High School Summer Internship: Outdoor Leader

High School Summer Internship: Outdoor Leader

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Our Outdoor Leader Experience

We are thrilled to offer high school students an engaging, hands-on opportunity through our Green Career Pathway program. Over the course of an interactive 8-week internship, Outdoor Leaders will develop leadership and professional skills, gain ecological and environmental justice knowledge, and experience travel—all while making a meaningful impact in the community.

The Urban Ecology Center will be hiring a cohort of 18 Outdoor Leaders for the 2026 summer season (6 at each location: Riverside Park, Washington Park and Menomonee Valley).

Why Join Us?

• Work alongside environmental professionals at our three Urban Ecology Center branches (Riverside Park, Washington Park, and Menomonee Valley).


• Gain real-world experience in ecology, urban adventure programming, and community engagement.


• Develop career readiness skills and soft skills essential for future success.


• Explore career paths in environmental science and stewardship, community engagement, outdoor education, and more.


• Build friendships and connections with peers and networks that last a lifetime! 


• Upon successfully completing the program, Outdoor Leaders may be eligible for school-year employment opportunities!

Application Review Date: April 5th

• It is strongly recommended that all interested applicants submit their applications by this date. 


• Interviews for selected candidates will be held during the last week of April.

Employment term: June 23rd, 2026 to August 24th, 2026

Pay and Schedule:. Outdoor Leaders are paid $13/hr and will work 20 hours/week at their assigned branch.

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Position Summary

The Outdoor Leader program is designed to prepare high school students for future careers 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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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 July 5th - July 11th 2026! 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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DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Please note duties and responsibilities may vary by rotation/department. 

• 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 Ecology Rooms.


• Engage with the Facilities team to support waste reduction, recycling, and light custodial/maintenance.


• Weekly professional development training.

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To be successful in this position, you will demonstrate the following competencies:

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.

• Strong communications skills and a learning attitude


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


• Good problem solving skills and attention to detail


• Ability to organization and time management skills


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team


• Strong interpersonal skills

Required Qualifications: 

• Completed one year of high school upon start of internship


• Willingness to learn and try new things

Preferred Qualifications: 

• The ability to speak Spanish

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

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What does a typical workday look like?

Work Conditions & Weekly Schedule: 

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 9:00 am - 3:00 pm (reporting to Riverside Park Location).

Equipment Used: 

• Computers, screens, and keyboards


• Gardening tools


• Outdoor adventure equipment


• Audio visual equipment

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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.