Wild Indigo Nature Explorer - Milwaukee

About Audubon 

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with more than 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, nonpartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With over 900 staff and more than 2.65 million supporters working across 11 countries and all 50 U.S. states, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at audubon.org and on Facebook and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

Do you want to work on meaningful and impactful environmental education programs? Are you looking for an internship that makes a difference in conservation? If this sounds exciting, the National Audubon Society’s internship may be great for you.

The Wild Indigo Explorer will work with the Milwaukee Wild Indigo Coordinator to implement nature exploration efforts in several of Milwaukee’s parks and youth centers. The goal of the explorers is to teach them the work of the coordinator and allow them to engage with nature in new ways, this time focused on several ideas around environmental advocacy. The Explorers will then take what they have learned to teach others in their communities as they continue to engage with their local natural areas.

This is an onsite role based in the Audubon Great Lakes – State Office – Havenwoods State Forest Nature Center.

Length of Internship: 10 weeks

Hours: 10 per week

Compensation:

$19.00 / hour

Essential Functions

Intern Responsibilities and Learning Objectives:

During the internship, you will work with IL Audubon Great Lakes: Wild Indigo Project staff to:

• Learn and assist with weekly lesson plans for programming with JR. Explorers
• Become familiar with leading programming in local parks.
• Explore different careers within the conservation field.
• Learn about and implement stewardship efforts in local parks.
• Lead exploration of local parks
• Learn and program around local birds
• Learn and program around local wetlands
• Learn and program around local plants
• Learn about and use digital exploration apps
• Learn and understand the connection between bird and people
• Develop specific Climate Action lesson plans/activities for JR. Explorers program.
• Explore the therapeutic components of nature.
• Collaborate on storytelling and documenting experience.
• Maintain and foster a culture of safety.

Internship Benefits:

Interns will gain experience and knowledge in the following:

• Growing skills in research and teaching skills about local natural history (specifically bird identification, plant identification, and waterway identification)
• Leading and co-leading small groups of youth and adults through seasonal programs
• Planning and coordinating public activities and events in an outdoor setting
• Connecting kids with nature through inquiry-based learning, role-modeling interest, and empathy toward all living things
• Planning and coordinating public activities and events in an outdoor setting
• Developing effective community and team building skills (including improved public speaking, general communication, and conflict resolution skills)
• Building awareness about different career paths within conservation, environmental advocacy, and the many ways they can get involved

Intern Schedule:

This position is for 10 hours per week for 10 weeks. Interns must be able for weekend and weekday hours. Schedule provided prior to hire date.

Projected Start Date/End Date:

December 14, 2026, and projected end date is February 21, 2027.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Must be 14 to 22 years of age, preference for 16 years and above
• Must be willing to explore nature
• Must be willing to work with other young people
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.