Internship- Land Management Intern

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 Land Management Department will hire (3) Land Management Interns for the summer of 2025.  Application review will begin on February 10th; candidates are encouraged to apply by that date.  Application deadline is February 21st, with the interview cycle concluding no later than March 7th. 

Position Summary: As the Land Management Intern, you will learn the importance of ecological restoration and land management within public green spaces in a densely populated urban area, such as Milwaukee, by taking part in the implementation of land management plans. You will help with removal of invasive species as well as site preparation, propagation, and planting of native plants to improve biodiversity. Other duties include erosion control; trail maintenance; weeding and watering of previously planted areas; and working alongside, and occasionally leading, volunteer groups of various sizes and ages. 

The UEC’s Land Management Department will hire three Land Management Interns for the summer of 2025.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Land Management:

• Assist with land stewardship and restoration activities of UEC managed lands at our 3-branches.  Work includes removal of invasive species, trail maintenance, mulching, native seed collection and planting of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.
• Support the maintenance of hand tools and power equipment.
• Participate in flora and fauna surveys within UEC managed lands. Additional offsite opportunities will be offered during monthly field trips.

Maintain Safety Practices:

• Complete first aid, CPR, and AED training certification- provided by Urban Ecology Center. 
• Adhere to all safety protocols for equipment operations and procedures.

Staff and Community Engagement:

• Assist in leading  volunteers and service groups to implement the organization’s goals for UEC managed lands.
• Act as an ambassador for ecological restoration within the city with community members, dog walkers, park users, and volunteers.
• Work solo and/or alongside park Land Manager(s), Land Steward, Land Management Interns and summer High School Outdoor Leadership Program participants. 

OUR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT & INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

• Our summer employment term runs from June 9 to August 22, 2025. Interns are paid a $1,120 bi-weekly stipend and 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.
• As a member of the Land Management team, you will be managed by one of our three Land Managers and work collaboratively with the Volunteer, Research, and Facilities department team members. 
• 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Skills and Abilities

• Reliability and Agency: You build trust and exercise good judgement by meeting deadlines, developing on commitments, prioritizing needs, and making considered and effective decisions.
• Efficient: You have strong attention to detail, are self-motivated, and are able to multitask. You are able to prioritize your work based on importance and urgency.
• Collaboration: You have a strong ability to collaborate and share responsibilities with peers.
• 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.  
• You have a knowledge of and willingness to adhere to safety procedures
• Multilingual skills in English and another language is preferred.
• Strong cultural competency and commitment to equity, dignity, and justice.

Experience, Education, and Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent education is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS, LOCATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Condition & Location: Our land management staff spend at least 90% of their time outdoors, the work environment will be dependent on weather conditions.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50-pounds with or without accommodation; work properly and safely with conventional power tools and equipment.
• 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.

Salary : $1,120