The Urban Ecology Center hires nearly 30 people annually for our Green Career Pathways summer employment & internship experience. Our model of creating neighborhood-based environmental education centers energizes urban public natural areas. Located in vibrant public green spaces in Milwaukee, our fast-growing organization serves over 200,000 people of all ages annually. Our Green Career Pathways efforts are providing people with an immersive green career experience while having a significant impact on our mission. Application deadline is February 24th, with the interview cycle concluding no later than March 17th.

The UEC's Land Stewardship Department will hire (6) Land Stewardship interns for the summer of 2023.

Application review will begin on February 24th; candidates are encouraged to apply by that date. The interview cycle should conclude no later than March 17th.

Position Summary: As the Land Steward Intern, you will learn the importance of ecological restoration and land management 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; and working alongside, and occasionally leading, volunteer groups of various sizes and ages.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Land Steward - Responsibility

• Assist with management and restoration activities of UEC managed lands at our 3-branches. Work includes removal of invasive species, mulching, native seed collection and planting of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.
• Participate in ArcGIS program training
• Assist in maintaining safety and sustainability of foot trials on UEC managed lands.
• Maintain hand tools and equipment.
• Perform vegetation surveys.
• Follows safety protocol for all procedures.
• Participate in and oversee volunteer work days and groups.
• Perform additional land restoration duties as assigned.

OUR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT & INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

• Our summer employment term runs from June 5 to August 25, 2023. Interns are paid $1,080 bi-weekly (pre-tax) for this full-time (up to 40 hours/week) opportunity and allotted 3 days (24 hours) of PTO for planned vacation or sick days.
• You will attend training for the first two weeks of your experience, with opportunities for further learning & development throughout the summer. We host both a Summer Kickoff event and an End of Summer Celebration.
• As a member of the Land Stewardship team, You will be managed by one of our three Land Stewards and work collaboratively with the Volunteer, Neighborhood Engagement and Facilities departments.
• You may have the opportunity to earn additional money by working as an attendant at our events (weddings, rentals, other parties, etc).
• We nurture an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative workplace culture.
• You will receive an Urban Ecology Center membership and will have the ability to attend all events at a low or no cost. Children of employees attend programming, including summer camps, at reduced rates.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Skills and Abilities

• Self-directed, reliable and motivated
• Ability to mentor and motivate others
• A team player, ability to interact and collaborate with other employees and departments
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks
• Good organization skills and attention to detail
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good problem solving and time management skills
• Knowledge of and willingness to adhere to safety procedures.

Experience, Education, and Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent education is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS, LOCATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Condition & Location: Our land stewards spend at least 90% of their time outdoors, the work environment will be dependent on weather conditions.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50-pounds with or without accommodation; work properly and safely with conventional power tools and equipment.
• Schedule: Standard business hours with occasional evening and weekend events

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.