Education Internship

Organization Description: Founded in 1979, the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is a  nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Michigan’s lakes, streams, wetlands, and ground water. Based in beautiful Petoskey, Michigan, the Watershed Council works on local water  quality issues in the watersheds of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet Counties, as well  as state, federal, and binational policy. Hallmarks of the Council’s work include respected  advocacy, watershed planning, innovative education, technically sound water quality  monitoring, thorough research, collaboration, and empowering others. For more background  information, visit www.watershedcouncil.org.  

Intern Summary: This intern reports to the Education Manager. The intern’s actual work will depend on  scheduled education events and office priorities, but may include some of the experiences listed below:

Summer Camp Collaboration with Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians: The intern will assist the Little Traverse Bay Bands with implementing water resources themed lessons and activities that will culminate in camper led stewardship action projects. Intern roles will include teaching campers about water resources issues and guiding campers as they develop and implement their action projects.

Mobile Boat Washing Program: The Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council’s Mobile Boat Washing Station (MOBO) Program was started in Northern Michigan in 2020. We use high-pressure, heated water to wash invasive plants and animals off boats and trailers. We visit various Northern Michigan lake landings and wash boats for free throughout the summer. The intern would work to ensure our Mobile Boat Washing Program informs boaters about ways to help protect Michigan’s precious water resources from aquatic invasive species. This employee will be a part of a two-to-three person team and will implement program activities, coordinate events, and perform boater education and outreach.

High School Stream Monitoring Program: The intern will assist with implementing the Watershed Council’s Watershed Academy, a program that engages Northern Michigan high schools students in stream monitoring. Intern roles will include working with high school students to monitor water chemistry and sample macroinvertebrates as well as teaching students about watersheds and water resources protection.

Watershed Discovery Center: The Watershed Discovery Center, housed at the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council office, is an educational space where students and guests can learn about water resources in Northern Michigan, and interact with native and invasive species. Intern roles will include caring for live fish and macroinvertebrates and interacting with guests to the center.

Outreach and Education Events: One of the most important functions of the Watershed Council is to  educate and inform shoreline residents, government officials, businesses, and the general  public about various water-related topics. Topics include, but are not limited to, lake and stream ecosystem management, aquatic invasive species, and best management practices that protect water quality. Assistance  with educational efforts ranges from event coordination to using beach-cleaning robots! Regarding events, interns help organize, but also participate in, lake and river clean-ups, lake association meetings, and local water-related festivals. Interns also help Watershed Council staff with informational articles, brochures, and press releases by gathering information, researching water resource topics, and writing reports. 

Qualifications: This is a full-time internship that earns $15 per hour for 40 hours per week, and  may also be completed to obtain college credit. Individuals must have completed or be pursuing a degree in environmental science, biology, education or a related field. Individuals should also possess strong written and verbal skills, and have a valid driver’s license and a  vehicle. Occasional work during evenings or weekends is required for events. Prior experience. Strong computer skills are  also required, including familiarity with Microsoft Office software such as Word, Excel, and  PowerPoint. Preferred candidates will possess a positive attitude and be highly motivated.  Anticipated work dates are early-mid May through mid-August. The Watershed Council has  housing options available if necessary.  

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and contact  information for two professional references to apply@watershedcouncil.org. Please put “2025 Ed Internship” in the subject line.