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Organization Description: Founded in 1979, the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Michigan’s lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater. Based in Petoskey, Michigan, the Watershed Council works on local water quality issues in the watersheds of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet Counties, as well as state and federal policy. Hallmarks of the Council’s work include respected advocacy, watershed planning, innovative education, technically sound water quality monitoring, thorough research, collaboration, and empowering others. For more background information, visit www.watershedcouncil.org.

Intern Summary: This intern reports to the Education Manager. The intern’s work will depend on scheduled education events and office priorities, but will primarily focus on school and community education, including serving as a welcoming host and guide at the Watershed Discovery Center. Experiences may include:

Watershed Discovery Center Host and Guide: The Watershed Discovery Center (WDC), housed at the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council office, is an educational space where students and community members learn about Northern Michigan water resources and interact with native and invasive species. Intern roles may include:

  • Greeting and engaging visitors, helping guests explore exhibits, and providing informal interpretation and guidance
  • Assisting with school field trips by supporting activities, set up, and clean up
  • Caring for live fish and macroinvertebrates, and helping keep exhibits clean, organized, and visitor ready
  • Supporting improvements to the visitor experience through signage, activity stations, and simple educational materials

School Programs and Field-Based Education: The Watershed Council provides hands-on, place-based watershed education for Northern Michigan schools. Intern roles may include:

  • Supporting staff-led classroom lessons and outdoor learning experiences
  • Assisting with preparation of teaching materials, equipment, and program supplies
  • Helping lead small group activities with students and supporting safe field logistics

High School Stream Monitoring Program: The intern may assist with implementing the Watershed Council’s Watershed Academy, a program that engages Northern Michigan high school students in stream monitoring. Intern roles may include:

  • Working with students to monitor basic water chemistry and sample macroinvertebrates
  • Supporting field days, equipment preparation, and data organization
  • Helping teach students about watersheds and water resource protection

Summer Camp Collaboration with Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians: The intern may assist with implementing water resources themed lessons and activities with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians that culminate in camper-led stewardship action projects. Intern roles may include:

  • Supporting lessons and activities related to water resources
  • Guiding campers as they develop and implement stewardship action projects
  • Assisting with setup, materials, and logistics during camp sessions

Community Education and Outreach: A core function of the Watershed Council is to educate and inform members, local governments, businesses, and the general public about water-related topics. Intern roles may include:

  • Assisting with community education programs such as workshops, festivals, cleanups, lake association events, and public outreach tables
  • Helping prepare educational displays, handouts, and engagement materials
  • Supporting articles, brochures, and other communications by gathering information, researching water resource topics, and assisting with writing and formatting

Qualifications:This is a full-time internship that earns $15.50 per hour for 40 hours per week and may also be completed to obtain college credit. Individuals must have completed or be pursuing a degree in environmental science, biology, education, or a related field. Individuals should possess strong written and verbal skills and have a valid driver’s license and a vehicle. Occasional work during evenings or weekends is required for events. Strong computer skills are required. Preferred candidates will possess a positive attitude and be highly motivated. Anticipated work dates are early to mid May through mid August. The Watershed Council has housing options available if necessary.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two professional references to apply@watershedcouncil.org. Please put “2026 Ed Internship” in the subject line.

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you!