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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · 7 hours ago

Waterfowl Banding Intern

Bemidji, MN

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$19/hr - $19/hr

Start in 2026 Summer

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking Waterfowl Banding Interns to assist with waterfowl banding projects in Bemidji. The role involves fieldwork including capturing waterfowl, data collection and entry, and interaction with the public and coworkers in a professional manner.

Government Administration

No H1B

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

Qualification

BiologyNatural ResourcesWaterfowl EcologyField Equipment MaintenanceGPS NavigationData EntryMicrosoft ExcelWildlife BiologyCommunication SkillsTeamworkProblem Solving

Required

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

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

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

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

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

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