You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.
Email

Fish Habitat Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 82756
  • Location: Little Falls
  • 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: Monday - Friday
  • 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

 

This position assists the River Ecology Unit in the collection of stream fish-habitat data. The primary responsibility for these internships will be to work as a team to assist the crew leader in the collection of biological and physical data on streams, predominately warm water streams. These positions require swimming while wearing a lifejacket and pulling large nets. Duties include fish identification, collection of voucher specimens, stream habitat and cover quantification, and use of wading rods with current meters, electrofishing equipment, purse seine, GPS, and boats.
Additional duties may include organizing equipment and maintenance, data entry in Microsoft Access and ArcGIS, topographic surveying, and geomorphologic monitoring of stream restoration projects. The Minnesota DNR River Ecology Unit is heavily involved in long term monitoring of habitat conditions and biodiversity, development of habitat preference curves, and restoration of rivers.

The work season is April - September, but eligible candidates must be available from June 2nd to August 15th. Preferred work dates are May 7 to August 29th. The work schedule could vary depending on weather and streamflow conditions. These internships will require overnight travel, 2-4 nights per week. When traveling overnight, lodging and transportation are provided, and the cost of meals will be reimbursed. Interns are responsible for their own housing and living expenses on their off time (i.e., nights not in travel status and weekends).
 

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: natural resources, fisheries, aquatic ecology/ biology, or water resource management. If you are unsure if your major qualifies, please contact us.
• Coursework in ichthyology.
• Ability to identify fish using dichotomous keys.
• Ability to work well as part of a team and independently.
• Ability to swim.
• Willingness to travel overnight, 2 - 4 nights per week on short notice.
• Willingness to work extended shifts of 10 - 12 hours as needed and in adverse weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with fish identification under field conditions.
• Experience identifying non-game fish species.
• Experience with electrofishing.
• Experience trailering and towing.

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 Matthew Kvam at matthew.kvam@state.mn.us or 651-259-5113.

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.