Land Stewardship & Volunteer Program 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 is a limited term, seasonal work experience with a duration of 12 weeks, including 5 days of unpaid vacation, for 11 paid weeks of work. This internship includes work in two departments: land stewardship (20 to 24 hours per week) and volunteer programs (16 to 20 hours per week). The goals of this experience are to develop skills appropriate within a natural resources related field and to become environmentally responsible mentors for the urban Milwaukee community.
With the Land Stewardship department, you will learn the importance of habitat protection and restoration 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.
With the volunteer department, this position will experience the “nuts and bolts” of a dynamic, fast-growing nonprofit organization while focusing on ensuring the Urban Ecology Center programs and operations have adequate volunteer support. This position will be working at the Washington Park branch. This position works alongside, and occasionally leading, volunteer groups of various sizes and ages.
Primary Responsibilities: Land Stewardship
- Work closely with the Washington Park Land Steward
- Manage natural area and native landscaping
- Work with the Center's land stewardship department to restore and maintain the natural areas at our 3 branches in accordance with management plans
- Construct, repair and maintain trails
- Help train, and oversee, community land stewardship volunteers
- Perform additional land restoration duties as assigned
Primary Responsibilities: Volunteer Program
- Works closely with the Volunteer Program Manager and Branch Manager to give orientations, community outreach presentations, tours, and assistance in filling out applications
- Works closely with the Volunteer Coordinator to processes volunteer applications (including background and reference checks), assists in matching talents to tasks, enters constituent information into our database, and communicates with applicants by phone and e-mail in a friendly and professional manner.
- Helps with coordination and supervision of volunteers, including individual volunteers and service groups
Qualifications: High school diploma or GED. Working toward or completed additional learning (course work, certifications, associates, bachelor or graduate degree) in natural sciences, ecological restoration, nonprofits, administration or related area. Previous experience working with volunteers or volunteering is preferred. Strong communication skills, self-motivation and an ability to work independently are required. A clean driving record and willingness to drive a pickup truck and utility vehicle is preferred. Physical ability with reasonable accommodation required for various activities, such as moving dirt in wheelbarrows, and working long days in the field under various weather conditions. Ability to lift up to 75 pounds is required. Excellent oral and written communication skills are needed, along with a warm, friendly and outgoing personality. Applicants should be well organized with an attention to detail, able to commit to quality customer service, and familiar with using computers, audio-visual systems, printers and copiers. Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends.
Internship duration: Monday, June 1st – Friday, August 21st, 2020. This position requires 40 hours per week. Interns will be required to take 5 days off, unpaid throughout the summer.
Reports to: Land Steward & Branch Manager
Compensation: $9-$10 per hour
Closing Date: February 14th, 2020