Working Title: Fisheries Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 90687
Location : Various
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 : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $19.00 /hr
Classified Status : Non-Status
Bargaining Unit/Union : 223 - Non-Employee/Unrep
Anticipated Start Date: May 2026
Anticipated End Date: August 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.
To Ensure Consideration You Must Follow The Instructions In The How To Apply Section Below.*
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides outdoor recreation activities and manages Minnesota's natural resources to create economic opportunity and a sustainable quality of life. We are driven to find talented, innovative employees to help us carry out this mission.
This posting will be used to fill up to 50 internships in the following locations: Aitkin, Baudette, Bemidji, Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, Duluth, Fergus Falls, Finland, Garrison, Glenwood, Grand Marais, Grand Rapids, Hinckley, Hutchinson, International Falls, Lake City, Lanesboro, Little Falls, Ortonville, Sauk Rapids, Shakopee, Spicer, St. Paul, Tower, Walker, Waterville, and Windom.
These internships require the interns to do a variety of fisheries survey work as part of a crew. They also may be involved in various aspects of fisheries management, research, or facility operations at the local level. These positions require teamwork and communication skills. The internships will provide opportunities to learn about and help implement DNR fisheries investigational programs. The work will be physically demanding, including climbing in and out of a boat in up to waist-deep water, heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds) and walking on soft or uneven ground, often in waist-deep and/or flowing water, and often through soft substrate and dense aquatic vegetation. Work often occurs in inclement weather, including hot summer days working without shade, heavy rain, and wind. Interns will be working in wet conditions frequently handling live and dead fish and other aquatic organisms, some with sharp teeth and spines including dissection of fish that are in varying degrees of decay.
These positions may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Housing is not provided with any of these internships, but local staff can provide suggestions on potential options. These internships may require overnight travel. When traveling, lodging and transportation are provided, and the cost of meals will be reimbursed per contract. After provided training, interns must be able to operate motorboats and large vehicles, sometimes towing trailers. The anticipated dates for these positions are variable, depending on the location but are typically mid-May through late August; positions may start in early May or not until early June, or could extend into September at some locations. Some internships may require the intern to work four 10-hour days with frequent overnight travel.
Primary emphases for each internship are:
Fisheries assessment work on lakes (including IBI) and rivers involving gill net, trap net, seining, electrofishing, and habitat surveys (Aitkin, Baudette, Bemidji, Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, Duluth, Fergus Falls, Finland, Glenwood, Grand Marais, Grand Rapids, Hutchinson, International Falls, Lake City, Lanesboro, Ortonville, Shakopee, Spicer, St. Paul, Tower, Walker, Waterville, and Windom locations).
Invasive carp and river monitoring (St. Paul and Lake City).
Minnesota River monitoring (Hutchinson).
Mille Lacs fisheries management (Garrison).
Research projects (Lake City)
Lake Superior fisheries management (Duluth)
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, Recreation Resource Management, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related degree. Please contact us if you are unsure if your major qualifies.
Ability to handle live and dead fish.
Interpersonal skills to effectively interact and communicate in person and remotely with staff and a diversecustomer base interested or involved in resource management.
Knowledge of personal computers and applications sufficient to complete data entry.
Ability to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions from a boat or while wading in the water.
Excellent human relations and communication skills sufficient to represent the position and Division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.
Preferred Qualifications
Coursework in fisheries management, fisheries science, ichthyology, fisheries techniques, general ecology, aquatic ecology, limnology, natural resource management, or related courses with a grade of C- or better.
Experience identifying native fish species and aquatic plants using taxonomic keys.
Experience with GPS and Geographic Information System (GIS).
Safety, CPR, First Aid training, and boater education safety certification.
Demonstrated attention to detail in recording data.
Experience trailering, backing, and operating boats.
Experience with outdoor field work, especially on water.
Demonstrated experience with physically demanding work, sports, or hobbies.
Experience handling live and dead fish.
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.
