Working Title: Field Ecology Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 90943
Location : New Ulm
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 : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes
Salary Range: $19.00
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.
This position exists to support Regional Ecologist and Nongame Wildlife Specialist staff in the protection and management of rare plants and animals, plant communities, and high biodiversity sites through terrestrial and wetland plant and plant community surveys, vegetation monitoring, wildlife surveys, and other projects throughout the South Region. Additionally, this position may assist staff with delivering training programs, data entry and analysis efforts. This position will involve working in rough terrain and dense vegetation and requires extended travel to and from field sites, including possible overnight travel, long days, and adjustments in schedule based on the survey needs. Note that housing is not provided for this position, however any overnight travel/stays will be paid. Responsibilities include:
Assist staff to collect field data on terrestrial and wetland native plants, animals, and plant communities so that scientific information is available to support protection and management of rare plants, animals, plant communities, and high biodiversity sites.
Assist staff to compile, enter, and analyze data on wildlife, terrestrial and wetland native plants and plant communities so that scientific information is available to support protection and management of rare plants, plant communities, nongame wildlife, and high biodiversity sites.
Assist staff to collaborate with natural resource professionals and educators to educate, train and provide tools for stakeholders in the work area about the importance of biodiversity conservation, and integration of ecology, conservation biology, and resource management.
Conduct administrative tasks necessary to carry out responsibilities according to state standards so that activities are within the guidance of department and state policies and to ensure employee safety and enhance employee work performance.
Minimum Qualifications
To be eligible for this Internship, you must meet the following requirements:
You must be a student at an accredited educational institution.
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 fields: natural resources, botany, biology, wildlife, ecology, geographic information systems, environmental policy and planning, or related.
Knowledge of Midwest natural ecosystems, with particular emphasis on terrestrial plants, prairie ecology and botany.
Ability to use technical resources to identify plants and wildlife to species.
Ability and willingness to work in remote field locations and adverse conditions.
Ability to navigate in remote areas using a compass, maps, and GPS equipment.
Ability to accurately record data on field forms and electronic devices.
Ability to communicate effectively and to follow instructions and protocols
Ability and willingness to follow established safe work practices and complete work as directed.
Ability and willingness to work an adaptive schedule that changes depending on the survey requirements and season.
Preferred Qualifications
At least one season of experience doing nongame wildlife, native vegetation and/or habitat field assessments where species level identification was required.
Knowledge of Minnesota's native wildlife, plants and ecosystems including common and rare native plants of southern Minnesota.
Proficiency with ArcGIS and Microsoft Office software to produce map products and enter and analyze data.
Ability to work independently to complete assigned tasks, including vegetation surveys, wildlife monitoring projects, and data management.
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.
