Working Title: Forestry Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 90602
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 : 02/09/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Forestry
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, Occasionally
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.
This posting will be used to fill multiple internships in the following locations: Aitkin, Backus, Bemidji, Brainerd, Baudette, Deer River, Grand Rapids, Littlefork, Park Rapids, Sandstone, Side Lake, Tower, Two Harbors, and Warroad, MN. During the application process, applicants will be able to choose their preferred location(s)/ program(s).
All of these positions will require the ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions and over difficult terrain the majority of the workday. These positions are anticipated to begin in April and run through August. Housing is not provided with any of these internships, but local staff are happy to help locate short-term housing nearby. These internships may require overnight travel. When traveling, lodging and transportation are provided, and cost of meals will be reimbursed.
Internship programs and locations:
Forestry Area Internship (14 positions):
Positions will focus on collecting data on state forest land (native plant community surveys, forest inventory, regeneration surveys, invasive species inventory, road infrastructure inventory, etc.). Interns will also assist local forestry staff appraising and scaling timber, writing silvicultural prescriptions, road maintenance, and other duties generally accomplished by DNR Forestry. There may also be opportunities for fire suppression if interested. Work schedule will be Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm.
Locations: Aitkin, Backus, Baudette, Bemidji, Brainerd, Deer River, Littlefork, Park Rapids, Sandstone, Side Lake, Tower, Two Harbors, Warroad.
The following locations offer specific opportunities in addition to the duties listed above:
Aitkin - Monitoring the effects of prescribed burns on red oak forests & assist with research investigating aspen mixed-wood silviculture systems with the University of Minnesota.
Side Lake - Assist with research investigating aspen mixed-wood silviculture systems with the University of Minnesota.
Deer River - Assist with research investigating aspen mixed-wood silviculture systems with the University of Minnesota.
Baudette - Assist with research by surveying tamarack stands impacted by eastern larch beetle (ELB) with the University of Minnesota.
Warroad - Assist with research by surveying tamarack stands impacted by eastern larch beetle (ELB) with the University of Minnesota.
Forest Inventory Verification Forestry Internship (3 positions):
These positions will include collecting forest inventory plot data, measuring tree diameters, species, height, and other data in forested stands. Requires navigation to plot locations on foot, use of maps, compass, and GPS. Duties may also include, terrestrial invasive species data collection, BMP timber sale site monitoring, regeneration surveys, or other tasks. This position will work 10-hour days, four (4) days per week. Hotels, transportation, and meal reimbursement will be provided when working in travel status away from duty station.
Location: Grand Rapids, MN.
Guideline Monitoring Program (GMP) Forestry Internship (3 position):
This position will monitor and evaluate Best Management Practice (BMP) site level - implementation on selected recent timber harvest sites. Data collection will include assessment of harvest quality, site mitigation and impacts from logging equipment. Analysis of the construction and location of logging roads, landings, berms, filter strips, water bars, wetland crossings, presence of ruts, or other logging and forestry impacts. Duties may also include terrestrial invasive species data collection, forest inventory plot data collection, regeneration surveys, or other tasks. This position will work 10-hour days, four (4) days per week. Hotels, transportation, and meal reimbursement will be provided when working in travel status away from duty station.
Location: Grand Rapids, MN.
Wildland Fire Internship (1 position):
Positions will focus on performing GIS mapping and digitizing of prescribed burn perimeters and fuel treatment projects. Additional work may include Firewise Home Risk assessments, wildfire prevention events, and fire planning projects as directed by supervisor. Majority of duties will be completed on a computer in an office environment. Occasional fieldwork and travel may occur, including exposure to variable weather conditions of Minnesota summers. Work schedule will be Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm and may include opportunities for fire assignments if interested.
Location: MN Interagency Fire Center (MIFC) Grand Rapids, MN.
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: Forestry, Natural Resources, or Wildfire Science/Ecology with an emphasis in Forestry, or similar program focusing on Forest Management. Please contact us if you are unsure if your major qualifies.
Ability to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Ability to identify trees and forest plants of Minnesota.
Navigation skills sufficient to travel through the field.
Knowledge of and skill using standard forestry data collection tools (e.g., compass, prism, clinometer, ArcGIS Pro).
Excellent human relation and communication skills sufficient to represent the position and Division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.
Ability to collaborate effectively and contribute positively as a productive member of a team.
Preferred Qualifications
Current student in a program accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF).
Safety, CPR, and/or first aid training.
Completed National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) S130, S190 & L180 courses.
Experience using standard forestry data collection tools (e.g., compass, prism, clinometer, ArcGIS pro)
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. 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.
