Freshwater Opportunities

EMPLOYMENT

Water Resources Management Specialists (Various Locations)
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)*

Summary: Are you a problem-solver who enjoys working independently and with teams? These positions offer fulfilling work protecting and restoring Wisconsin’s amazing inland and Great Lakes water resources and offer the opportunity to collaborate with other programs and partners across the region to achieve this mission. The work is interesting and engaging, involving both field and office work.
Application Deadline: August 10, 2026
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

Assistant Director (Milwaukee, WI)
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Center for Water Policy*

Summary: The Assistant Director supports the Director of the Center for Water Policy to carry out the Center’s mission. This role contributes to collaborative research initiatives that promote science-based, sustainable water policies within the Great Lakes region and beyond. The Center brings together teams of faculty, postdocs, graduate and law students, and undergraduates to produce academic articles, reports, policy briefs and communications. The Assistant Director supports the Director in positioning the Center for Water Policy, the School of Freshwater Sciences, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as a national and international center of excellence in addressing water policy issues, research and innovation. The Assistant Director is responsible for managing the administration, financials, budget and human resources for the Center; engaging in research and preparing materials for extramural support and sponsorships; and supervising communications and outreach.
Application Deadline: August 22, 2026
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

Associate Director for Outreach & Engagement (Madison, WI)
University of Wisconsin Aquatic Sciences Center, Wisconsin Sea Grant, Water Resources Institute

Summary: The Associate Director for Outreach and Engagement provides strategic direction and oversight for outreach and engagement programs across Wisconsin Sea Grant and Water Resources Institute activities. This role ensures strong integration of research and community engagement across programs and statewide and national networks. The position reports to the Center Director and serves on the ASC leadership team.
Application Deadline: August 23, 2026
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

J. Philip Keillor Wisconsin Coastal Management-Sea Grant Fellow (Madison, WI)
Wisconsin Coastal Management Program & Wisconsin Sea Grant

Summary: The Wisconsin Sea Grant College Program and the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program seek postdoctoral and post-master’s candidates interested in tackling science and policy challenges related to increasing coastal community resilience across the Great Lakes region. Together, these programs will fund a state fellowship position, named in honor of a longtime Sea Grant coastal engineering expert Phil Keillor, to celebrate his legacy in building resilience in Wisconsin communities. The Fellow will work closely with Wisconsin Coastal Management Program’s Coastal Hazards Work Group, Sea Grant’s coastal engineer, local government representatives, and researchers from a variety of fields to tackle the important challenge of connecting science related to coastal processes – including flooding, erosion, and storms – with communities that could benefit from the information.
Application Deadline: August 30, 2026
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

Senior Sediment Remediation Specialist (Multiple Locations)
LimnoTech*

Summary: The Senior Sediment Remediation Specialist will lead complex environmental investigations and the design of cleanup strategies for contaminated sediment sites in riverine, lacustrine, estuarine, and marine environments. This senior role requires a seasoned professional to provide technical, managerial, regulatory, and business development support to LimnoTech’s existing contaminated sediments practice.
Application Deadline: Position is open until filled.
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

Mid-Career Environmental Engineer/Scientist (Ann Arbor, MI)
LimnoTech*

Summary: The experienced engineer filling this position will primarily be involved in screening, selecting, designing, and implementing remediation and mitigation activities for soil, groundwater, sediment and stormwater at contaminated industrial and commercial sites.
Application Deadline: Position is open until filled.
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

Postdoctoral Scholar (East Lansing, MI)
Michigan State University, Department of Fisheries & Wildlife*

Summary: A 1.5-year Postdoctoral Researcher position is available working with Drs. Latimore and Cheruvelil in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University. The successful candidate will join the BridgeLab to conduct data-intensive and collaborative lake and stream ecology research and translate results into action in partnership with communities. The postdoc will work on two funded projects: Turning MiCorps community science data into community water solutions (funded by the Mott Foundation) and Quantifying the interactive effects of human disturbances on lake biota and harmful algal blooms at the continental scale (funded by the National Science Foundation).
Application Deadline: Position is open until filled.
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

Environmental Technician (Waukesha, WI)
Ruekert and Mielke, Inc.

Summary: As a Storm Water Technician, you’ll work in a variety of environments, a large portion of the position will be directly in the field, overseeing construction storm water, or collecting samples for municipal MS4 compliance to assisting in wetland delineations, to office work to support environmental compliance objectives. Project types we facilitate also vary, from private development to agriculture to municipal infrastructure projects such as sewer, water, paving, and more. This role provides the opportunity for you to learn how each sector is unique and challenges you in a different way. Your responsibilities and influence grow with your experience, no two days are the same.
Application Deadline: Position is open until filled.
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

INTERNSHIPS & STUDENT RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Flood Mitigation Program Management Intern (Libertyville, IL)
Lake County Stormwater Management Commission*

Summary: The Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is seeking one full-time intern to provide administrative support for SMC Flood Mitigation Program. This is a long-term position, not to exceed 1,000 hours. The intern will primarily work in the office, with limited field visits under the guidance of SMC staff and will support multiple phases of flood mitigation program implementation. Responsibilities include assisting with coordination and communication among SMC staff, homeowners, municipal partners, and other governmental entities; supporting project documentation, administrative records, and cost tracking; and assisting with property transfer activities related to voluntary floodplain buyout projects. Additional responsibilities include administrative support for bid and demolition activities, such as maintaining bid and demolition files; supporting bid development, openings, tabulations, and award documentation; assisting with asbestos abatement planning; supporting demolition scheduling, permitting, site documentation, and compliance; coordinating with Habitat for Humanity, recycling and reuse partners, and other Lake County departments to facilitate utility disconnects; and assisting with purchase requests, payment processing, and maintenance of accounting and budget balances. Other duties may be assigned in support of SMC program management and flood mitigation activities.
Application Deadline: Position is open until filled.
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

Biology Field Intern (Milwaukee, WI)
Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC)

Summary: The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, the nationally regarded regional planning agency for the greater Milwaukee area, and the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the five urban areas within Southeastern Wisconsin, has an immediate opening for a part-time intern position to assist with the Environmental Division’s various watershed management planning projects. The ideal candidate will be actively pursuing a degree in biology, natural resources, or environmental science, with an interest in watershed management and planning. Work efforts will entail field work assistance that may include botanical surveys, environmental assessments, data entry, water quality surveying, and mapping.
Application Deadline: Position is open until filled.
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and apply.

SCHOLARSHIPS & FELLOWSHIPS

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.

COURSES & TRAININGS

Waves of Change
Milwaukee’s Environmental Youth Collaborative

When: August 17-21, 2026 | 9am-4pm
Summary: Curious about a job that helps the planet? Join our week-long environmental careers course and explore cool jobs through hands-on activities, field trips, and real talks with people doing the work today. Pick one of three tracks that interests you most, and see if it’s a good fit for your future. You’ll even get a stipend for completing the program — and walk away with something to boost your resume. Spots are limited, so don’t wait!
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and register.

Mexico Atmospheric Science: Air Pollution & Ancient Cultures
UWM Study Abroad, UWM School of Freshwater Sciences

When: UWinteriM 2027 (January 4-20, 2027)
Summary: In the 15th offering of this long-running course, students travel to five remarkable locations in southern Mexico, exploring extraordinary archaeological sites, world-class museums, and leading universities along the way. Throughout these travels, students study the effects of acid rain on cultural heritage sites. Ancient structures, including pyramids and their once-colorful stucco surfaces, are highly vulnerable to environmental damage. In many Latin American countries, preservation efforts to combat corrosion from air pollution are still developing. Students examine firsthand the connections between meteorology, air quality, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Collaborative activities with Mexican university students deepen both the academic value and the overall experience of the course.
Registration Deadline: October 1, 2026
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and register.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Lake Michigan Day
Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP)*

When: Friday | August 14, 2026
Where: Wisconsin Maritime Museum | 75 Maritime Drive, Manitowoc, WI
Summary: Every August, conservation professionals, researchers, community leaders, educators, students, and passionate residents come together to celebrate and protect one of the world’s greatest freshwater resources. Hosted by the Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP), Lake Michigan Day brings together experts and practitioners from across Wisconsin and the Great Lakes Basin to explore the opportunities, challenges, and collaborative solutions shaping the future of Lake Michigan. Through inspiring keynote presentations, engaging panel discussions, interactive lightning talks, and meaningful networking opportunities, attendees gain practical insights into watershed restoration, climate resilience, habitat conservation, environmental stewardship, and community-led action. Whether you work in conservation, local government, education, business, or simply care about the future of Lake Michigan, you’ll leave with new ideas, valuable connections, and renewed inspiration to protect the waters that connect us all.
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and register.

We Are Water
Milwaukee Water Commons*

When: Sunday | August 16, 2026 | 5-7pm
Where: McKinley Beach | 1750 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee, WI
Summary: Celebrate the joy, beauty, and power of water at We Are Water, our annual community gathering at McKinley Beach. Meet local artists, make a sturgeon puppet, try your hand at printmaking, build sand castles, identify fossils, enjoy complimentary snacks – including Purple Door Ice Cream while supplies last – and learn simple ways to help care for our rivers, lakes, and neighborhoods. Everyone will join together in a parade with the Milwaukee Hittaz drum line, then go onto the beach for a community parachute float to close the evening. The event is free and everyone is welcome. For people discovering Milwaukee Water Commons for the first time and those who have been part of the community for years, We Are Water is a chance to celebrate the connections that water creates and the shared responsibility we all have to protect it.
More Information: Click HERE to learn more and register.