Science Communication Summer Intern (@ Urban Ecology Center)

Science Communication Summer Intern at the Urban Ecology Center in Milwaukee, WI - shared by Jobs That Help as a third party

Job Type Details: Internship - $1,100 bi-weekly stipend

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.

The UEC’s Research and Community Science Department will hire one (1) Science Communication Intern for 2024.  Application review will begin on February 12th; candidates are encouraged to apply by that date.  The interview cycle should conclude no later than March 29th.

Position Summary: The goal of this full-time internship is to practice skills and gain experience in science communication and to become an environmentally responsible mentor in the urban Milwaukee community. You will experience the full scope of the Urban Ecology Center’s Ecology Division, functioning as an embedded reporter. You will write blogs, assist with regular virtual programming, document Community Science activities through photographs and stories, communicate with volunteers, and assist with reports and projects as well as assisting in field work and general operations as needed.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with the Center’s Research and Community Science department to support wildlife research and monitoring efforts in the Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum, Washington Park and/or the Menomonee Valley. Additional projects may be offsite in and around the Milwaukee area.
• Work closely with the Center’s Research and Community Science department to support and create content for regular virtual and potential in-person programming, including but not limited to lectures and events.
• Work closely with the Center’s Marketing department to help tell stories of the Community Science Department and the Urban Ecology Center and related topics through photographs, blogs, short videos and other forms of communication. There is potential to help write grants depending on skill level and interest.
• Gain an understanding of and help share the goals of the Ecology Division of the Urban Ecology Center with the general public.
• Facilitate monitoring projects which could include biotic (bird, bat, invertebrate, snake, mammal) and abiotic (water, air quality) surveys.  
• Work alongside and mentor high school students concurrently enrolled in the Urban Ecology Center’s High School Outdoor Leadership Program and students enrolled in the Center’s Young Scientists Program.

OUR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT & INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

• Our summer employment term runs from June 5 to August 25, 2023. Interns are paid an $1,100 bi-weekly stipend and allotted 3 days (24 hours) of PTO for planned vacation or sick days. (PTO will be scheduled with your supervisor)
• 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 Research and Community Science team, you will be managed by the Research and Community Science Coordinator and work collaboratively with the Land Stewardship, Community Programs and Volunteer teams. 
• 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

• Previous experience working with volunteers, as well as marketing skills and strong visual, written, and oral communication skills are preferred. 
• Physical ability with reasonable accommodation is required for various activities, such as working long days outdoors under various weather conditions and carrying equipment – up to 25 pounds.

Experience, Education, and Certifications

• High school diploma or GED is required. 
• (Preferred) Working toward or completion of additional learning (certification, associates, undergraduate or graduate degree) in natural sciences, writing, marketing, journalism, or related area.

WORKING CONDITIONS, LOCATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Condition & Location: Open office workspace with an active team atmosphere. Using shared workspaces at all three UEC locations.
• Physical Requirements: Sitting for prolonged periods, typing on a computer keyboard, lifting objects of 25 pounds or less
• Equipment Used: Computer equipment, fundraising software, HRIS, Google software, tools
• 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.