Environmental Restoration Intern

Job Type: Part-time, Project-based

Pay: $15-$17/hour based on experience  

Organizational Overview 

The Van der Brohe Arboretum is a 110-acre community green space for all to enjoy through recreation, nature and art. Our mission is to conserve natural habitats and foster biodiversity, including a robust tree collection, by engaging the community in environmental stewardship, education, and artistic appreciation, ensuring a vibrant sanctuary for future generations.

Position Summary: 

VDBA is seeking a motivated intern who is passionate about environmental restoration and development. We are a small organization with a unique opportunity to offer valuable and individualized experience. 

The selected intern will gain valuable, hands-on experience in environmental restoration and land management, while contributing directly to the arboretum’s mission and priority projects. As we are a small organization, this internship will offer limited hours based on project needs. Therefore, this position is flexible; the exact details of these projects and schedule will be determined based on the applicant’s experience and interest.

The flexibility of this position will provide opportunities for students to gain unique experience and showcase individual knowledge in ways that are most relevant to the individual hired. These could include:

- Data collection efforts related to projects such as: tree health; garden inventory; and bird monitoring. 

- Specifically, we are installing a Purple Martin box on our property in spring, and the intern could take the lead in collecting regular data at the box. 

- Planning and developing a roughly 3-acre space into an established prairie.

- Hosting an environmental educational workshop on site.

- Help in creating education signage and other graphics using Canva.

- Support with grant writing efforts to fund planned projects.

- Fundraising events and planning.

- Attending workshops or educational programs as available.

- Coordinating and hosting volunteer events to implement land management needs.

As Van der Brohe Arboretum is a young and evolving non-profit organization, this position offers the right individual an opportunity to be instrumental in the creating and maintaining of a valuable natural area and artistic exhibition site in Northeast Wisconsin. 

Required Qualifications: 

Candidates must be enrolled at an accredited college or university, both undergraduate and graduate level accepted. 

Preferred candidates will be self-motivated, deadline-driven and able to work independently.

Diversity and Inclusion: 

The Van der Brohe Arboretum is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace free of discrimination. We are committed to creating a work environment where people from all social identities and backgrounds feel welcome and can thrive. 

Application Deadline and Submission 

Application and references will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled.  

For specific questions regarding the position, please email lyssa@vdbarboretum.org.