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Forestry Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 90602
  • Location: Various
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Intern
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 01/02/2026
  • Closing Date: 02/09/2026
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Forestry
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes, Occasionally
  • Salary Range: $19.00 / 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

 

This posting will be used to fill multiple internships in the following locations: Aitkin, Backus, Bemidji, Brainerd, Baudette, Deer River, Grand Rapids, Littlefork, Park Rapids, Sandstone, Side Lake, Tower, Two Harbors, and Warroad, MN. During the application process, applicants will be able to choose their preferred location(s)/ program(s).

All of these positions will require the ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions and over difficult terrain the majority of the workday. These positions are anticipated to begin in April and run through August. Housing is not provided with any of these internships, but local staff are happy to help locate short-term housing nearby. These internships may require overnight travel. When traveling, lodging and transportation are provided, and cost of meals will be reimbursed.

Internship programs and locations:

Forestry Area Internship (14 positions):

Positions will focus on collecting data on state forest land (native plant community surveys, forest inventory, regeneration surveys, invasive species inventory, road infrastructure inventory, etc.). Interns will also assist local forestry staff appraising and scaling timber, writing silvicultural prescriptions, road maintenance, and other duties generally accomplished by DNR Forestry. There may also be opportunities for fire suppression if interested. Work schedule will be Monday – Friday 8:00am-4:30pm. 

  • Locations: Aitkin, Backus, Baudette, Bemidji, Brainerd, Deer River, Littlefork, Park Rapids, Sandstone, Side Lake, Tower, Two Harbors, Warroad. 
  • The following locations offer specific opportunities in addition to the duties listed above:
    • Aitkin – Monitoring the effects of prescribed burns on red oak forests & assist with research investigating aspen mixed-wood silviculture systems with the University of Minnesota.
    • Side Lake – Assist with research investigating aspen mixed-wood silviculture systems with the University of Minnesota.
    • Deer River – Assist with research investigating aspen mixed-wood silviculture systems with the University of Minnesota.
    • Baudette – Assist with research by surveying tamarack stands impacted by eastern larch beetle (ELB) with the University of Minnesota.
    • Warroad – Assist with research by surveying tamarack stands impacted by eastern larch beetle (ELB) with the University of Minnesota.

Forest Inventory Verification Forestry Internship (3 positions):

These positions will include collecting forest inventory plot data, measuring tree diameters, species, height, and other data in forested stands. Requires navigation to plot locations on foot, use of maps, compass, and GPS.  Duties may also include, terrestrial invasive species data collection, BMP timber sale site monitoring, regeneration surveys, or other tasks. This position will work 10-hour days, four (4) days per week. Hotels, transportation, and meal reimbursement will be provided when working in travel status away from duty station. 

  • Location: Grand Rapids, MN.

Guideline Monitoring Program (GMP) Forestry Internship (3 position):

This position will monitor and evaluate Best Management Practice (BMP) site level - implementation on selected recent timber harvest sites. Data collection will include assessment of harvest quality, site mitigation and impacts from logging equipment. Analysis of the construction and location of logging roads, landings, berms, filter strips, water bars, wetland crossings, presence of ruts, or other logging and forestry impacts. Duties may also include terrestrial invasive species data collection, forest inventory plot data collection, regeneration surveys, or other tasks. This position will work 10-hour days, four (4) days per week. Hotels, transportation, and meal reimbursement will be provided when working in travel status away from duty station.

  • Location: Grand Rapids, MN.

Wildland Fire Internship (1 position):

Positions will focus on performing GIS mapping and digitizing of prescribed burn perimeters and fuel treatment projects. Additional work may include Firewise Home Risk assessments, wildfire prevention events, and fire planning projects as directed by supervisor. Majority of duties will be completed on a computer in an office environment. Occasional fieldwork and travel may occur, including exposure to variable weather conditions of Minnesota summers. Work schedule will be Monday – Friday 8:00am-4:30pm and may include opportunities for fire assignments if interested. 

  • Location: MN Interagency Fire Center (MIFC) Grand Rapids, MN.

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: Forestry, Natural Resources, or Wildfire Science/Ecology with an emphasis in Forestry, or similar program focusing on Forest Management. Please contact us if you are unsure if your major qualifies.
  • Ability to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions.
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to identify trees and forest plants of Minnesota.
  • Navigation skills sufficient to travel through the field.
  • Knowledge of and skill using standard forestry data collection tools (e.g., compass, prism, clinometer, ArcGIS Pro).
  • Excellent human relation and communication skills sufficient to represent the position and Division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively and contribute positively as a productive member of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Current student in a program accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF).
  • Safety, CPR, and/or first aid training.
  • Completed National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) S130, S190 & L180 courses. 
  • Experience using standard forestry data collection tools (e.g., compass, prism, clinometer, ArcGIS pro)

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 Austin Dane at austin.dane@state.mn.us or 612-401-1433.

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.