Internship - Detroit Lakes Wetland Invasive Species Management
Position Summary
Employees will map and treat invasive plant species in high quality and highly threatened prairies in west central Minnesota. Work will take place on National Wildlife Refuge system Lands in the Morris Wetland Management District, Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge/Wetland Management District, and Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge. This position provides excellent entry level skills and exposure to land management techniques.
Schedule
May 19, 2025 - October 3, 2025
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Mapping current extent of invasive plants on or near FWS lands;
- Identifying plants, namely non-native/invasive species;
- Operating ATVs/UTVs; Operating brush saws;
- Using backpack sprayer or other herbicide application tools
Marginal Duties
Maintaining equipment and vehicles
Required Qualifications
- Have a valid driver's license;
- Be comfortable using herbicides (all necessary protective gear will be provided);
- Be capable of working outdoors, in remote locations; Be capable of carrying 40 pounds;
- Ability to navigate to sites across a large geographic area.
- This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
Preferred Qualifications
- Any needed technical training will be provided, however ideal candidates would have:
- a working knowledge of plant identification;
- experience with invasive species control (both chemical and hand control);
- experience using mobile data collection apps like FieldMaps and Survey123
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Please note that housing is not provided for this position.
Compensation
- $650/week* Living Allowance
- $1,100* round-trip Travel Allowance
- Eligible for Public Land Corps Hiring Authority (upon completion of 640 hours work)
*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.*
Personal Vehicle Information
Personal vehicle required
Additional Benefits
Defensive Drive Training
AmeriCorps: Eligible
Equal Opportunity Statement
SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.