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River Crew Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 92154
  • Location: Grand Rapids
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Intern
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 02/12/2026
  • Closing Date: 03/04/2026
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Parks and Trails
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: No
  • Salary Range: $19.00
  • 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 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.

We are currently seeking to fill up to 1 River Crew internship at Area 2A in Grand Rapids. This positions season dates are anticipated to be May 21st - August 25th. 

This position exists to provide maintenance to water recreation facilities within Area 2A, which encompasses Itasca, Aitkin, Koochiching, Cass and St. Louis Counties. The position reports to Grand Rapids each morning. The primary duties of the position are to maintain quality camping facilities at 45 water campsites in the five-county area. The intern may also assist with the area's public water access maintenance and development duties. Additional opportunities to assist with DNR natural resource projects within the area may be available for limited portions of the employee's workload. This employee will work with at least one other person in very remote locations. Operation of and travel by boat is required.

Normal days of work will be Monday-Thursday from 6:00 am-4:30 pm. Housing is not provided.

Responsibilities include:

  • Mow grass, cut vegetation, clean and paint facilities, maintain signage, pick up trash, and perform other basic maintenance duties at campgrounds, water campsites, and water accesses.
  • Maintain and replace picnic tables, fire rings, toilets, fences, etc.
  • Operate equipment such as trucks with trailers, motorized boats, canoes, push mowers, and ATVs.
  • Operate hand tools such as loppers, saws, hammers, drills, ratchet straps, shovels, and rakes.
  • Operate power tools such as weed whips, pole pruners, and brush cutters.
  • Follow established safe work practices, safety policies, and procedures at all times.
  • Perform responsibilities in a manner that supports a healthy, safe, and productive work environment.

This position requires occasionally lifting articles such as 50-pound bags of feed maximum and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

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

  • Ability to follow directions and work well independently or as part of a team.
  • Excellent human relation and communication skills sufficient to represent the position and Division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.
  • Ability to operate a motor vehicle, a motorboat, and paddle a canoe in rapid moving water.
  • Ability to work on steep rugged slopes, in rock-filled streams, and in adverse weather and environmental conditions.
  • Ability to recognize emergency situations and facilitate emergency response communications.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Enrolled in Natural Resources Management, Forestry, Geography, Outdoor Recreation, or related degree program.
  • Knowledge of trails and water recreation facility design, construction, and function.
  • Ability to adapt plans and projects appropriately to changing conditions on the project site.
  • Knowledge of carpentry skills to build and service facilities.\
  • Knowledge of landscaping and planting procedures for developing trail and water recreation facilities.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

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 Jim LaBarre at jim.labarre@state.mn.us or 218-328-8984.

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.