Aquatic Invasive Species Watercraft Inspector Intern
Aquatic Invasive Species Watercraft Inspector Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 82759
- Location: Various
- Telework Eligible: No
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- 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: Varies
- Travel Required: Yes
- 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
Are you passionate about the environment and looking to gain transferable experience as a conservation professional? Watercraft Inspectors inform and educate the public to the threats of ecologically harmful aquatic invasive species to Minnesota's waters. Inspectors work at public water access sites inspecting watercraft for invasive species, provide educational information to watercraft users and conduct brief surveys. Inspectors may work in remote locations as part of a team, or independently. Inspectors also support Conservation Officers with roadside checks, execute invasive plant removal, and conduct natural resource projects as needed.
Housing is not provided for these internships.
Days of work and hours will vary, 40 hours a week is expected. Working weekends and holidays is required. Depending on intern availability, this internship has the possibility of extending until October 2025. Positions will be assigned to a variety of lake locations in the areas noted below. Incumbent driving duties include being able to transport themselves and their equipment to their scheduled worksite each day. Incumbents may have access to a state vehicle, however if a state vehicle is not available, the incumbent must have access to transportation to the worksite.
This posting will be used to fill up to 46 vacancies in the following locations: Battle Lake (Glendalough State Park), Bemidji, Brainerd, Carlos (Lake Carlos State Park), Duluth, Frontenac, Grand Rapids, Hutchinson, Isle (Father Hennepin State Park), Marine on St Croix (William O’Brien State Park), Minnetonka, Pelican Rapids (Maplewood State Park), Shakopee, St. Paul, Sauk Rapids, Spicer, and Walker. After the posting close date, we will email applicants directly to request their preferred work location.
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; AND
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
• Willingness to work varying hours including weekends and holidays, in adverse weather conditions, and independently in the field in remote locations.
• Analytical skills sufficient to examine watercraft or water-related equipment to verify compliance.
• Interpersonal and communication skills sufficient to communicate regulations and compliance related information to a diverse community of recreational watercraft users.
• Ability to collect and record detailed survey data.
• Ability to follow regulatory protocols with minimal supervision independently and as part of a team.
Preferred Qualifications
• Majoring in one of the following: biology, ecology, environmental science, natural resources, fisheries and wildlife, enforcement, communications, recreation management, geology, sociology, psychology, or related field.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks within a professional setting.
• Demonstrated interest in environmental work through education, volunteer work, and/or hobbies.
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. 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 Travis Kinsell at travis.kinsell@state.mn.us or 320-753-0336.
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.