High School Summer Internship: Outdoor Leader

Urban Ecology Center • Milwaukee, WI

1d • $13

About The Position

We are thrilled to offer high school students an engaging, hands-on opportunity through our Green Career Pathway program. Over the course of an interactive 8-week internship, Outdoor Leaders will develop leadership and professional skills, gain ecological and environmental justice knowledge, and experience travel—all while making a meaningful impact in the community.

The Urban Ecology Center will be hiring a cohort of 18 Outdoor Leaders for the 2026 summer season (6 at each location: Riverside Park, Washington Park and Menomonee Valley).

The Outdoor Leader program is designed to prepare high school students for future careers in the environmental field. Interns will engage in a variety of outdoor activities, hands-on experiences, and professional development workshops. Outdoor Leaders will choose between two specialized tracks—Ecology or Community Engagement—while also participating in general training and career development.

As part of this internship, interns will have the incredible opportunity to embark on a fully-funded trip to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park July 5th - July 11th 2026! This exciting experience includes all travel, accommodations, and activities at no cost to the interns. Participants will stay at the Teton Science School, a renowned environmental education center, where they will engage in hands-on learning, outdoor activities, and team-building exercises.

Requirements

• Completed one year of high school upon start of internship
• Willingness to learn and try new things
• Strong communications skills and a learning attitude
• Ability to perform well in a fast-paced, creative environment
• Good problem solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to organization and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time, bend, and lift objects weighing no more than 50 pounds with or without accommodation. Reach overhead. Use fingers and hands to manipulate objects

Nice To Haves

• The ability to speak Spanish

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily operations with the Urban Ecology Center applicable to each department.
• Assist with events and programs related to outdoor urban adventures and community events.
• Support teams in monitoring wildlife, research, and data management.
• Engage with volunteers in various departments in an indoor and outdoor setting.
• Participate in land management activities such as moving, lifting, digging dirt, and learning related ecological concepts.
• Warmly greet guests and provide a great center experience including physical space maintenance.
• Learn about and provide support for Ecology Rooms.
• Engage with the Facilities team to support waste reduction, recycling, and light custodial/maintenance.
• Weekly professional development training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED