Summer Camp Summer Intern
Milwaukee’s Urban Ecology Center has captured the attention of leaders in cities across the country. Our model of creating neighborhood-based environmental education centers energizes urban public natural areas. The result is reduction in crime, protection and enhancement of urban ecosystems, increased property values and improved academic achievement. Located in vibrant public green spaces, our fast-growing organization serves over 200,000 people of all ages annually. The Urban Ecology Center’s facilities and programs have been recognized nationally and internationally for their innovative approach to sustainability, neighborhood-based urban environmental education and community science.
Position Summary: This full time, seasonal internship augments the capacity of the Center’s Summer Camp Programs, specializing in urban outdoor recreation activities (such as paddling, climbing wall facilitation, and biking) and non-formal environmental education programming for children ages 4-17. Develop skills to become an environmental educator and environmentally responsible mentor for the urban Milwaukee community. Interns experience the full scope of Urban Ecology Center summer education programming, including: 1) Learning planning processes for summer camp programming, and 2) co-teaching week-long, camper-centered summer camps. Summer interns will work at one or two of our three branches located in Riverside Park, Washington Park and Menomonee Valley. This position works 40 hours per week and reports to the Environmental Education Manager.
Primary Responsibilities
- Work with diverse Summer Camp Programs to mentor program participants of all ages.
- Work closely with Environmental Educators to develop and teach camper-centered activities for summer camp students
- Oversee and plan camper activities during before- and after-camp sessions
- Prepare materials for summer educational activities
Qualifications: A high school diploma or GED and at least one year of work or learning experience beyond high school. Experience in and enthusiasm for working with children grades K-9 desirable, including child care, field trips and other camp/outdoor experience. Physical ability with reasonable accommodation required for activities, such as carrying and paddling canoes or hiking for a full day. Proven experience with urban youth, and ability to speak Spanish is a plus. Ability to engage participants easily and to express enthusiasm for activities desired. A clean driving record and willingness to drive a 14-passenger bus strongly preferred. Canoe training, lifeguard certification and/or water safety certificates are a plus.
Training: On-site training for daily responsibilities is ongoing throughout internship. Certification in First Aid and CPR/AED is required and arranged the first week of internship. Some interns will need lifeguard certification. A lifeguard certification course will be coordinated by the Urban Ecology Center the week prior to the start of the internship for interested candidates.
Internship duration: Monday, June 1st – Friday, August 21st, 2020. This position requires 40 hours per week. Summer interns will be required to take 5 days off, unpaid throughout the summer.
Reports to: Environmental Education Manager
Compensation:. $9-$10 per hour
Closing date: The application deadline is March 13th, 2020