Wetland Monitoring Intern

Working Title: Wetland Monitoring Intern

Job Class: Intern

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 82779

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : No

• Full/Part Time : Part-Time; 80%

• 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 : No

• 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.

The DNR is seeking an energized and motivated individual to assist the statewide Wetlands Status and Trends Monitoring Program (WSTMP), as part of the Minnesota Biological Survey (MBS). Interns will assist MBS wetland research scientists with interpretation of remotely sensed data (e.g., aerial imagery, LiDAR, satellite imagery) to detect and quantify statewide wetland and grassland change over time.

The work will include working in GIS to identify and interpret wetland signatures and patterns from existing wetland mapping over the past 20 years; review map data, aerial imagery, and complimentary resources to assess and quality control already-reported gains and losses of wetland acreage; and to identify, interpret, and map grassland signatures and patterns from aerial imagery and complimentary resources to quantify changes in grassland area between photo time-periods, and interpret remotely sensed data to attribute plausible causes of grassland change.

The position involves preparing and maintaining routine communication on work progress and findings to the project team.

This position requires a positive attitude, mental focus, attention to detail, and the ability to tolerate, persevere, and enjoy deskwork in GIS, spreadsheets, technical maps and other resources.

Housing for this internship is not provided.

This part-time (80%) position is anticipated to begin in mid-May and run through early September. Day-to-day schedule is between the hours of 8am-5pm as established by the incumbent and supervisor at the time of hire. Once established the work schedule will be very consistent throughout. This position is not eligible for telework.

Minimum Qualifications

To be eligible for an internship, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You must be a student at an accredited educational institution.

2. 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: biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental science, forestry, hydrology, GIS, or closely related field.

• Knowledge of interpreting remotely sensed data sources for ecological, environmental, or related purposes.

• Proficiency with GIS sufficient to enter and edit data using department applications.

• Proficiency with word processing and spreadsheets sufficient to enter and edit data using department applications.

• Organizational skills to accurately record, transcribe, and transfer data electronically.

• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a small team.

• Ability to work alone on very focused detailed projects for extended periods of time.

• Human relation and communication skills sufficient to represent the position and division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience collaborating on a research project, either in a project-based course or as part of a research group.

• Coursework or experience in interpreting remotely sensed data sources.

• Experience with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS).

Additional Requirements

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

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 ~~~ or email ~~~ . Please indicate what assistance is needed.