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YMCA, Appleton - Environmental Education Intern (SEJ Cohort)

Career Center Lawrence Funded Opportunities
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YMCA - Appleton, WI:

Environmental Education & Restoration Intern

Location: Apple Creek YMCA, Appleton, WI (You will need your own vehicle or means for transportation each day)
Term: Summer 2026 (8–10 weeks)
Hours: 30–40 hours per week (includes occasional Saturdays)

Position Overview

The Environmental Education & Restoration Intern will support the YMCA at Apple Creek by contributing to hands-on environmental education, animal care, and land stewardship efforts. This internship offers a dynamic, immersive experience for students interested in environmental education, conservation, outdoor recreation, and ecological restoration. Interns will engage with children and community members while also supporting the maintenance and restoration of natural spaces at the site.

This role is well-suited for students who enjoy working outdoors, are comfortable in a variety of weather conditions, and are eager to gain practical experience in environmental programming and conservation work.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental & Outdoor Education

  • Teach environmental, conservation, and outdoor education programs to participants of all ages, with a primary focus on children ages 3–13
  • Facilitate learning in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments and in diverse weather conditions
  • Assist with the planning and implementation of special programs and community events, including the Summer Solstice Event
  • Provide educational programming for the broader community, including occasional Saturday programming

Animal Care & Husbandry

  • Support the daily care, feeding, and general husbandry of the site’s animals
  • Maintain animal enclosures to ensure safe, clean, and enriching environments

Environmental Restoration & Land Management

  • Apply knowledge of Wisconsin flora and fauna to support land stewardship efforts
  • Assist with identifying and managing invasive species common to Wisconsin ecosystems
  • Operate and help maintain land management equipment such as brush saws, backpack sprayers, riding lawnmowers, and UTVs
  • Participate in habitat restoration projects, trail maintenance, and other conservation-related tasks

Physical & Work Environment Expectations

  • Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Ability to walk 4–6 miles per day over uneven or rough terrain
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Willingness to work occasional Saturdays to support programs and community events

Desired Qualifications

  • Interest in environmental education, conservation, ecology, outdoor recreation, or a related field
  • Experience working with children or youth (formal or informal) preferred
  • Familiarity with Wisconsin ecosystems, plants, and wildlife is a plus
  • Strong communication skills and a willingness to engage with diverse audiences
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Schedule & Commitment

  • 30–40 hours per week for 8–10 weeks during Summer 2026
  • Schedule may include one Saturday per month or additional weekend hours tied to special events

 

Compensation:
This internship is part of the Lawrence University Social & Environmental Justice Cohort, which provides an opportunity for Lawrentians to explore social and environmental justice impact careers, gain professional experience, and develop as leaders. Students complete a full-time summer 2026 internship with an identified social and/or environmental justice impact organization in Appleton, while participating in ongoing reflection with fellow students and the Career Center.  Students may apply for as many positions as they are qualified for and interested in. Each student in the SEJ program will receive a $5k stipend to help cover housing and transportation costs and living expenses. For additional details and to see other SEJ opportunities, please see the SEJ Cohort webpage.

  • Before applying, you must meet with a Career Center's Ty Collins for a resume review, or your resume must achieve green status in VMOCK.  If your resume does not meet professional expectations, you may be asked to resubmit your resume.  Please make an appointment with Ty here on Handshake.
  • Once your resume is approved, you will then apply directly to one or more of the designated SEJ Internship options in Handshake by March 27th, 2026 at 11:55 p.m. A separate application should be prepared for each position.

Please ask Michelle Buchinger for more details about how funding works Michelle.m.buchinger@lawrence.edu