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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · 16 hours ago

Mussel Propagation Intern

Lake City, MN

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$19/hr - $19/hr

Start in 2026 Summer

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is dedicated to improving the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. This internship position focuses on assisting with freshwater mussel and fish husbandry, aquarium system maintenance, and mussel propagation activities, including water quality monitoring and record keeping.

Government Administration

Responsibilities

Assist with routine freshwater mussel and fish husbandry, aquarium system maintenance, and mussel propagation activities

Extensive use of a microscope to remove zooplankton and other invertebrates from mussel culture tanks

Counting and measuring juvenile mussels, and cleaning equipment relating to mussel propagation

Water quality monitoring; animal feeding, handling and health assessments; and record keeping for many species of fish and mussels

Assist with experiments relating to laboratory rearing systems for mussels

Qualification

Microscope operationAquatic animal careWater quality monitoringRecord keepingSCUBA certificationTeamworkCommunication skillsOrganization skills

Required

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

Majoring in one of the following: biology, natural resources, fisheries and wildlife, recreation resource management, ecology, or environmental science

Ability to follow directions and work independently and well as part of a team

Ability to work at a microscope in a laboratory for extended periods of time

Ability to snorkel in streams and work in a wide range of field conditions (cold, wet, mud, bugs, etc.)

Excellent human relation and communication skills sufficient to represent the position and Division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner

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

Preferred

Excellent record keeping and organization skills

Experience caring for aquatic animals

Experience working with dissecting or compound microscopes

Experience trailering and backing boats, campers, utility trailers, or heavy equipment

SCUBA certification

Benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans

Fertility care, including IVF

Diabetes care

Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children

6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children

Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)

Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death

Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury

Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care

Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Training, classes, and professional development

Tuition reimbursement

Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support

Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues

Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Company

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) works with citizens to conserve and manage the state's natural resources, to provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and to provide for commercial uses of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life.

Founded in 1971