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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · 7 hours ago

Aquatic Invasive Species Watercraft Inspector Intern

Minnesota, United States

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$19/hr - $19/hr

Start in 2026

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking an Aquatic Invasive Species Watercraft Inspector Intern to help protect Minnesota's waters from ecologically harmful invasive species. The intern will inform and educate the public, inspect watercraft, and support conservation efforts at various water access sites.

Government Administration

Responsibilities

Inform and educate the public to the threats of ecologically harmful aquatic invasive species to Minnesota's waters

Inspect watercraft for invasive species

Provide educational information to watercraft users

Conduct brief surveys

Support Conservation Officers with roadside checks

Execute invasive plant removal

Conduct natural resource projects as needed

Qualification

Analytical skillsRegulatory complianceClass D Driver’s licenseData collectionInterpersonal skillsCommunication skillsBiology courseworkEcology courseworkEnvironmental science courseworkNatural resources courseworkRecreation management courseworkEnforcement courseworkCommunications courseworkCustomer service experienceWatercraft knowledge

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

Willingness to work varying hours including weekends and holidays, in adverse weather conditions, and independently in the field in remote locations

Analytical skills sufficient to examine watercraft or water-related equipment to verify compliance

Interpersonal and communication skills sufficient to communicate regulations and compliance related information to a diverse community of recreational watercraft users

Ability to collect and record detailed survey data

Ability to follow regulatory protocols with minimal supervision independently and as part of a team

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

Coursework in one or more of the following areas: biology, ecology, environmental science, natural resources, recreation management, enforcement, and communications

Experience in customer service

Working knowledge of watercraft and their parts

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

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