Summer Naturalist Intern

About The Ridges Sanctuary

The Ridges Sanctuary mission is to protect the Sanctuary and inspire stewardship of natural areas through programs of education, outreach, and research. The Ridges was established in 1937 after Albert Fuller, then Curator of Botany at the Milwaukee Public Museum, began spending a significant amount of time surveying the landscape. Fuller spearheaded a grassroots movement to protect this incredibly diverse property and establish Wisconsin’s first land trust. The Ridges now protects over 1600 acres comprising fifteen discrete plant communities, 475 inventoried vascular plants, a Boreal Forest glacial relict and twenty-six of Wisconsin’s forty-nine native orchids. The Ridges has also established popular early childhood education programs, a nationally recognized Orchid Restoration Project, and welcomes over 35,000 visitors to our Nature Center each year. 

Position Summary

The Ridges Sanctuary is looking to hire a motivated Summer Naturalist Intern to fulfill duties in the areas of environmental education, land preservation, and research. This is a paid position averaging 40 hours a week from the end of May through August, including most weekends. The primary responsibilities will be developing and leading educational programs for The Ridges Backpack Adventure Camps, leading guided hikes for adults and families, and to assist visitors at the Nature Center and along the trail. Other experiences include weekly immersion into the operations of the Organization including our Orchid Research Project, Land Management, and other special projects throughout the summer. This position will report to the Director of Programming.

Tentative position dates are May 19th - August 22nd. Schedule is subject to flexibility. 

*Affordable Housing is available for this position. 

Duties & Responsibilities

Education Programs

• Assist with developing curriculum and teaching Backpack Adventure Camps for children ages 4 to 11.
• Lead Sanctuary Guided Hikes, teaching visitors about The Ridges.
• Assist with group tours as needed.
• Participate in special events.
• Assist with land management practices, including the Three Sisters Garden and Range Light Corridor Restoration project. 
• Assist in developing brochures, programs, and activities to enhance the visitor experience.

Visitor Services – Reception Desk

• Interact with visitors daily and answer questions about The Ridges, the Nature Center and Door County.
• Manage daily operations for visitors and members to include program registration, customer service, store sales, and other needs.
• Help answer incoming phone calls.

Internship Project

• Develop an independent project pertaining to an area of interest at The Ridges Sanctuary. 
• Create an educational component based on the internship project to be utilized by Ridges visitors, staff, or volunteers. 

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Required Dates

The Summer Naturalist internship position tentatively starts on May 19th and ends on August 22nd. There is some flexibility in weekly scheduling except for the dates below, on which the Summer Naturalist Intern is expected to be present. 

• Festival of Nature, May 23rd-25th 
• Backpack Adventure Camp, Monday, June 23rd – August 8th 
• Annual Meeting, August 2nd 

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

• Experience in developing and delivering environmental education and/or camp programs.
• Lifeguard Certification and Experience is a plus
• Energetic and enthusiastic personality to help motivate children and collaborate with co-workers.
• Knowledge of local natural history preferred.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Withstand the physical demands of work which involves some lifting, carrying, bending, and hiking across uneven terrain.
• Must pass a criminal background check.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume electronically to anna@ridgessanctuary.org with the subject line “Summer Naturalist Application” by February 14th, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

The Ridges Sanctuary is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally-protected status.