High School Internship- Outdoor Leader

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The Urban Ecology Center will be hiring a cohort of 18 Outdoor Leaders for the 2025 summer season. (6 at each location: Riverside Park, Washington Park and Menomonee Valley) 

Wage: $12.50/hr             Start date: June 16th, 2025

Position Summary

The Outdoor Leader program is designed to provide insight and experience for high school students considering a career in the environmental field. Interns will engage in a variety of outdoor activities, hands-on experiences, and professional development workshops. Outdoor Leaders will choose between two specialized tracks—Ecology or Community Engagement—while also participating in general training and career development.

Ecology Track

Interns in this track will work closely with the Land Management and Community Science/Research teams, learning about invasive species, local ecology, and climate issues. Activities include:

• Assisting in habitat restoration and park stewardship


• Conducting wildlife surveys and ecological research


• Gaining hands-on experience in conservation and land management

Community Engagement Track

Interns in this track will collaborate with the Community Programs and Neighborhood Engagement teams to facilitate outdoor adventure programming. Activities include:

• Assisting with canoeing, biking, and urban adventure activities


• Supporting public events and nature clubs


• Learning skills in customer service, group management, curriculum development, and community engagement

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Duties and Responsibilities

In this role you will:

• Assist with daily operations with the Urban Ecology Center, applicable to each department


• Assist with events and programs related to outdoor urban adventures and community events


• Support teams in monitoring wildlife, research, and data management


• Engage with volunteers in various departments in an indoor and outdoor setting


• Participate in land management activities such as moving, lifting, digging dirt, and learning related ecological concepts


• Warmly greet guests and provide a great center experience, including physical space maintenance


• Learn about and provide support for Native Wisconsin Animal Rooms


• Engage with facilities team to support waste reduction, recycling, and light custodial/maintenance


• Participate in weekly professional development training

To be successful in this position, you should be:

We know that hardly anyone ‘checks ALL the boxes’ on job requirements, and that’s okay! If some or many of the items listed below describe you and your experiences, we’re excited to talk with you and encourage you to apply.  

• A confident communicator with a learning attitude


• Able to perform well in a fast-paced, creative environment


• A problem solver that pays attention to detail


• Practicing organization and time management skills


• Willing to work independently and as part of a team


• Kind and respectful when working with others


• The ability to speak Spanish is a plus (not required!)

Qualifications

• Completed one year of high school upon start of internship


• Willingness to learn and try new things

Earn and Learn

The UEC Outdoor Leader program collaborates with Earn and Learn to offer this enriching summer experience. If selected for a position, candidates will need to undergo Earn and Learn's application process and meet their specific requirements. This includes residing in Milwaukee and adhering to household income limitations set by Earn and Learn. If you have any inquiries or require further clarification regarding Earn and Learn's application process or requirements, please feel free to reach out to the GCP manager, Olivia Raasch, at [email protected]

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Travel opportunity to Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park!
As part of this internship, interns will have the incredible opportunity to embark on a fully-funded trip to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park June 29th - July 5th 2025! This exciting experience includes all travel, accommodations, and activities at no cost to the interns. Participants will stay at the Teton Science School, a renowned environmental education center, where they will engage in hands-on learning, outdoor activities, and team-building exercises.

The trip will feature:

• Guided tours of the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone with expert naturalists, offering insight into the unique ecosystems and wildlife.


• Workshops at the Teton Science School focused on environmental science, conservation, and connecting our learnings back to ecology in Milwaukee! 


• Outdoor adventures, including hiking, canoeing, camping, and much more!


• Team-building activities to enhance leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.

This unforgettable experience allows interns to connect deeply with nature, gain valuable knowledge in environmental science/environmental careers, and develop skills that will serve them in both their studies and future careers—all at no cost to participants thanks to our generous donors.

*The Tetons trip is an essential part of this internship and we highly suggest considering your ability to attend this trip before applying (or reach out if you have questions!).

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What does a typical schedule look like?

This position will work in a shared office space and in an outdoor setting. Work hours are: 

• Ecology Track: 
  
  
  
  • 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 
  
  
  
  

• Community Engagement Track
  
  
  
  • 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Thursday, Friday
  
  
  • 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Saturday 
  
  
  
  

*All Outdoor Leaders have mandatory career development training and hands on field trips Wednesdays from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (reporting to Riverside Park Location).

Physical Requirements

Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time, bend and lift objects weighing no more than 50 pounds with or without accommodation. Reach overhead. Use fingers and hands to manipulate objects.

Equipment Used

Computers, screens and keyboards, gardening tools, outdoor adventure equipment, and audio visual equipment.

The Urban Ecology Center is an equal opportunity employer.  It is Urban Ecology Center’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified personnel in all job classifications without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, and any other protected status.  If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please call 414- 964-8505 and ask for People & Culture.