Intern-Research, Stewardship and Facilities at Urban Ecology Center- Milwaukee, WI
Organization: Urban Ecology Center
Job Title: Intern-Research, Stewardship and Facilities
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hours and Compensation: 40 hours per week, $2,000 stipend
Position Dates (if applicable): Wednesday, June 6, through Friday, August 17, 2012
Application Deadline: April 1, 2012
Posted on: February 7, 2012
Organization Overview
The Urban Ecology Center is an environmental education organization with two community centers adjacent to Milwaukee County parks (or, as we like to call them “outdoor classrooms”). On any given day and you’ll find classes of students from local schools engaging in hands-on learning about science, nature and how to live more sustainably, community members using the array of resources we offer, adventure-seekers borrowing our outdoor recreational equipment, climbing the rock-wall in Riverside Park or canoeing in the lagoon in Washington Park , or people just visiting the center, its staff and volunteers. Best of all, the Urban Ecology Center is available to everyone for fun and learning nearly every day of the year!
The Urban Ecology Center is a neighborhood-based, environmental education, nonprofit community center. Our “outdoor laboratories,” located in two urban parks, include 15 acres of wooded land and riparian habitat on the east bank of the Milwaukee River, an imaginative, habitat-themed playground, and a lagoon. The “green” building in Riverside Park that houses our main offices, resource areas and classrooms is home to live animals, informational exhibits and user-friendly resource materials about the environment.
Description
The goal of this full-time, seasonal position is to develop skills to become environmentally responsible mentors for the urban Milwaukee community. Interns will experience the full scope of the Urban Ecology Center’s departments of Grounds and Facilities, Land Stewardship and Citizen Science Research at our Riverside Park, Washington Park, and Menomonee Valley branches. Interns will additionally serve as mentors to high school interns, assist with visitors, programs and general operations and perform other projects as needed.
Responsibilities
o Citizen Science
o Work closely with the Manager of Research and Citizen Science, Research Assistant, Geographic Information Systems Specialist, and field techs to support research and monitoring efforts in the Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum, Washington Park and the Menomonee Valley.
o Facilitate research projects, including bird, bat, vegetation, butterfly, snake, turtle and mammal surveys
o Assist with logistics and data management as needed
o Natural Area Management and Native Landscaping
o Work closely with the Center’s land stewardship department to restore and maintain natural areas (prairie, rain, rooftop sensory and butterfly gardens, etc.) of Riverside and Washington parks
o Conduct vegetation surveys and collect other data critical for restoration planning
o Manage composting systems and organic food demonstration gardens and provide resources for community gardeners
o Construct, repair and maintain trails
o Sustainable Building
o Work closely with the Facilities Coordinator to maintain our building in an ecologically sustainable way
o Optimize and monitor building systems to save water, energy and resources
o Practice techniques that reduce the environmental impact of our facility
Training: On-site training for all the above is ongoing throughout the internship.
Reports to: Manager of Research and Citizen Science
Qualifications
High school diploma or GED and some college course work are required. Working toward or completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree in natural sciences, education, architecture, engineering, or a related area. Previous experience working with volunteers and strong communication skills are 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.
How to Apply
The Urban Ecology Center serves a socially and culturally diverse audience. We strive to build a team of employees with similar richness in culture and experience. To apply online, be prepared to attach: 1) a letter of interest, 2) completed application form (download it here), 3) three references and 4) resume to Nancy Spransy: [email protected].
For further information, please contact Tim Vargo by phone:
(414) 964-8505 x 116
or by email: [email protected].
