Student Diversity in Conservation Internship Cohort (Summer 2021)

In partnership with the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and other donors, Lawrence is pleased to announce our first Student Diversity in Conservation Internship cohort for Summer 2021. This internship program has been designed to expose historically underrepresented students in the field of conservation to career opportunities and pathways in this area. Participants will have an opportunity to intern with a conservation organization and explore careers in natural resource conservation based on their unique interests. Students from historically underrepresented groups in the field of conservation are encouraged to apply, including but not limited to students who identify with the following groups: Black, Hispanic or Latinx, American Indian or Alaska Native, Southeast Asian, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islanders. 

Three students who are accepted into the cohort will receive a stipend of $5,000 each to complete a Summer 2021 internship at one of the host organizations listed below. Internships will last ten weeks during Summer 2021 (start and end dates are flexible). Interns will engage in 30-40 hours of meaningful natural resource conservation work each week.

Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust – Appleton, mostly in person, some travel required, driver's license not required. Primary responsibilities include helping update land management plans for 12 owned properties, updating land monitor workbook and forms that monitors take into the field with them. These plans will get reviewed as part of our re-accreditation next year and need to follow LTA guidelines and the State of Wisconsin Guidelines. This template that will be created by this student will be able to be shared with other land trusts looking to do the same, therefore making all of us stronger. 

Student would need to be able to read aerial photos maps and have a basic understanding of how natural communities are comprised of distinct species that form the community and that determines types of management. Candidate must have ability to look at screens at length for mapping programs and maybe minor lifting (less than 10 pounds). 

Wisconsin Wetlands Association – Madison, hybrid (mostly virtual), some travel required, driver's license helpful but not required. The Communications Intern, working with the Outreach Programs Director and the Communications and Events Manager, will create an interactive, web-based tool for WWA website visitors to virtually explore Wisconsin's Wetland Gems and Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance. These wetland sites are located around the state of Wisconsin and collectively represent the diversity of wetlands found here in Wisconsin. The Wetland Gems sites were first announced in 2009 and at that time we created a one-page pdf fact sheet for each site along with regional and statewide maps and some overview materials. Since then, the demand for interactive web content has gone up while the technology to produce that content has become more accessible and easier to manage. We would like the intern to draw upon the information we put together in the static print materials produced in 2009 to produce an interactive StoryMap in ArcGIS that would allow visitors to tour the state and click on Wetland Gems sites to learn more about each place. Here is one example that is similar to what we are looking for. The StoryMap can also incorporate information/links about accessing the sites, short WWA-produced videos, and other related content/links the intern identifies. The intern will likely need to reach out to our partners to secure additional photos of the sites and/or wetland species that may be needed to support the StoryMap (WWA has some, but may not have all we need).

 

While the content/focus of the project is clearly defined, the intern will have flexibility to apply their own creativity to the project. We expect that the StoryMap structure will be well defined and set up by the end of the summer and that good progress will have been made on adding details (text, images) to this structure. We hope the intern will be able to finish the project by the end of the summer. If time allows and this fits with the intern's interests/skills, they will assist with WWA’s ongoing effort to better organize our photo archive, help craft WWA’s social media communications, and help identify ways WWA’s annual conference can be more attractive to and supportive of undergraduate and graduate students.

Candidate must have access to a computer and the internet, including ability to access WWA's web-based ArcGIS account (for which WWA will provide login information) and WWA server.

 

Pheasants Forever Wisconsin – Appleton, hybrid (mostly in person), some travel required, driver's license required. Intern will work closely with multiple conservation professionals assisting with various programs related to wildlife habitat conservation. Mentorship through side by side training will be provided, eventually leading to independent work.

1. Contract and Compliance Status Reviews – Conduct contract status reviews to determine conservation practice success, discuss continuing practice “Operation and Maintenance” needs with landowners, assess landowner satisfaction with technical assistance, and document contract status.

a. Wetland Reserve Easements offsite monitoring report

b. Conservation Reserve Program status review for Farm Service Agency

2. Wetland Reserve Easement Monitoring – Conduct site visits to determine that easement terms and conditions are being met. Complete monitoring forms and follow-up actions according to WI easement monitoring protocol.

3. Natural Heritage Inventory Reviews – Complete database checks for the existence of threatened and endangered species as they relate to project locations.

4.   Attend introductory training through partners programs, such as NRCS Pathways Student program.

5.   Assist with Pheasants Forever state program outreach and social media and local Pheasants Forever Chapter events (youth and habitat days).

6.   Assist partners, such as WDNR, to conduct wildlife inventories and habitat work days.

Candidate must be able to maneuver office, vehicle, and field conditions through varied terrain and weather conditions. Drivers license required. Some use of gear and tools. Computer and digital media literate. 

Students can apply here now through May 31. Students must submit the following:

 

 

Following the May 31 deadline, materials will be reviewed and students will be notified if they will advance to a finalist interview with a host site. Final selections will be made after finalist interviews. 

 

For questions, or to review and prepare your application materials, please make an appointment with Jacklyn Fischer, advisor to the HMP/PHN Career Communities, here.