Natural Areas Intern [summer]

This intern position will be hosted with the Milwaukee County Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. The position is a Natural Areas Intern to the Natural Areas Coordinator focusing on management of the County’s natural areas and associated lands, with particular emphasis on the County’s lagoon and wetland sites. The position will work on a wide variety of land management activities including invasive species control, community outreach, volunteer coordination, development of educational resources, GPS/GIS natural resource surveying, and assisting with the continued development of site specific natural areas management plans. Opportunities for training include ephemeral wetland surveys, invasive plant identification, pesticide application, wildlife habitat development, and public outreach. Additional professional opportunities may be generated and considered depending upon the specific interests of the applicant.

Responsibilities:

• Main Responsibility: Acquire knowledge about the 10,000 acres of natural areas and agricultural lands managed by the county. This includes surveying a variety of natural resources, invasive species, interacting with volunteers, researching historic data, and ultimately assisting with the development of restoration management plans.
• Work with GPS & ArcGIS to develop detailed maps of the County’s natural areas that can be used in restoration plans and grant proposals.
• Coordinate the work of volunteers for native plantings and hands-on projects service learning projects with schools.
• Other stewardship-related duties as assigned by the Natural Areas Coordinator.
• Complete and submit all necessary paperwork and reports in a timely manner.

Requirements:

• 2-4 years of college in science related field or related experience in land management.
• Strong ability to communicate both verbally and in writing to a wide variety of individuals.
• Ability to take initiative, and to work independently as well as in a team setting.
• Ability to recognize native and non-native plant and animal species.
• Ability to follow instruction from colleagues.
• Basic GPS proficiency.
• Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse condition or inclement weather.
• PC familiarity, including basic database knowledge, in order to maintain preserve records.
• Possess or able to obtain a valid drivers license.
• Members must be at least 18 years of age at the time of internship.
• U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award.
• Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.
• Submit to a criminal history background check.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with and organizing volunteers.
• Experience working with or knowledge of Midwest natural systems.

Interested students should email Brian Russart their resume. All applicants will be interviewed prior to placement.