Field Research Intern

The Ridges seeks a Field Research Intern to support our ongoing activities in Research for Restoration. 

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 more. 

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.

Position: The Ridges Sanctuary is seeking a motivated individual to join our team of researchers. The primary responsibilities will be to assist with the in-house research for restoration projects while also guiding additional citizen science monitoring programs. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Working collaboratively with the Director of Research and other staff to develop goals for research initiatives.
• Assisting with the expansion and improvement of the Orchid and Dwarf Lake Iris Research for Restoration Projects, including research plot establishment and monitoring, utilizing equipment for environmental monitoring, identifying and recording sanctuary plant species including orchids, and performing laboratory work.
• Assisting with establishing protocols for research-based reporting.
• Assisting with the reporting of research results for monitoring and restoration projects.
• Working with volunteers and staff to facilitate citizen science-based monitoring activities.
• Other research-related duties as necessary
• Functioning as an at large ambassador for The Ridges Sanctuary when interacting with guests, answering questions and assisting with directions, etc. as they arise.

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 and lab 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 for qualified candidates 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.