Field Ecology Intern
Working Title: Field Ecology Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
• Job ID: 82777
• Location: New Ulm
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Intern
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 1/2/2025
• Closing Date: 1/31/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Ecological & Water Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $19/hour
• Classified Status: Non-Status
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 223 - Non-Employee/Unrepresented
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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 position exists to support Regional Ecologist and Nongame Wildlife Specialist staff in the protection and management of rare plants and animals, plant communities, and high biodiversity sites through terrestrial and wetland plant and plant community surveys, vegetation monitoring, and other projects throughout the South Region including wetland, and prairie ecological communities. Additionally, this position may assist staff with delivering training programs, data entry and analysis efforts. This position will involve working in rough terrain and dense vegetation and requires extended travel to and from field sites, including possible overnight travel and long days. Note that housing is not provided for this position, however any overnight travel/stays will be paid. Responsibilities include:
• Assist staff to collect field data on terrestrial and wetland native plants, animals, and plant communities so that scientific information is available to support protection and management of rare plants, animals, plant communities, and high biodiversity sites.
• Assist staff to compile, enter, and analyze data on wildlife, terrestrial and wetland native plants and plant communities so that scientific information is available to support protection and management of rare plants, plant communities, nongame wildlife, and high biodiversity sites.
• Assist staff to collaborate with natural resource professionals and educators to educate, train and provide tools for stakeholders in the work area about the importance of biodiversity conservation, and integration of ecology, conservation biology, and resource management.
• Conduct administrative tasks necessary to carry out responsibilities according to state standards so that activities are within the guidance of department and state policies and to ensure employee safety and enhance employee work performance.
Minimum Qualifications
To be eligible for this Internship, you must meet the following requirements:
• 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.
AND
• Majoring in one of the following fields: natural resources, botany, biology, ecology, geographic information systems, environmental policy and planning, or related.
• Knowledge of Midwest natural ecosystems, with particular emphasis on terrestrial plant ecology and botany.
• Ability to use technical resources to identify plants to species.
• Ability and willingness to work in remote field locations and adverse conditions.
• Ability to navigate in remote areas using a compass, maps, and GPS equipment.
• Ability to accurately record data on field forms and electronic devices.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability and willingness to follow established safe work practices and complete work as directed.
Preferred Qualifications
• At least one season of experience doing native vegetation and/or habitat field assessments where species level identification was required.
• Knowledge of Minnesota’s native plant communities including common and rare terrestrial and wetland native plants of northern Minnesota.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS and Microsoft Office software to produce map products and enter and analyze data.
• Ability to work independently to complete assigned tasks, including vegetation surveys, monitoring projects, and data management.
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. 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
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about the position, contact Theresa Ebbenga at Theresa.ebbenga@state.mn.us or 507-722-4872.
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
• 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
Support to help you reach your career goals:
• 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:
• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• 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
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants With Disabilities
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
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