Internship- Research and Community Science 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 Research department will hire one (1) Research intern for the summer of 2025.  Application review will begin on February 24th; candidates are encouraged to apply by that date.  The interview cycle should conclude no later than March 24th. 

Position Summary: The Research department studies urban ecology with a focus on wildlife. 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 rooms, 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 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 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.
• 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. Interns are paid a $1,120 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 team, you will be managed by the Research Manager and work collaboratively with the Land Management, Community Programs, and Volunteer teams. 
• 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: Physical ability with reasonable accommodation is required for various activities, such as working long days outdoors under various weather conditions and carrying equipment – up to 25 pounds.
• Equipment Used: Computer equipment, Google software, tools, field research equipment, animal care equipment and utensils
• Schedule: Variable week-to-week within 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