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Wildlife Management Intern

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Wildlife Management Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 82530
  • Location: Karlstad; Windom; Thief River Falls; Tower; Forest Lake; Dundee; Madelia; Roseau
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Intern
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 01/02/2025
  • Closing Date: 01/31/2025
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes - As required for fieldwork
  • Salary Range: $19 / Hourly
  • Classified Status: Non-Status
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 223 - Non-Employee/Unrepresented 
  • Anticipated Start Date: May 2025
  • Anticipated End Date: August 2025
  • FLSA Status: Nonexempt
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

 

**To Ensure Consideration You Must Follow The Instructions In The How To Apply Section Below.**

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides outdoor recreation activities and manages Minnesota’s natural resources to create economic opportunity and a sustainable quality of life. We are driven to find talented, innovative employees to help us carry out this mission.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife is seeking to fill up to six (6) internships in the following locations: Karlstad or Roseau, Thief River Falls or Erskine, Windom, Tower, Forest Lake, and Dundee. Housing is only available in the following locations and Wildlife Management Areas (WMA): Windom (Housing for location at Talcot Lake WMA or Madelia), Dundee, and Karlstad or Roseau (This intern will be shared with both locations. Housing will be provided at Karlstad or Roseau River WMA, but the final determination of which location is being finalized. State vehicle will be provided to travel between locations).

These internships are intended for students majoring in the field of Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, or Conservation Biology. The primary responsibility of the summer interns is to assist wildlife personnel in the implementation of wildlife habitat and facility management programs and activities on State Wildlife Management Areas. Interns must be comfortable working alone, or conversely as part of a team, often in remote locations under less-than-ideal field conditions. Certain tasks will include strenuous physical labor including heavy lifting and walking on soft or uneven ground. Work often occurs in inclement weather, including hot summer days working without shade. The use of various hand tools, small equipment, and herbicide application equipment will be required after proper training and certification. Driving will be involved including the pulling and backing of trailers. Some internships may require the intern to work four 10-hour days. 

These positions may be required to work nights on occasion.  The anticipated dates for these positions are mid-May through late August.  

The primary emphases for the internships are:     

  • Habitat Management – restoration and enhancement of prairie, forest, and wetland habitats.  Specific tasks in the following habitats may include and not limited to: 
    • Prairie management – assist staff in seeding cropland to native vegetation; hand or mechanical collection of prairie seed; identify location of terrestrial invasive plant species; mechanical or chemical control of terrestrial invasive plant species; control of woody vegetation; fence maintenance to support conservation grazing.   
    • Forest management – assist staff in seeding cropland to native vegetation; assist staff with identification and marking of forest habitat enhancement projects; identify locations of terrestrial invasive plant species; mechanical or chemical control of terrestrial invasive plant species.
    • Wetland Management – inspect and maintain water control structures, assist with shallow lake surveys, assist with topographic surveys related to wetland development projects or maintain waterfowl nest structures
  • WMA Inventory and Data Management – Utilize tablet computers and GPS to conduct inventories of invasive species, WMA user facilities and habitat management units.  Enter and upload field data using specialized desktop computer applications and Geographic Information Systems.   
  • Facility Management – boundary and parking lot posting; maintenance of wood routed signs; removal of old barbed wire fence; building site cleanup; assist with developing new user facilities; assist in keeping DNR buildings, grounds, and vehicles clean and organized.        
  • Population Management – conduct wildlife surveys as directed, assist with waterfowl banding (one to two days per summer), and animal disease surveillance.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

To be eligible for an internship, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a student at an accredited educational institution; AND
  • Your advisor must certify that you will either receive academic credit or fulfill an academic requirement. The signature of a sponsoring academic instructor is required prior to beginning an internship.

AND

  • Majoring in one of the following areas: Natural Resources, Fisheries or Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, or Conservation Biology.  Please contact us if you are unsure if your major qualifies.
  • Ability and willingness to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions (hot, wet, mud, bugs, etc.). 
  • Ability to lift and carry equipment. 
  • Excellent human relation and communication skills sufficient to represent the position and Division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Coursework in wildlife management (e.g., wildlife population dynamics, wildlife habitat, wildlife techniques), natural resource management, conservation biology, or related courses with a grade of C or better.
  • Experience identifying terrestrial and aquatic plants. 
  • Coursework in Geographic Information System (GIS).
  • Safety, CPR, and/or First Aid training.
  • Experience with outdoor field work.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record. 

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations. 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status). 

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

  • Conflict of Interest Review
  • Criminal History Check
  • Education Verification
  • Employment Reference / Records Check
  • License / Certification Verification

Application Details

 

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Within your application, submit two attachments.  In the ‘Resume’ attachment, include a copy of your resume. In the ‘Cover Letter’ attachment, include a copy of your academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable). These two attachments must be in either .doc or .pdf format. 

If you have questions about this position, contact Angela Aarhus-Ward at angela.aarhus-ward@state.mn.us or 218-328-8863.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. 

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

  • A sense of purpose in their work
  • Connection with their coworkers and communities
  • Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

  • Paid vacation and sick leave 
  • 12 paid holidays each year 
  • Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
    • Fertility care, including IVF
    • Diabetes care
    • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
  • 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
  • Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
  • Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
  • Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
  • Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

  • Training, classes, and professional development
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

  • A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
  • Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
  • Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

 

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.