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Working Title: Mussel Survey Intern

Job Class: Intern

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

+ **Job ID** : 90932

+ **Location** : Lake City

+ **Telework Eligible** : No

+ **Full/Part Time** : Full-Time

+ **Regular/Temporary** : Intern

+ **Who May Apply** : Open to all qualified job seekers

+ **Date Posted** : 1/2/2026

+ **Closing Date** : 2/2/2026

+ **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:** $19.00/hour

+ **Classified Status** : Non-Status

+ **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 223 - Non-Employee/Unrepresented

+ **FLSA Status** : Nonexempt

+ Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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 assist in conducting freshwater mussel and snail surveys in selected rivers and lakes statewide in Minnesota. This position also provides dive safety support, assists with mussel propagation as needed, and assists with mussel data entry and research as part of the statewide mussel survey, monitoring, and restoration program.

The internship will require some overnight travel. While on travel status from the primary work location, lodging and transportation are provided and the cost of meals will be reimbursed. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to the primary work site in Lake City. Housing is not provided for this internship.

This position is a set duration 06/1/2026 -08/28/2026 – However the start and end dates may be flexible to accommodate class schedules and may be extended to 10/2/2026 depending on funding. Weekly work schedule could vary depending on weather and river conditions.

This posting is intended to hire up to four people.

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, natural resources, fisheries and wildlife, recreation resource management, ecology, or environmental science. If you are unsure if your major qualifies, please contact us.

+ Ability to be SCUBA certified by the date of hire.

+ Ability to perform multiple dives or snorkeling surveys per day from a boat in cold water with low visibility.

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

+ Ability to lift and carry heavy equipment.

+ Ability to work with a small group of people over extended hours.

+ Ability to travel for a week on short notice and work odd hours.

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

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

Preferred Qualifications

+ SCUBA certification.

+ Excellent record keeping and organization skills.

+ Experience diving or snorkeling in cold water with low visibility.

+ Experience trailing and backing boats, campers, utility trailers, or heavy equipment.

+ Experience identifying native freshwater mussels (not Zebra Mussels).

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

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 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.