Boreal Climate Survivability Intern

The Ridges seeks a motivated intern to support the Boreal Climate Survivability Project, a joint effort in collaboration with The Ridges Sanctuary and the Climate Change Coalition of Door County. 

As a leading voice for conservation action, the mission of The Ridges Sanctuary is to promote positive environmental behaviors through impactful educational experiences, land protection and management, and ecological 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 oldest member-based land trust. This grassroots movement still drives the organization today. The Ridges Sanctuary now protects 1,700+ acres of the Midwest’s most biologically diverse ecosystems and serves as a leading voice for conservation action in the region. Our campus features 5 miles of rustic trails, rare wildflowers, historic Range Lights, indoor exhibits, and an accessible boardwalk among many other things. 

Joining our team means becoming part of an organization committed to creativity, teamwork, and excellence. Our goal is to foster a supportive and inclusive work culture where every team member can thrive and contribute to our ongoing success.

Boreal Climate Survivability Project

In 2024, The Ridges and the Climate Change Coalition of Door County were awarded a grant to conduct important research surrounding tree survivability in the boreal forest and mesic forests of Door County. This project officially launches in 2025 and will feature several activities such as tree planting, biodiversity surveys, plot monitoring, data collection, volunteer coordination, etc. This internship will have the opportunity to work with two established non-profits and facilitate, support and implement critical research initiatives associated with the project. A student in this position would “own” the activities conducted throughout the summer and would work directly with key staff of both organizations as well as a community of volunteers. There could also be an opportunity to consider embedding a student’s own experiences and interests into the summer internship.

Boreal Climate Survivability Project Narrative

Position: This role will focus exclusively on the research efforts involved in the Boreal Climate Survivability project. The primary responsibilities will be to assist a team in establishing and executing the goals of the project, as well as leading field activities with teams of volunteers. Activities include but are not limited to establishing research protocols, plot monitoring, tree planting, biodiversity surveys, field analysis, volunteer management, and more. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Working collaboratively with the research team and other staff to develop goals for research initiatives.
• Assisting with the research protocols, including research plot establishment and monitoring, utilizing equipment for environmental monitoring, identifying and recording flora and fauna through activities such as point counts and acoustic monitoring, and data analysis.
• Assisting with establishing protocols for research-based reporting.
• Lead field work activities relating to the project
• Assisting with the reporting of research results for monitoring and restoration projects.
• Working with volunteers and staff to facilitate citizen science-based monitoring activities.
• Functioning as an at large ambassador for The Ridges Sanctuary when interacting with guests, answering questions and assisting with directions, etc. as they arise.
• OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Qualifications and Skills:

• At least 18 years of age
• Energetic and enthusiastic personality to interact and collaborate with co-workers, volunteers, and visitors.
• Excellent communication skills
• Withstand the physical demands of work which involves some lifting, carrying, bending and hiking across uneven terrain
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to perform field work in challenging conditions, with time flexibility

Additional Notes and Relevant Information:

This candidate will gain and expand upon knowledge of flora, field research experience, strong interpersonal skills to interact with our volunteers, staff, and partners, and above all, an inherent curiosity about the natural world.

Note: Throughout the experience, there will be ongoing learning opportunities as well as the opportunity to conduct a personal research project.

HOUSING: Members should be prepared to live in communal housing with other members of the program/organization/agency. Members should expect to have roommates and must inform staff of any housing preferences or required accommodations.

Application Information

This position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed upon submission.