Aquatic Invasive Species Intern

SALARY RANGE

$12.71 – $22.52

WORK ASSIGNMENT DETAILS

Waukesha County is seeking motivated individuals to join our team as Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) interns. These positions offer a unique opportunity to work in conservation and environmental education while gaining hands-on experience in AIS management.

We are seeking one full-time intern and several part-time interns from May – September of 2026.

• The part-time interns will be assigned to a specific lake where they will conduct watercraft inspections at public landings through the Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW) program. Work schedule consists of 16-24 hours per week (Fridays-Sundays) throughout the summer.
• The full-time intern (40 hours per week) will assist the County AIS Coordinator with training, outreach, lake surveys, and AIS removal efforts, which will include time spent on various types of watercraft or in the water.
  • Conduct boat inspections at public landings on multiple lakes throughout the County during weekends.
  • Emphasis on increasing AIS awareness and education to boaters, anglers, classrooms, and the general public for all positions.
  • Training will be provided by the County AIS Coordinator, however daily work direction may be provided by a cooperating lake group.
  • Interested candidates must have the ability to work early mornings, evenings, most weekends, boating events, and holidays including Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, to match peak use of the public boat landings.

Starting Hourly Rate: $14.86

Prior to hiring, the final candidate may be subject to work/education/certification reference(s), and pass a criminal background and driver’s license check.

CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION

• Increase awareness of AIS including regulations, laws and prevention steps with boaters, anglers and the general public at boat landings within Waukesha County.
• Complete Clean Boats Clean Waters training, conduct watercraft inspections of boats and trailers, collect and record data, and report data in the DNR’s SWIMS database.
• Assist with the coordination of volunteer workdays and presentations (full-time interns only).
• Assist with aquatic surveys by snorkeling, diving, or using boat-based vertical raking methods (full-time interns only).
• Watch for, collect, record, and voucher new species.
• Coordinate weekly schedule with the AIS County Coordinator or a specific lake group.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduate.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and settings.
• Organized, self-motivated, ability to multi-task, and work independently.
• Enthusiastic, friendly, and excellent verbal communication skills.
• Valid Driver’s License and have access to reliable transportation and a cell phone.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some knowledge of aquatic ecology, the impacts that aquatic invasive species can have on lakes, streams and wetlands, and ways to reduce the spread of AIS.
• Education or work history in biology, ecology, or natural resources.
• Have WDNR Boater Safety Certificate or ability to complete it within first month of employment (full-time intern only).
• Ability to maneuver as well as load and unload kayak/canoe/motorboats (full-time intern only).
• Experience using GPS and mapping software (full-time intern only).
• Experience with Constant Contact, Facebook, Twitter or other web-based outreach platforms (full-time intern only).
• Snorkeling or diving experience and PADI SCUBA Certification.

About Us:
Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of “Leading the Way”, we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and the wellbeing of our staff and the citizens we serve. Employees are provided professional development opportunities and encouragement to learn and practice continuous improvement and LEAN principles as we regularly ask ourselves “Is there a better way?”

Location:
Located in the City of Waukesha, our campus offers an on-site cafe and fitness center, free parking, and easy access to interstate highway systems. Waukesha County offers a perfect blend of urban and rural living where one can enjoy the benefits of quiet rural lake communities or opt for nearby attractions that the greater Milwaukee area offers including vast beach and park systems, public markets, performing arts, music festivals, and sports including the Milwaukee Admirals, Brewers, Bucks, Wave, Marquette University Golden Eagles and the UW-Milwaukee Panthers Basketball programs.
EEO:

Waukesha County is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and adheres to all Federal, State and County Equal Employment Opportunity laws, policies, plans, rules, regulations and ordinances. The County recognizes and accepts its important leadership role in providing for equal employment/service opportunities. It is the express policy of Waukesha County to promote equal employment opportunity among all who are employed by Waukesha County and who seek employment with Waukesha County.

For further information visit:https://www.waukeshacounty.gov

The County does not sponsor applicants for work visas. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.