Working Title: Aquatic Invasive Species Watercraft Inspector Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 90939
Location : Various
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Intern
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 1/2/2026
Closing Date : 2/2/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Ecological & Water Resources
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Varies
Travel Required : Yes
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 (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.
Are you passionate about the environment and looking to gain transferable experience as a conservation professional? Watercraft Inspectors inform and educate the public to the threats of ecologically harmful aquatic invasive species to Minnesota's waters. Inspectors work at public water access sites inspecting watercraft for invasive species, provide educational information to watercraft users and conduct brief surveys. Inspectors may work in remote locations as part of a team, or independently. Inspectors also support Conservation Officers with roadside checks, execute invasive plant removal, and conduct natural resource projects as needed.
Housing is not provided for these internships.
Days of work and hours will vary, 40 hours a week is expected. Working weekends and holidays is required. Depending on intern availability, this internship has the possibility of extending until October 2025. Positions will be assigned to a variety of lake locations in the areas noted below. Incumbent driving duties include being able to transport themselves and their equipment to their scheduled worksite each day. Incumbents may have access to a state vehicle, however if a state vehicle is not available, the incumbent must have access to transportation to the worksite.
This posting will be used to fill up to 46 vacancies in the following locations: Battle Lake (Glendalough State Park), Bemidji, Brainerd, Carlos (Lake Carlos State Park), Duluth, Frontenac, Grand Rapids, Hutchinson, Isle (Father Hennepin State Park), Marine on St Croix (William O'Brien State Park), Minnetonka, Pelican Rapids (Maplewood State Park), Shakopee, St. Paul, Sauk Rapids, Spicer, and Walker. After the posting close date, we will email applicants directly to request their preferred work location.
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
Willingness to work varying hours including weekends and holidays, in adverse weather conditions, and independently in the field in remote locations.
Analytical skills sufficient to examine watercraft or water-related equipment to verify compliance.
Interpersonal and communication skills sufficient to communicate regulations and compliance related information to a diverse community of recreational watercraft users.
Ability to collect and record detailed survey data.
Ability to follow regulatory protocols with minimal supervision independently and as part of a team.
Preferred Qualifications
Coursework in one or more of the following areas: biology, ecology, environmental science, natural resources, recreation management, enforcement, and communications.
Experience in customer service.
Working knowledge of watercraft and their parts.
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
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.
