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Waterfowl Banding Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 82408
  • Location: Bemidji
  • 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: Rotating Shift
  • Days of Work: Varies
  • Travel Required: Yes - 0-5 days per week as needed
  • Salary Range: $19 / Hourly 
  • Classified Status: Non-Status
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 223 - Non-Employee/Unrepresented 
  • Anticipated Start Date: June 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

 

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking to fill up to 2 Waterfowl Banding internships located in Bemidji. Positions are anticipated to run from 6/23/25-8/23/25. This position serves as an intern to assist with waterfowl banding projects in the WWPRG. Waterfowl (ducks and geese) are an important component of wetland ecosystems and are of great importance as game animals. The intern will assist NR Specialist and NR Techs in field work, including capture of waterfowl from wetlands using small boats, mud motors, traps, or other gear as needed. The interns will identify, age, sex, band, and humanely handle waterfowl. Interns will attach leg bands to waterfowl, accurately record and enter data, write project summaries, maintain, and repair field equipment, assist with various natural resource research projects, communicate with private landowners, and interact with the public and coworkers in a professional manner. The work can be physically demanding, including heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds), walking in wetlands with unconsolidated bottoms, climbing in and out of small boats, and often in waist-deep and/or flowing water. The position will be based at the Wetlands Research Group office in Bemidji, MN, with travel to field sites.

Interns must be a student at an accredited educational institution and a student advisor must certify that the student will either receive academic credit or fulfill an academic requirement. The signature of a sponsoring academic instructor is required prior to beginning an internship.

Responsibilities:

  • Under direction of the lead worker, interns will collect biological data in the field responsibly and safely including collecting samples and data under challenging weather conditions and sometimes for long periods of time.
  • Perform accurate entry of collected data into datasheets and databases.
  • Assist lead worker with summarizing data into tables, figures, or summaries as needed to meet project goals using computer software available in the WWPRG.

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: Biology, Natural Resources, Fisheries or Wildlife Management, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Geology, Aquatic Biology, Botany, or related degree. Please contact us if you are unsure if your major qualifies.
  • Keen interest in waterfowl ecology.
  • Knowledge of safe operation and maintenance techniques for field equipment while in remote locations, including small boats/canoes with outboard motors, trucks (4WD) towing boat trailers, and generators while in pursuit of waterfowl.
  • Knowledge about use of maps and GPS units to navigate in unfamiliar areas including remote forest roads and on wetlands during the day and at night.
  • Ability to use maps and GPS units to navigate in unfamiliar areas including remote forest roads and on wetlands during the day and at night.
  • Ability and willingness to perform field work at night in remote locations.
  • Knowledge of Minnesota's breeding waterfowl and their associated habitat preferences.
  • Excellent human relation and communication skills sufficient to represent the position and Division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.
  • Knowledge of techniques for safely driving trucks with small boat trailers attached, and maneuvering boat trailers at boat launch sites efficiently (includes backing and launching small boats).
  • Knowledge of ecology, wildlife biology, and/or waterfowl biology.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience handling wild animals for marking purposes, especially experience banding waterfowl or other migratory birds.
  • Skills necessary for proficient use of Microsoft Excel and knowledge of basic computer software.
  • Experience constructing, repairing, and maintaining equipment used for the live capture of wild waterfowl.
  • Experience maintaining accurate data records and field notes.
  • Experience in identification of wild waterfowl species normally encountered in Minnesota.
  • Experience identifying waterfowl to age and sex based on plumage including identification of female ducks, males in eclipse plumage, and ducklings in downy plumage.
  • Knowledge of invasive species concerns for Minnesota lakes and experience keeping equipment free of aquatic invasive species.
  • Ability to identify aquatic invasive species found in Minnesota.
  • Experience safely driving trucks with small boat trailers attached, and maneuvering boat trailers at boat launch sites efficiently (includes backing and launching small boats).
  • Experience safely operating and maintaining equipment while in remote locations, including small boats/canoes with outboard motors, trucks (4WD) towing boat trailers, and generators.
  • Ability to use ArcGIS.
  • Experience interacting with local landowners.

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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Bruce Davis at Bruce.Davis@state.mn.us or 218-308-2288.

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.