral, written, visual, and non-verbal communication skills, as well as listening skills to gain understanding. 
● Relationship Development: you have the ability to identify and initiate working relationships and to develop and maintain them in a way that is of mutual benefit to both yourself and others.
● Strong cultural competency and commitment to equity, dignity, and justice.
● Affinity to the Urban Ecology Center's mission, vision, and values.
Experience, Education, and Certifications
● High school diploma or equivalent education is required.
● Experience working with volunteers and in customer service preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS, LOCATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
● Condition & Location: Open office workspace with an active team atmosphere. Using shared workspaces at all three UEC locations and ability to move around all three Centers.
● Physical Requirements: Sitting for prolonged periods, typing on a computer keyboard, Lifting and carrying kayaks, bikes, and other outdoor adventure equipment as necessary, up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
● Equipment Used: Computer equipment, CRM software, Google software, copy/fax machine, printer, outdoor adventure equipment along with repair equipment..

Schedule:

You must be available to work this position’s regular schedule: Tuesday through Thursday 10-6, Friday 9-5, and Saturday 9-3. Some weekday and weekend evenings beyond the regular schedule should be expected.

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3.) Position Summary:  As a Green Career Pathways Intern, you will assist with refining and implementing the GCP program with a primary focus on our High School Outdoor Leader internship program. The GCP program engages urban youth and young adults in studies of ecology, environmental justice, leadership, job readiness, and practices of equity, dignity, and justice. This highly collaborative position works closely with Green Career Pathway Manager to meet program goals.

As a co-lead and mentor for our High School interns, this position includes co-leading our weeklong summer trip to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park (program funded by Alumbra Innovation).

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Green Career Program Design:
● Assist with planning to implement educational strategies to meet GCP outcomes of environmental literacy, job readiness, leadership, and social responsibility.
● Assist in refining curricula for the High School Outdoor Leader internship
● Work with our Impact Evaluator to review systems that measure, track, and improve the effectiveness of GCP programs.

Green Career Program Implementation:
● Collaborating with the GCP Manager to teach ecology, team-building, leadership, outdoor recreation, public speaking, customer service, job-readiness, and equity, dignity, and justice skills.
● Assist GCP Manager in planning and leading travel experiences for high school outdoor leaders, such as college visits, Teton Science School trips, and northern Wisconsin trips.
● Responsible for assisting with high school intern onboarding and training
● Generate interest and excitement for GCP by collecting and sharing written, video and verbal success stories, in coordination with the marketing team
● Coach, support, and mentor high school outdoor leaders.
● Assist GCP Manager with planning graduation celebrations for youth completing their internships.

Green Career Program Alumni Relations:
● Outreach to our alumni network to update alumni contact information and understand the influence of their Green Career Pathways experience on their career path and progression.
● Contribute ideas to develop post-internship networking and support systems; this may include a job board for alumni, social media alumni platforms, or alumni mentoring programs

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 
Skills and Abilities
● Conflict Management: you can navigate interpersonal challenges with a high degree of empathy and a commitment to resolution.
● Efficient: You have strong attention to detail, are self-motivated, and can multitask. You can prioritize your work based on importance and urgency.
● Reliability and Agency: You build trust and exercise good judgment by meeting deadlines, delivering on commitments, prioritizing needs, and making considered and effective decisions.
● Collaboration: You have a strong ability to collaborate and share responsibilities with peers while following organizational processes.
● Growth Mindset: You have a demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development and incorporating feedback; you are optimistic about future opportunities. 
● A strong ability to establish rapport and engage with diverse, urban youth is highly recommended.
● Savvy utilization of social media and the Google Suite platform.
● Strong cultural competency and commitment to equity, dignity, and justice.
● Affinity to the Urban Ecology Center's mission, vision, and values.
Experience, Education, and Certifications
● You have at least 18 months of experience engaging with youth in a community or educational setting; this could include designing and/or teaching programs for middle or high school youth in environmental education, land stewardship, ecology, outdoor recreation, youth development, job readiness, and/or social justice.
● High school diploma or equivalent is required; candidates must be at least 20 years of age or have completed 2 years of higher education (entering Junior year in fall 2025).
 

OUR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT & INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE:
● Our summer employment term runs from June 2nd or 9th to August 22nd, 2025. 
● 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.
● 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 have the ability to attend all UEC events or programs at a low or no cost.

WORKING CONDITIONS, LOCATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
● Condition & Location: Open office workspace with an active team atmosphere. Using shared workspaces at all three UEC locations; must be able to work from all three branch locations throughout the summer. 
● Physical Requirements: Sitting for prolonged periods, typing on a computer keyboard, lifting objects of 25 pounds or less. Hiking, biking, paddling, and other outdoor recreational activities are part o the summer Outdoor Leader experience.
● Equipment Used: Computer equipment, fundraising software, HRIS, Google software, outdoor recreation equipment
● Schedule: Standard business hours with occasional evening and weekend events

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4.)  Position Summary: As the Marketing & Photography Intern, you will capture stories, support our social media efforts, and create marketing materials to help the organization build awareness and share the impacts of our work. This position will experience the “nuts and bolts” of a dynamic, fast-growing nonprofit organization and will be responsible for documenting and photographing our summer activities including summer camps, field research, community programs, green building maintenance, and more. This position will require spending time indoors and outdoors at Riverside Park, Menomonee Valley, and Washington Park branches as well. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Find, capture, and create stories (photographic, video, written, and/or digital) about the activities going on at the Urban Ecology Center’s three branches during the summer. It’s a very active time; there will be lots to document!
● Photograph and film summer camps, volunteer programs, community science field research, community programs, and other activities happening.
● Publish engaging content to the social media channels and possibly to the Urban Ecology Center’s blog. May require creating, soliciting, and editing written content, photojournalistic stories, or videos.
● Edit and organize digital assets including photographs, written stories, or videos.

OUR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT & INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE:
● Our summer employment term runs from June 9 to August 22, 2025.  
● 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.
● 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 have the ability to attend our public programs/events at a low or no cost.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 
Skills and Abilities
● Effective Communicator: you can 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.
● Growth Mindset: You have a demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development and incorporating feedback; you are optimistic about future opportunities. 
● Reliability and Agency: You build trust and exercise good judgment by meeting deadlines, delivering on commitments, prioritizing needs, and making considered and effective decisions.
● Efficient: You have strong attention to detail, are self-motivated, and can multitask. You can prioritize your work based on importance and urgency.
● You should have digital photography experience and social media familiarity (primarily Facebook and Instagram); competency with computers, audio-visual systems, printers, and copiers. Prior experience with blogging, social media management, and video production is preferred.
● Strong cultural competency and commitment to equity, dignity, and justice.
● Affinity to the Urban Ecology Center's mission, vision, and values.
Experience, Education, and Certifications
● High school diploma or similar education is required, plus some coursework in photography, journalism, marketing, digital storytelling, or another related field are required. 
● At least one year of work experience in communications, marketing, photography, public relations, or community engagement is highly recommended.

WORKING CONDITIONS, LOCATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
● 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. 
● Physical Requirements: Sitting for prolonged periods, typing on a computer keyboard, lifting objects of 25 pounds or less, Standing, walking, and bending for the majority of work hours.
● Equipment Used: Computer equipment, Google software
● Schedule: Standard business hours; Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.

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5.) Position Summary: As the Research Intern, you will develop skills in wildlife research and monitoring for a variety of taxa and 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 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 Research department, especially as they relate to the adaptive management of the Center’s green spaces.
● Facilitate monitoring projects for community volunteers, including but not limited to bird, bat, invertebrate, snake, and mammal surveys. Additional opportunities include water quality monitoring and independent research projects.
● Assist the Animal Care Specialist with 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 9 to August 22, 2025
● 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 team, you will be managed by the Research Manager and work collaboratively with the GIS & Field Data Manager, Research Director, and other department interns.
● 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 have the ability to attend our public programs/events at a low or no cost. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 
Skills and Abilities
● Collaboration: You have a strong ability to collaborate and share responsibilities with peers.
● Growth Mindset: You have a demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development and incorporating feedback; you are optimistic about future opportunities. 
● Reliability and Agency: You build trust and exercise good judgment by meeting deadlines, delivering on commitments, prioritizing needs, and making considered and effective decisions.
● Effective Communicator: you can 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.
● Strong cultural competency and commitment to equity, dignity, and justice.
● Affinity to the Urban Ecology Center's mission, vision, and values.

Experience, Education, and Certifications
● High school diploma or equivalent is required. 
● Experience in wildlife monitoring or research is preferred.
● Previous experience working with volunteers, and/or wildlife is preferred.
● Progress toward or completion of additional learning (certification, associate, undergraduate, or graduate degree) in natural sciences, education, or a related area is recommended.

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
 

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Compensation:
This internship is part of the Lawrence University Social & Environmental Justice Cohort, which provides an opportunity for Lawrentians to explore social and environmental justice impact careers, gain professional experience, and develop as leaders. Students complete a full-time summer 2025 internship with an identified social and/or environmental justice impact organization in Milwaukee or Appleton, while participating in ongoing reflection with fellow students, Professor Jason Brozek, the Career Center, community leaders and alumni.  Students may apply for as many positions as they are qualified for and interested in. Each student in the SEJ program will receive a $5k stipend to help cover housing and transportation costs and living expenses. For additional details and to see other SEJ opportunities, please see the SEJ Cohort webpage.

• Before applying, you must meet with a Career Center staff member for a resume review, or your resume must achieve green status in VMOCK.  If your resume does not meet professional expectations, you may be asked to resubmit your resume.  Please make an appointment with the Career Center here on Handshake.
• Once your resume is approved, you will then apply directly to one or more of the designated SEJ Internship options in Handshake by February 14, 2025 at 11:55 p.m. A separate application should be prepared for each position.
• Complete this form to indicate your transportation needs. The form only needs to be submitted once.

Please ask Michelle Buchinger for more details about how funding works Michelle.m.buchinger@lawrence.edu 

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.