FIN’tern
Department: Branch Management
Reports To: Branch Director -Washington Park
Status: Part-time, limited-term
Work Location: In Person at Washington Park & various County Parks (5 days/week onsite, up to 30 hours in a week)
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 Washington Park team will hire (1) summer fishing internship to serve the Washington Park branch.
Position Summary: As the Summer FIN’tern you will engage people of all ages in the outdoors, supporting fishing and recreational programming at the Washington Park branch and various County Parks. The FIN’tern program provides a unique opportunity for young anglers to learn a lifetime sport and provide a healthy outlet at a critical point in their lives. You have the opportunity to create a life-changing impact, introducing families and young adults to an inexpensive hobby that connects them with nature, each other, and a sustainable, nutritious food source.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Schedule and conduct fishing programs with partner organizations such as recreation agencies, Boys & Girls Clubs, nature centers, scouts, other youth development agencies, and community education providers.
- Lead aquatic resource and fishing education outings based on the Wisconsin DNR Angler Education Program.
- Deliver programming to a diverse audience.
- Coordinate fishing clubs and outings at various County Parks’ fishing sites.
- Monitor and maintain equipment for the Tackle Loan Program at the host site.
OUR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT & INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Our summer employment term runs from June 9 to August 23, 2025.
- You will participate in 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.
- 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 have the ability to attend all UEC events or programs at a low or no cost. Children of employees attend programming, including summer camps, at reduced rates.
- This internship will be compensated at a rate of $14/hour
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Instructional Abilities: Demonstrated abilities to teach fishing-based programs with a grasp on group management, youth engagement strategies, positive risk-taking, and adventure education.
- Adaptability: Ability to function both independently and collaborate well with others; you are motivated through change and by new opportunities.
- Effective Communicator: You articulate thoughts and express ideas effectively using oral, written, visual, and non-verbal communication skills, as well as listening skills to gain understanding. The ability to deliver information in person, in writing, and in a digital world.
- Collaboration: Ability to collaborate and share planning and teaching responsibilities with peers
- Problem Solving: Ability to solve problems, think, reason and learn from experiences. May develop creative solutions or innovative future approaches.
- (preferred) Bilingual: Spanish or Hmong language skills a plus.
Experience, Education, and Certifications
- High school diploma or equivalent education is required.
- At least one year of work or learning experience is required.
- Experience with fishing is recommended.
- First Aid, CPR, Lifeguard Certification or ability to obtain certification is required. UEC will arrange the appropriate training within the first two weeks of employment.
- Interest or background in environmental science, education, or related fields is preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS, LOCATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Condition & Location: Open office workspace with an active team atmosphere. Our summer programs are held primarily outdoors, so the work environment will be dependent on weather conditions.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to move up to 25 pounds with or without accommodation. Ability to sit, stand, crouch, or bend regularly. Fine motor skills to assist with the technical aspects of teaching new skills.
- Equipment Used: Computer equipment, Google software, fish and tackle equipment, outdoor recreation equipment, cookware.
- Schedule: mostly weekday and Saturday daytime hours; occasional evening and weekend work will be required.
- Willingness and ability to drive a 14-passenger bus or van preferred (includes maintaining a valid driver’s license and ability to meet the requirements of insurability under Urban Ecology Center’s commercial vehicle insurance policy)
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.