Internship Program

Internship Opportunities

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is recruiting a limited number of 2022 interns in the following categories:

Policy & Advocacy
Watershed Protection
Aquatic Invasive Species Management
Project CLEAR (Community and Lakes Environmental Awareness and Research) Fund Fellowship

Watershed Protection Team Intern

Intern Summary: This intern reports to the Watershed Protection Team. The intern’s actual work will depend on scheduled field and office priorities but may include some of the below listed experiences:

Volunteer Monitoring Programs: The Watershed Council coordinates three volunteer-based programs to monitor lakes, streams, and avian botulism. Interns work with our Watershed Protection Team staff to organize and carry out volunteer activities, including recruiting volunteers, trainings, field data collection, laboratory analyses, quality assurance, and attending work bees. Interns are also expected to help with data input, data analyses, developing graphics (charts, graphs, etc.), and assisting with reports.

Field Surveys, Inventories, and Restoration Projects: Interns get their feet wet in the water resource management field assisting in collecting water quality data, performing shoreline surveys, conducting invasive species inventories, assessing streambank and shoreline erosion, developing and coordinating rain garden projects, and much more. Interns also help in the lab with calibration and maintenance of field survey equipment, water quality monitoring instrumentation, sampling gear, and GPS.

GIS (Geographical Information System), Database, and Office Tasks: GIS is used extensively by the Watershed Council for a wide array of projects, including lake shoreline surveys, impervious surface studies, stormwater drainage basin delineation, land cover assessments, and land protection prioritization. Interns assist staff on the GIS front by using ArcCollector and Survey123 on iPads, processing field GPS data, developing GIS data layers, producing display maps, performing spatial analyses, and ground-truthing in the field. In addition, interns provide further support to staff by developing and populating databases and performing miscellaneous office tasks.

Outreach and Education: 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, best management practices that protect water quality, permitting, dam safety, and issues like pipeline awareness. Assistance with educational efforts ranges from help with mailings to event coordination. This may include staffing a mobile boat washing station to educate about aquatic invasive species issues. 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 with a stipend, and may also be done to obtain college credit. Individuals must be pursuing a degree in natural resources, environmental studies, or equivalent; possess strong written and verbal skills; and have a valid driver’s license and a vehicle. Proficiency in swimming and paddling (kayak and canoe), as well as the ability to work 10+ hours/day, is required for fieldwork. Occasional work on weekends is required for events. Prior experience with GIS, plant identification, water quality monitoring, macroinvertebrate identification, and event organization is a plus. Strong computer skills are also required, including familiarity with Microsoft Office software such as Access, 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. Number of hours per week is 35-40. Interns are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as defined by the CDC upon start date, unless there is a basis for an exemption based on disability/medical conditions and/or religion. Although housing is not guaranteed, the Watershed Council has partnerships with the University of Michigan Biological Station and the Little Traverse Conservancy, both of which have housing options if necessary. Interested candidates should contact Natalie Walts at (231) 347-1181 or [email protected]. Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two professional references.

Policy & Advocacy Team Intern

Intern Summary: The Watershed Council works with local government officials and staff to address and improve local development proposals, master plans, zoning, and other ordinances/initiatives regarding water resource protection and restoration. The Policy and Advocacy Intern will have the opportunity to work on local policy efforts and support the policy director in state and federal water resources advocacy, as well as conduct a research project evaluating water resources permits issued in the service area of the Watershed Council.

Primary Job Responsibilities: All of the proposed activities will expose the intern to policy and advocacy issues related to water quality, protection, and use. The work includes direct experience with government regulations, legislative concerns, public affairs, and public service. This Intern will report to the Policy Director.

Policy Research and Advocacy: Work on reviewing permit applications to state and local agencies. Assist with research, subcommittee committee meetings, and local government advocacy related to greenbelts and septic systems, including passing local ordinances in Antrim and Cheboygan Counties. Work on efforts involving local ordinances and climate resiliency, including coordinating ordinances and enforcement around Lake Charlevoix. Assist in research needed for analysis of various issues as needed and perform other duties as requested.

Research Project: To be a voice for our waters, Tip of the Mitt Watershed receives copies of state and federal dredge and fill permit applications to review. We receive copies of all individual permit applications submitted to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) within our four-county service area for projects that may impact wetlands, streams, shorelines, inland lakes, and the Great Lakes. Our goal in reviewing permit applications is to avoid and minimize adverse impacts to lakes, streams, wetlands, and the Great Lakes for proposed projects. The intern will conduct an investigation into the permit applications received in 2020-2021 to determine the effectiveness of the Watershed Council’s comments. Work will entail evaluating permit applications submitted versus permits received, along with a comparative analysis of comments submitted to determine if our recommendations were incorporated into the final permit.

POD Program Database Management: Assist with Prescription & Over the Counter Drug Drop-off (POD) Workgroup meeting and community collection events. Work on statewide database of Michigan drug disposal locations – update and confirm locations to ensure website is accurate.

Education & Outreach: Assist with logistics and public outreach necessary to conduct several other large events, including the Annual Lake Association Summit. Attend our Annual Meeting and other events, such as lake and river clean-ups, water resource field trips, Waganakising Bay Day and other festivals. Participate in Students Experience Lake Charlevoix and help with our annual fundraiser called Whale of a Sale. Gather information for press releases. Write articles for Watershed Council and lake association newsletters. Assist with targeted mailings and outreach. Participation in these events are dependent upon COVID-19 situation and restrictions.

Qualifications: This is a full time internship with a stipend, and may also be done to obtain college credit. Must be pursuing a degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, or similar field. Must possess strong written and verbal skills, and have a valid driver’s license. Strong research skills and computer skills are also required, including familiarity with 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. Interns are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as defined by the CDC upon start date, unless there is a basis for an exemption based on disability/medical conditions and/or religion. Although housing is not guaranteed, the Watershed Council has partnerships with the University of Michigan Biological Station and the Little Traverse Conservancy, both of which have housing options if necessary. Number of hours per week is 40. Interested candidates should contact Natalie Walts at (231) 347-1181 or [email protected] Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two professional references.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Part-time Seasonal EmployeE

Location: Petoskey, MI
Scope: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is seeking an energetic, mature, and highly dependable individual 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. Applicants must be enthusiastic about conservation, show strong organizational and leadership skills, and be confident in communicating with members of the public.

Job Activities:

Towing, operating, and maintaining a trailer-mounted power-washing unit safely at boat landings and events throughout the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council’s Northern Michigan service area, demonstrating boat inspection and washing techniques to recreational boaters.
Planning related educational events by working with partner organizations and staff.
Preparing for and providing educational opportunities for people interested in learning about aquatic invasive species, best boating practices to reduce their spread, and how to most effectively work with the boating public to provide education on aquatic invasive species and Clean, Drain, Dry, and Dispose practices.
Maintaining records of events, including costs, locations, numbers of volunteers and boaters trained, invasive species encountered, and public feedback.
Working with program partners to promote the Mobile Boat Wash Program through social media and local media outlets statewide, including newspapers, radio, and television.
Maintaining good communication with coworkers, partners, and members of the public.

Requirements:

Possess working knowledge of aquatic ecology and/or invasive species through a combination of coursework and/or experience.
Demonstrated maturity, leadership experience and ability to perform duties without on-site supervision.
Experience hauling and maneuvering trailers is strongly preferred.
Availability to travel throughout Northern Michigan to boater outreach events, which will regularly occur on select weekdays, most weekends, holidays, and occasionally overnight. Typical work days will be Friday through Sunday, with potential for some additional weekdays dependent on schedule. Approximately 24 hours of work anticipated each week; approximately 300-400 hours in total for the summer. The Watershed Council is currently working with partner organizations to develop the summer schedule. Final schedule will determine total work hours and days throughout summer. The Watershed Council will provide a four-wheel drive truck for hauling the mobile boat washing unit to all events.
Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record required.
Proof of medical insurance.
Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as defined by the CDC upon start date, unless there is a basis for an exemption based on disability/medical conditions and/or religion.
Experience planning and carrying out educational programming or other events are preferred, but not required.

Position Dates: Late May through early September 2022; specific start and end dates negotiable.

Compensation: $16.00/hour. Although housing is not provided, the Watershed Council maintains partnerships with local organizations and institutions that may be able to provide rooms for rent.

To Apply: Please email a resume, cover letter, and contact information for two professional references to Natalie Walts at [email protected]

Application Deadline: The Watershed Council is accepting applications on a rolling basis and will offer interviews until two-three applicants have been selected for the available positions.

CLEAR Fellow

In partnership with the University of Michigan Biological Station and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

The University of Michigan Biological Station is pleased to offer the Project CLEAR (Community and Lakes Environmental Awareness and Research) Fund Fellowship. CLEAR began as a student-led project conducted from 1977-81 at the Biological Station. Its members have funded this fellowship. CLEAR Fellows have two roles and commitments:

They will be spring/summer interns for the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council.
They will be UMBS students for the Summer Session.

From mid-May to the beginning of the UMBS Summer Session, CLEAR Fellows will be full-time interns for Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. CLEAR Fellows will continue to work as interns at the Watershed Council on a half-time basis once the Summer Session begins. During this time, Fellows will be required to:

Conduct independent research on freshwater ecosystems (e.g. water quality improvement, ecosystem protection or stewardship, or freshwater sustainability);
Involve/engage local communities in their research/research findings;
Enroll concurrently in 1 summer session field class at UMBS (tuition support provided). This summer session runs from June 25 - July 23, 2022.

Support: This fellowship provides tuition support, room, board, research fees, and supplies at UMBS. Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council will provide an additional $700 stipend.
Housing is provided for CLEAR Fellows at UMBS from mid-May until the conclusion of the summer session.
Fellows will report to the Monitoring Programs Coordinator at the Watershed Council.
CLEAR Fellow Responsibilities:

Volunteer Monitoring Programs: Fellows will work to organize and carry out volunteer monitoring activities, including trainings, field data collection, laboratory analyses, and quality assurance.
Field Surveys, Inventories, and Restoration Projects: Fellows get their feet wet in the water resource management field assisting both our Monitoring Programs Coordinator and Restoration Coordinator with a variety of field projects, but also helping in the lab with calibration and maintenance of field survey equipment, water quality monitoring instrumentation, sampling gear, and GPS.
GIS (Geographical Information System), Database, and Office Tasks: Fellows assist staff on the GIS front by processing field GPS data, developing GIS data layers, producing display maps, performing spatial analyses, and ground-truthing in the field.

Qualifications: Must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in natural resources, environmental studies, or equivalent; possess strong written and verbal skills; and have a valid driver’s license and vehicle (mileage reimbursement provided). Proficiency in swimming and paddling (kayak and canoe), as well as the ability to work 10+ hours/day, is required for fieldwork. Prior experience with field work, macroinvertebrate identification, and GIS is a plus. Strong computer skills are also required, including familiarity with Microsoft Office software such as Access, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as defined by the CDC upon start date, unless there is a basis for an exemption based on disability/medical conditions and/or religion.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should contact Natalie Walts, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council office manager, at (231) 347-1181 or [email protected] Please send a cover letter and resume.
Deadline: open until filled. Please apply early.