Working Title: Conservation Research Assistant - Aquatics, Turtles / Mussels
Job Class: Intern
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden
Job ID : 91011
Location : Apple Valley
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Intern
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 12/24/2025
Closing Date : 01/14/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoo Gardens-Non Employee
Division/Unit : Conservation / Conservation & Research
Work Shift/Work Hours : 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Days of Work : Monday - Friday; varies/may change for event scheduling
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $20.00 hourly
Classified Status : Non-Status
Bargaining Unit/Union : 223 - Non-Employee/Unrep
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Anticipated Dates : May 15 through August 15
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.
This posting may be used to fill multiple paid internships. One position will handle Turtles, and one position will handle Mussels.
Conservation Research Assistant - Turtles
Conservation Research Assistant - Mussels
This position assists daily operations of the Minnesota Zoo's Conservation Program, with particular emphasis on Minnesota's threatened and endangered species of turtles and mussels. This position will support field research efforts; help with the collection and management of field data, perform data entry; provide care for imperiled turtles and mussels; assist in the management of tools and materials; and other related tasks.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Demonstrate and maintain appropriate workplace behaviors and protocols as established by the Minnesota Zoo so that animal's health and well-being is maintained, staff have a safe and respectful work environment, and guests have a welcoming and extraordinary experience.
Implement established field research and husbandry protocols associated with native turtles and mussels to ensure the highest standards of scientific integrity and animal care are maintained.
Collect data associated with all field research and husbandry activities and log all activities / enter data to ensure appropriate record-keeping that will facilitate increased scientific knowledge of native turtles and mussels.
Maintain spaces so that proper health and quarantine procedures are assured.
Perform other duties as assigned or apparent to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and its projects.
Minimum Qualifications
The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To ensure accurate evaluation, your resume must clearly describe your experience in the required areas. For each job, include whether it was full-time, part-time, or intermittent/on-call; how many hours per week you worked; and the month and year you started and ended.
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
Knowledge of basic biology and zoology.
High level of attention to detail.
Interest in zoo-based conservation of wildlife.
Computer skills in word processing, spreadsheet and other software applications sufficient to create emails and enter, compile, store and retrieve data.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Excellent human relation and communication skills sufficient to represent the position in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience conducting field research related to ecology and / or wildlife biology.
Experience working with reptiles and / or native mussels.
Work experience with animal husbandry.
Experience with aquatic systems, or an interest in learning about them.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work outside under potentially extreme weather conditions.
Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances on uneven and occasionally wet terrain.
Ability to lift, carry and move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to operate a golf cart, i.e., possess a valid driver's license.
Manual dexterity sufficient to operate basic hand tools, light power tools, sprayers, and basic cleaning supplies.
Ability to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, stand, walk, run, jump, push, pull, lift, stand still, and sit still.
Additional Requirements
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 Minnesota Zoo 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 including fingerprinting
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
