Freshwater Opportunities

EMPLOYMENT

Environmental Health LTE (Eagle River, WI)
Vilas County Public Health Department*

Summary: This is a temporary mid-level position responsible for conducting Tourist Rooming House inspections and collecting and analyzing water samples and beach samples for the Vilas County Public Health Department. The candidate must possess the skills necessary to accomplish tasks independently with minimal oversight or work cooperatively as part of a team. All duties and responsibilities of the position are performed under the guidance of the Health Officer/Director
Application Deadline: April 17, 2026
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

Seasonal Biological Science Technician (Stanton, ND)
National Park Service*

Summary: Responsibilities of this position include:

Implements established natural resource management projects. Following instructions and standardized procedures, collects and organizes field data.
Makes field observations of natural resource conditions. Evaluates observed conditions and problems and makes preliminary determinations on the cause of problems noted.
Assists in the preparation of reports, plans, and guidelines.
Installs, operates, and maintains resource management equipment.
Provides advice, assistance, and training to students, student conservation assistants, and volunteers involved in resource management projects and field research.
Utilizes a variety of computer programs to compile, reduce, store, retrieve, analyze, and report data and other resource management information.
Provides information to other employees and visitors about the natural resource management program.

Application Deadline: April 24, 2026
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

Field Microbiologist (Superior, WI)
Lake Superior Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Superior*

Summary: Researcher I Field Microbiologist provides technical expertise to fundamental and/or applied scientific research under the direction of senior research personnel. Serves as a field microbiologist for the Lake Superior Research Institute’s (LSRI) Great Waters Research Collaborative (GWRC) program and other projects such as beach monitoring. The person in this position will be part of a team analyzing ballast water from ships throughout the Great Lakes region including Canada, for microbial indicator species. Data from these field events will be used to help regulators and scientists understand the efficacy of ballast treatment systems in protecting the Great Lakes from aquatic nuisance species. This data is critical to informing the United States EPA as it develops ballast water treatment standards for the shipping industry. Because there is a fair amount of uncertainty around ship schedules, the sampling team needs to be adaptable, occasionally departing for a sampling event with minimal notice.
Application Deadline: April 27, 2026
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

Research Coordinator (Stony Brook, NY)
New York Sea Grant*

Summary: The New York Sea Grant (NYSG) Research Coordinator plays a central role in advancing NYSG’s mission to integrate science with stakeholder needs across New York’s coastal, marine, and Great Lakes environments. The Research Coordinator coordinates all aspects of NYSG’s competitive research program, supports multi-institutional scientific initiatives, and ensures high-quality stewardship of federally funded research portfolios. This position requires strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with academic researchers, agency partners, extension professionals, and external stakeholders at the state, regional, and national levels.
Application Deadline: May 7, 2026
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

Research Fellow (Chicago, IL)
Alliance for the Great Lakes*

Summary: The Alliance for the Great Lakes (AGL) is hiring a Research Fellow (Fellow) to advance the scientific basis for AGL’s strategic research, policy development, and advocacy to protect, restore, and conserve the Great Lakes for the people and ecosystems that depend on them. This is a one or two-year fellowship position, with the second-year dependent on satisfactory performance. The Fellow will be responsible for supporting the Alliance’s research agenda and facilitating the work of the Alliance’s Science Council, with the opportunity to pursue research interests that are related to the Alliance’s two immediate priority areas: Sustainable Water Management and Plastic Pollution. The Fellow will conduct literature reviews and meta-analyses of existing research, publish and otherwise disseminate findings, and propose specific ways that the Alliance can advance our efforts to address these critical issues. To successfully fulfill this research charge, the Fellow will collaborate with a newly formed organizational Science Council composed of external academic and technical experts. Additionally, the Fellow may be called upon to evaluate state and federal rulemakings, agency actions, and proposed legislation for scientific rigor and collaborate with Alliance policy staff to propose opportunities to strengthen Great Lakes protections.
Application Deadline: Position is open until filled.
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

Seasonal Field Technician (Milwaukee, WI)
Milwaukee County Parks*

Summary: The Seasonal Field Technician assists the Natural Areas Program staff in the management of 10,000 acres of diverse natural areas within the Milwaukee County Park System. The position works on a wide variety of land management activities with special emphasis on invasive species control, natural resource inventories, wildlife habitat management, and community engagement as it relates to ecological restoration-oriented projects.
Application Deadline: Position is open until filled.
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

Environmental Scientist (Ann Arbor, MI)
Limnotech

Summary: LimnoTech has an opportunity for an early career environmental scientist or engineer to help meet ongoing and expanding project needs focused primarily on environmental monitoring and the investigation of surface water, soil, groundwater, and sediment quality. This is a great opportunity for new and recent college graduates. The selected candidate will work in our Ann Arbor, MI headquarters. Come work with us! The scientist or engineer hired will support a variety of projects, including, but not limited to, investigation of soil and groundwater contamination, vapor intrusion investigations, surface water sampling and monitoring, and sediment coring. The selected candidate may expect to spend approximately 75% of the time in the field and 25% of the time in the office, depending on project needs. Some projects may require weekend work or extended hours to capitalize on weather conditions or meet deadlines.
Application Deadline: Position is open until filled.
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

Land Manager (Sheboygan, WI)
Glacial Lakes Conservancy

Summary: As the Land Manager, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing all aspects of land protection. Your responsibilities will range from evaluating projects for conservation easement acquisition and fee simple transactions to preparing baseline documents and overseeing annual monitoring and GLC preserve stewardship programs. Your expertise will be shared with volunteers and community members at events and in public relations, making you a key figure in our mission. This position reports directly to the Executive Director, underscoring the significance of your role.
Application Deadline: Position is open until filled.
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

District Manager (Marquette, MI)
Marquette County Conservation District

Summary: The Marquette County Conservation District is seeking a new District Manager who will further the mission of promoting conservation, stewardship, and sustainable use of the natural resources in Marquette County. Reporting to a Board of Directors, the District Manager will be overseeing all of the District’s day-to-day operations, finances, programs, activities, grants, and staff. The position requires excellent leadership and

management skills, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage the District’s budget and finances.
Application Deadline: Position is open until filled.
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

INTERNSHIPS & STUDENT RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Ecological Data Science Intern (La Crosse, WI)
U.S. Geological Survey*

Summary: The U.S. Geological Survey’s Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC) in La Crosse, Wisconsin is seeking several Student Services Contractors (SSCs) to support ecological modeling and data science projects related to invasive species control and ecological forecasting. Interns will gain hands-on experience developing and applying models that support scientific decision‑making. Interns will assist with the development, improvement, and application of statistical and mathematical models. Projects may include:

Developing a point‑and‑click Python Shiny App to support invasive carp management
Building fish population assessment and trend‑estimation models
Using machine learning to predict fish movement based on environmental conditions

Interns will have opportunities to build technical skills, develop professional experience (such as résumé building and presenting), and engage with federal partners and research scientists. Previous interns have gone on to roles in academia, federal agencies, and industry.
Application Deadline: April 22, 2026
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply (requires Handshake account).

Operations Internship (Milwaukee, WI)
Wellntel

Summary: Wellntel is seeking a curious, driven intern to join our Operations team. In this role, you will contribute to the building, testing, installation, and analysis of groundwater monitoring systems. This opportunity is ideal for students who enjoy hands-on work, like to tinker, and are comfortable with fieldwork and travel. You will gain exposure to a wide range of practical tasks, including soldering components, performing electrical testing, conducting QA/QC checks, wiring and assembling remote monitoring systems, and troubleshooting deployed systems.
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
More Information: See attached PDF to learn more and apply.

Beach Monitoring Intern (Milwaukee, WI)
City of Milwaukee Health Department*

Summary: The Beach Monitoring Intern collects Milwaukee beaches water samples and observational data in the field, processes and examines microbiological samples in the laboratory, analyzes and enters data in the laboratory information management system and online portals, and conducts sanitary surveys as it relates to local, state, and federal guidelines.
Application Deadline: Position is open until filled.
More Information: Interested applicants should email Julia Zimmer (jzimmer@milwaukee.gov) and David Payne (dapayn@milwaukee.gov) with the subject line “Beach Monitoring Internship” and a brief message to start the application process.

Aquatic Invasive Species Intern (Waukesha, WI)
Waukesha County*

Summary: 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.
Application Deadline: Position is open until filled.
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

Water Monitoring and Mapping Project Support
Geneva Lake Environmental Agency (GLEA)*

Summary: The Geneva Lake Environmental Agency (GLEA) is seeking a qualified individual to assist with in-water monitoring and documentation efforts that are critical to protecting the long-term health of Geneva Lake. This work will focus on two priority areas: mapping existing Starry Stonewort beds and documenting fish crib habitat usage. Accurate, on-the-ground data is essential for tracking the spread of Starry Stonewort, an invasive species that can disrupt native ecosystems, impact recreation, and alter lake conditions. By collecting precise GPS coordinates and visual observations, this effort helps GLEA monitor trends over time and informs future management strategies and response actions.
Application Deadline: Position is open until filled.
More Information: See attached PDF to learn more and apply.

SCHOLARSHIPS & FELLOWSHIPS

John A. Knauss Marine (and Great Lakes) Policy Fellowship (Washington
Wisconsin Sea Grant

Summary: The University of Wisconsin Sea Grant College Program is accepting applications from graduate students statewide for the National Sea Grant College Program’s John A. Knauss Marine (and Great Lakes) Policy Fellowship Program. The program, established in 1979, provides a unique educational experience to applicants who have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. The program matches highly qualified graduate students with “hosts” in the legislative and executive branch of government located in the Washington, D.C. area, for a one year paid internship. Placement opportunities are numerous and very diverse and have typically included offices within Congress, the Executive Office of the President, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Departments of State, Treasury, Transportation, and Energy, in addition to others. Applicants from a variety of backgrounds including natural and social sciences, law, engineering, and communications can be competitive for this fellowship.
Application Deadline: June 3, 2026
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Institute of International Education*

Summary: The Fulbright U.S. Student Program expands perspectives through academic and professional advancement and cross-cultural dialogue. Fulbright finds solutions to complex global issues and creates connections in a changing world. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities to advance knowledge and innovation across all academic disciplines. Awards are available to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.
Application Deadline: October 6, 2026 (2027-2028 Award Cycle)
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply. Sign up for an info session on April 21, 2026 at 12pm in Merrill Hall 131 HERE.

COURSES & TRAININGS

Sustainability & Resilience Ambassador Program
UWM Office of Sustainability

Summary: The Office of Sustainability is launching a brand new ambassador program in Spring 2026! There is one track available for staff & faculty, and another track available for students, along with virtual and in-person workshop options. No previous experience is required! The Sustainability and Resilience Ambassador program empowers students, faculty, and staff at UW-Milwaukee to engage in change-making on campus by deploying a sustainability mindset. Participants will take part in a series of three workshops throughout the spring semester. This professional development opportunity combines learning new frameworks, building a stronger connection to the UWM community, and applying a sustainability mindset to solving challenges big and small.
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

UPCOMING EVENTS

IAGLR & SCAS-SCSA Joint Conference
International Association for Great Lakes Research (IAGLR) and the Society of Canadian Aquatic Sciences (SCAS-SCSA)

When: May 25-29, 2026
Where: Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) | RBC Convention Center
Summary: You’re invited to the joint conference of the International Association for Great Lakes Research and the Society of Canadian Aquatic Sciences—where global research on the world’s large lakes meets Canada’s rich tapestry of aquatic systems, from rivers and lakes to oceans and groundwater. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and advance our knowledge across scales and borders. The conference theme—Connected Waters: Bridging Communities & Ideas—reflects our commitment to fostering dialogue across scientific, Indigenous, and local knowledge systems. It recognizes that healthy waters are sustained through relationships among diverse communities, disciplines, ecosystems, and ways of knowing, and it underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing aquatic challenges across Canada, the Great Lakes, and beyond.
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and register.