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Wildlife Research Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 82336
  • Location: Madelia
  • 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
  • Days of Work: Varies
  • Travel Required: Yes - Travel to field sites for data collection and travel to meetings will be required.
  • Salary Range: $19 / Hourly
  • Classified Status: Non-Status
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 223 - Non-Employee/Unrepresented
  • Anticipated Start Date: Mid-May 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

 

*To Ensure Consideration You Must Follow The Instructions In The How To Apply Section Below.**

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.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife is seeking to hire one (1) Wildlife Research Intern located in Madelia. Housing may be available at the Research Station in Madelia; some restrictions apply This internship is intended for students majoring in the field of Wildlife Biology/Ecology, Wildlife Management, or Conservation Biology. This position provides interns with an introduction to wildlife research and management through on-the-job training. The wildlife research intern will learn about and help implement DNR/Division of Fish and Wildlife (FAW) wildlife research and population monitoring projects, primarily upland game (e.g., pheasants and wild turkeys) and ungulate (e.g., white-tailed deer and elk) projects led by staff in the Farmland Wildlife Populations and Research Group (FaWPRG), by assisting in the collection of field data and biological samples, processing of samples, recording of observational notes, entry of data into electronic files, maintenance of equipment and supplies, and writing summaries of activities.

The intern will assist FaWPRG staff in all aspects of fieldwork, including capture of wild game species (e.g., white-tailed deer fawns, Canada geese, elk) for marking and radiotracking purposes. Communicating with private landowners and members of the public in a professional manner will be necessary. The work can be physically demanding, including heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds) and walking on uneven terrain (including grasslands and wetlands) while transporting a backpack and/or equipment. Exposure to the elements (primarily heat, direct sun exposure, and humidity) and biting insects will also occur. The intern must be comfortable working as both part of a team and alone, often in remote locations. The position will be based at the FaWPRG in Madelia, MN with travel to other research stations and field sites. Some overnight travel may be required to meet project data collection needs. Driving will be necessary including on minimum maintenance roads and limited access areas where 4WD may be needed; field trucks are provided.

This position will be required to work a shifting schedule based on project needs, including some early mornings, late evenings or nights, weekends, and holidays; schedules will be provided in advance. The anticipated start and end dates for this position are approximately mid-May through mid to late August.  

Current active upland game and ungulate research and monitoring projects that the intern will be involved in assisting with include: 

  • An insecticide study to investigate the prevalence and concentrations of neonicotinoids (neonics) in pheasants and their grassland habitats, including dissection of roosters and their tissues for later chemical analysis.
  • A GPS collar study to investigate white-tailed deer fawn survival, movement, and causes of mortality.
  • A camera trap study to estimate deer densities in the forest zone.
  • A long-term and collaborative monitoring effort to evaluate vegetation responses to various prairie management efforts.
  • Goose banding opportunities in collaboration with area wildlife management staff.
  • Annual August roadside surveys to collect data on common farmland wildlife species including pheasants, partridge, rabbits, doves, cranes, and deer.
  • A new research project investigating the life history characteristics of elk in northwest Minnesota, including adult and calf survival, movement, and causes of mortality

 

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

  • Majoring in one of the following areas: Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources, Conservation Biology, or related degree. Please contact us if you are unsure if your major qualifies.
  • Ability to use standard field and lab techniques to collect biological data in the field responsibly and safely.
  • Ability and willingness to work long hours in adverse weather and environmental conditions (hot, wet, mud, bugs, snakes, etc.). 
  • Ability to lift and carry equipment while walking through uneven terrain.
  • Ability to read maps and navigate with compass and GPS.
  • Ability to follow written protocols.
  • Ability to learn how to safely and properly restrain wildlife captured for marking and tracking purposes.
  • Ability to maintain strict quality control to ensure data are recorded properly onto datasheets or databases.
  • Proficiency with basic computer programs including Microsoft Word and Excel, and ability to learn data entry into Access.
  • Ability to work alone and as part of a team.
  • Ability to operate 4WD vehicles including pick-up trucks on minimally maintained roads.
  • Excellent human relations and communication skills sufficient to represent the position and Division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Coursework in wildlife management (e.g., wildlife population dynamics, wildlife habitat, wildlife techniques, ornithology, mammalogy), ecology, natural resource management, conservation biology, or related courses with a grade of C or better.
  • Experience with radiotelemetry, including triangulation and homing techniques.
  • Experience with identifying common farmland wildlife and other game species including upland game birds (e.g., pheasants, grouse, turkeys), mammals (e.g., deer, mesocarnivores, furbearers), and waterfowl.
  • Experience with reading maps and navigating with compass and/or GPS to move within and among field sites.
  • Experience with outdoor field work.
  • Experience troubleshooting and resolving problems.

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.

Within your application, submit two attachments.  In the ‘Resume’ attachment, include a copy of your resume. In the ‘Cover Letter’ attachment, include a copy of your academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable). These two attachments must be in either .doc or .pdf format. 

If you have questions about the position, contact Dr. Nicole Davros at Nicole.Davros@state.mn.us or 507-578-8916

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.