Shape the Future
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485 acres of Wild Wisconsin.
Riveredge is more than a nature center. Its legacy as a pioneer in the areas of land restoration, research, and inquiry-based education throughout Wisconsin serve as a strong foundation to today’s work.
Riveredge is redefining the role of the nature center in the community by empowering and supporting communities to live in harmony with their natural environment in a way that encourages exploration, adventure, and fun.
Our practicum experience allows college students to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world while contributing positively to our mission.
Internship position descriptions
Our internship positions are offered annually. If the position you’re interested in is listed as filled, please consider applying next year!
Environmental Education Summer Camp Intern Now hiring for 2026 – Full Time
Now welcoming applicants for 2026!
Riveredge Nature Center is seeking interns who attend high school in the city of Milwaukee to
be a part of Riveredge’s Environmental Exploration High School Internship. Riveredge Nature
Center is a nonprofit nature center on 485 acres of natural sanctuary that focuses on
conservation, education, and building healthy human and natural communities. The 2026
Environmental Exploration Interns will play an integral role in Riveredge’s programming and
community outreach.
Over the course of Riveredge’s 12-month internship, interns will explore environmental
education programs, conservation and restoration initiatives, blue/green careers, and projects
focused on strengthening human connections to the natural world and promoting environmental
stewardship. Interns also engage in weekly guided enrichment and focused skill building
activities.
The internship is hybrid. In the summer months interns will work at Riveredge once a week,
transportation from Milwaukee to Riveredge will be provided. In addition to working at Riveredge
interns will participate in weekly programming in Milwaukee. During the fall, winter, and spring
seasons interns will participate in monthly programming either at Riveredge, in Milwaukee, or
virtually. Transportation will be provided for these dates as well.
Lake Sturgeon Streamside Rearing Facility Intern Now hiring for 2026 – Part Time
Now welcoming applicants for 2026!
Lake sturgeon are the oldest and largest native fish found in the Great Lakes ecosystem. They were extirpated from the Milwaukee River over 100 years ago. Starting in 2006, Riveredge Nature Center teamed up with the Wisconsin DNR to reintroduce sturgeon by raising fingerlings in a streamside rearing facility (SRF) located on our property. This facility enables the sturgeon to imprint on Milwaukee River water so they return to it to spawn when they are adults. The goal of this project is to raise 1,000 – 1,500 fish per year over 25 years which will provide enough mature adults to support a breeding population of lake sturgeon in the river in the future. This position is part-time, May through September.
Environmental Exploration High School Internship for Milwaukee Students Now hiring! Part Time, June 2026 – May 2027
Offered in partnership with Milwaukee’s Environmental Youth Collaborative, this internship opportunity is specifically for high school students who attend school in the city of Milwaukee. Over the course of Riveredge’s 12-month internship, interns will explore environmental education programs, conservation and restoration initiatives, blue/green careers, and projects focused on strengthening human connections to the natural world and promoting environmental stewardship. Interns also engage in weekly guided enrichment and focused skill building activities.
The internship is hybrid. In the summer months interns will work at Riveredge once a week, transportation from Milwaukee to Riveredge will be provided. In addition to working at Riveredge interns will participate in weekly programming in Milwaukee and virtual meetings to complete projects. During the fall, winter, and spring seasons interns will participate in monthly programming either at Riveredge, in Milwaukee, or virtually.
To apply, begin by downloading the position description below and follow the application instructions.
Questions? Please reach out to Hannah at hsedgwick@riveredge.us
Garden and Permaculture Education Intern Volunteer (May – August)
Currently, this position is volunteer only (unpaid). If you are interested in applying, please send a cover letter explaining your interest to info@riveredge.us
The intern will work creatively with the Riveredge Nature Center team of staff and volunteers to develop and maintain the Children’s Garden, outdoor kitchen, and the permaculture site for use by Riveredge Nature Journeys Summer Camps and other educational groups.
BENEFITS OF A RIVEREDGE PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE
Hands-on work experience at an organization with over 50 years of history.
Direct training and supervision from Riveredge staff.
Opportunities for networking and professional development.
Chances to work with and learn from the other Riveredge departments.
Did we mention we’re super fun?
“My summer internship experience at Riveredge Nature Center was highly positive and educational; one that I would recommend to other undergraduate students any day. I felt this summer’s opportunity really strengthened my abilities as an undergraduate and has helped me to feel even more prepared to begin a graduate program after graduation.”
Anastasia Wolf-Flasch
UW-Stevens Point