Wetland Monitoring Intern
Wetland Monitoring Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 82779
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: No
- Full/Part Time: Part-Time; 80%
- Regular/Temporary: Intern
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 1/2/2025
- Closing Date: 1/31/2025
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
- Division/Unit: Ecological & Water Resources
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $19/hour
- Classified Status: Non-Status
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 223 - Non-Employee/Unrepresented
- 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
The DNR is seeking an energized and motivated individual to assist the statewide Wetlands Status and Trends Monitoring Program (WSTMP), as part of the Minnesota Biological Survey (MBS). Interns will assist MBS wetland research scientists with interpretation of remotely sensed data (e.g., aerial imagery, LiDAR, satellite imagery) to detect and quantify statewide wetland and grassland change over time.
The work will include working in GIS to identify and interpret wetland signatures and patterns from existing wetland mapping over the past 20 years; review map data, aerial imagery, and complimentary resources to assess and quality control already-reported gains and losses of wetland acreage; and to identify, interpret, and map grassland signatures and patterns from aerial imagery and complimentary resources to quantify changes in grassland area between photo time-periods, and interpret remotely sensed data to attribute plausible causes of grassland change.
The position involves preparing and maintaining routine communication on work progress and findings to the project team.
This position requires a positive attitude, mental focus, attention to detail, and the ability to tolerate, persevere, and enjoy deskwork in GIS, spreadsheets, technical maps and other resources.
Housing for this internship is not provided.
This part-time (80%) position is anticipated to begin in mid-May and run through early September. Day-to-day schedule is between the hours of 8am-5pm as established by the incumbent and supervisor at the time of hire. Once established the work schedule will be very consistent throughout. This position is not eligible for telework.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
To be eligible for an internship, you must meet the following requirements:
1. You must be a student at an accredited educational institution.
2. 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: biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental science, forestry, hydrology, GIS, or closely related field.
• Knowledge of interpreting remotely sensed data sources for ecological, environmental, or related purposes.
• Proficiency with GIS sufficient to enter and edit data using department applications.
• Proficiency with word processing and spreadsheets sufficient to enter and edit data using department applications.
• Organizational skills to accurately record, transcribe, and transfer data electronically.
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a small team.
• Ability to work alone on very focused detailed projects for extended periods of time.
• Human relation and communication skills sufficient to represent the position and division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience collaborating on a research project, either in a project-based course or as part of a research group.
• Coursework or experience in interpreting remotely sensed data sources.
• Experience with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS).
Additional Requirements
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. 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.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Bruce Carlson at bruce.carlson@state.mn.us or 651-259-5083.
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.