Internship - Detroit Lakes Wetland Invasive Species Management

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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.