Plastics Intern - Milwaukee Riverkeeper (SEJ Program)

Background:
Working for Milwaukee Riverkeeper...
 

At Milwaukee Riverkeeper® we’re looking for more than just a person to fill a desk. We’re seeking team members that share our passion for healthy rivers and strong communities. If you want to become a part of our team, you will be empowered to work the way you work best. Your voice is important, you’ll help shape the role you’re in and the future of our organization. From the top down and the bottom up, we’re more than just a workplace, we work together, and play to win!
 

Position Description:
Plastic-Free MKE is a collaborative movement working to reduce the harms that unnecessary plastics have on environmental health, public health, and social justice. Plastic-Free is centering those most harmed by plastics, building a community around plastics alternatives, advocating for producer and polluter accountability, and using collaborative problem-solving to eliminate plastics in the Milwaukee
area. Milwaukee Riverkeeper is one of the lead organizers of the Plastic-Free MKE movement, and coordinates all volunteer and public events. The Lawrence University Plastics Intern will report to the Milwaukee Riverkeeper Sustainabilty Coordinator. They will participate in and enhance Plastic-Free MKE initiatives, engage with the public about plastics and opportunities to reduce them, create content for social media
and newsletters, and assist the Sustainabilty Coordinator in supporting the Plastic-Free MKE volunteers and community members.
 

Responsibilities: 
● Create publicity materials, such as newsletters and social media content.
● Help plan and coordinate public events and meetings.
● Gather, organize, and evaluate program and event data.
● Support businesses in reducing plastic usage.
● Table and provide plastic-free support at community events.
● Attend community-focused meetings.
● Represent Milwaukee Riverkeeper and Plastic-Free MKE at events and programs.

Qualifications:
The successful candidate may have the following qualifications:
● Strong attention to detail and interpersonal skills
● Interest in learning about or knowledge of sustainability issues and strategies
● Excellent written and verbal skills
● Knowledge of basic software including Google & Microsoft products
● Ability to resolve routine problems independently
● Ability to prioritize work according to the organization’s needs
● Willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings
● Commitment to the environment
● Valid driver’s license preferred

Physical Requirements: 
● Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
● Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
● Must be willing to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
 

Other:
This list of essential responsibilities and requirements is not intended to be exhaustive. The Milwaukee Riverkeeper team needs to be flexible and may be asked to take on additional duties based on the organization’s needs and the team member’s skills and abilities. Milwaukee Riverkeeper reserves the right to revise this job description, as needed.
 

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Our rivers flow through, and unite, a diverse myriad of communities. Milwaukee Riverkeeper is committed to working towards equity and inclusion in all we do to protect, restore, connect with, and advocate for our waterways. Diversity, equity, and inclusion strengthen our organization's ability to advance environmental justice and we believe that all people should see themselves reflected in our work. Milwaukee Riverkeeper is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics,
disability, marital status, age or veteran status and hires in accordance with state and federal law. For more information about Milwaukee Riverkeeper, visit www.milwaukeeriverkeeper.org, or for Plastic-Free MKE, visit www.plasticfreemke.org.

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 2025 internship with an identified social and/or environmental justice impact organization in Milwaukee or Appleton, while participating in ongoing reflection with fellow students, Professor Jason Brozek, the Career Center, community leaders and alumni.  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 staff member 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 the Career Center 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 February 14, 2025 at 11:55 p.m. A separate application should be prepared for each position.
• Complete this form to indicate your transportation needs. The form only needs to be submitted once.

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

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.