Working Title: Waterfowl Banding Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 90958
Location : Bemidji
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Intern
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 01/02/2026
Closing Date : 02/02/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Fish and Wildlife
Work Shift/Work Hours : Rotating Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, as needed
Salary Range: $19.00 / hourly
Classified Status : Non-Status
Bargaining Unit/Union : 223 - Non-Employee/Unrep
Anticipated Start Date: June 29, 2026
Anticipated End Date: August 21, 2026
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.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking to fill up to 2 Waterfowl Banding internships located in Bemidji. Positions are anticipated to run from 6/29/26-8/21/26. This position serves as an intern to assist with waterfowl banding projects in the WWPRG. Waterfowl (ducks and geese) are an important component of wetland ecosystems and are of great importance as game animals. The intern will assist NR Specialist and NR Techs in field work, including capture of waterfowl from wetlands using small boats, mud motors, traps, or other gear as needed. The interns will identify, age, sex, band, and humanely handle waterfowl. Interns will attach leg bands to waterfowl, accurately record and enter data, write project summaries, maintain, and repair field equipment, assist with various natural resource research projects, communicate with private landowners, and interact with the public and coworkers in a professional manner. The work can be physically demanding, including heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds), walking in wetlands with unconsolidated bottoms, climbing in and out of small boats, and often in waist-deep and/or flowing water. The position will be based at the Wetlands Research Group office in Bemidji, MN, with travel to field sites.
Interns must be a student at an accredited educational institution and a student advisor must certify that the student will either receive academic credit or fulfill an academic requirement. The signature of a sponsoring academic instructor is required prior to beginning an internship.
Responsibilities:
Under direction of the lead worker, interns will collect biological data in the field responsibly and safely including collecting samples and data under challenging weather conditions and sometimes for long periods of time.
Perform accurate entry of collected data into datasheets and databases.
Assist lead worker with summarizing data into tables, figures, or summaries as needed to meet project goals using computer software available in the WWPRG.
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
Majoring in one of the following areas: Biology, Natural Resources, Fisheries or Wildlife Management, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Geology, Aquatic Biology, Botany, or related degree. Please contact us if you are unsure if your major qualifies.
Keen interest in waterfowl ecology.
Knowledge of maintenance techniques for field equipment while in remote locations, including small boats/canoes with outboard motors, trucks (4WD) towing boat trailers, and generators while in pursuit of waterfowl.
Knowledge necessary for safe operation of field equipment including small boats, outboard motors, mud motors, boat trailers, and generators used in the field while capturing waterfowl.
Knowledge about use of maps and GPS units to navigate in unfamiliar areas including remote forest roads and on wetlands during the day and at night.
Ability to use maps and GPS units to navigate in unfamiliar areas including remote forest roads and on wetlands during the day and at night.
Ability and willingness to perform field work at night in remote locations.
Knowledge of Minnesota's breeding waterfowl and their associated habitat preferences.
Excellent human relation and communication skills sufficient to represent the position and Division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.
Knowledge of techniques for safely driving trucks with small boat trailers attached, and maneuvering boat trailers at boat launch sites efficiently (includes backing and launching small boats).
Knowledge of ecology, wildlife biology, and/or waterfowl biology.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience handling wild animals for marking purposes, especially experience banding waterfowl or other migratory birds.
Skills necessary for proficient use of Microsoft Excel and knowledge of basic computer software.
Experience constructing, repairing, and maintaining equipment used for the live capture of wild waterfowl.
Experience maintaining accurate data records and field notes.
Experience in identification of wild waterfowl species normally encountered in Minnesota.
Experience identifying waterfowl to age and sex based on plumage including identification of female ducks, males in eclipse plumage, and ducklings in downy plumage.
Knowledge of invasive species concerns for Minnesota lakes and experience keeping equipment free of aquatic invasive species.
Ability to identify aquatic invasive species found in Minnesota.
Experience safely driving trucks with small boat trailers attached, and maneuvering boat trailers at boat launch sites efficiently (includes backing and launching small boats).
Experience safely operating and maintaining equipment while in remote locations, including small boats/canoes with outboard motors, trucks (4WD) towing boat trailers, and generators.
Ability to use ArcGIS.
Experience interacting with local landowners.
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
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.
