Description
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Position:
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Youth Intern
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Program:
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Youth Programs
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Location:
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Twin Cities Metro, Minnesota
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Dates:
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June 22- August 21, 2026 (9 weeks)
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Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa (CCMI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and AmeriCorps grantee that engages hundreds of youth and young adults each year in programs and initiatives that improve access to outdoor recreation, restore natural habitat, protect waterways, and respond to community needs and natural disasters. Our mission is to cultivate a community of emerging leaders in service to people and the planet. Learn more at conservationcorps.org.
Position Summary: Youth Interns make a difference in their communities, explore future career opportunities in environmental fields, and learn hands-on skills in the outdoors. With guidance from young adult leaders, youth take on a variety of projects that help them gain a sense of belonging and responsibility to the people and outdoor places in their communities.
Specific projects will depend on location but may include:
- Hands-on field trips and activities to learn about topics related to the environment, climate, natural resource management, waste management, ecology, pollution, and water systems
- Outdoor and environmental education – participating in activities as well as leading activities for others
- Collecting and analyzing environmental data
- Restoring and maintaining habitat
- Meeting and working with a variety of professionals in environmental fields to learn about career pathways and higher education opportunities
- Planning and implementing projects that make a difference in the community
- Engaging other community members in learning about the environment and conservation
Hours, Schedule, and Pay
Dates: June 22nd through August 21st (9 weeks)
Hours per week: 13-17
Schedule: 9:00am-4:00pm either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday, with occasional Friday hours throughout the summer
In the application, please specify if you prefer a Monday/Wednesday schedule or a Tuesday/Thursday schedule.
Youth will be asked to complete some training and preparation steps during the spring before the program begins. Youth and their families will also be invited to a few optional special events throughout the year.
Pay starts at $13.50/hour, but may be higher based on age and which program youth are employed through (Step Up, Right Track, or directly through CCMI)
Location and Transportation
Youth will be responsible for arriving on time at their home base location each day they are scheduled to work. On the interest form, you will specify which home base location(s) you are interested in.
If you are interested in the program but transportation to a home base location is a barrier for you, please specify this on the application. We are not able to provide transportation to all interns, but may be able to assist with additional options.
Depending on the day, youth will work either at their home base location or at other locations around the twin cities metro area. CCMI staff will provide transportation from the home base site to other work locations and back to the home base site at the end of each day.
Home base locations:
Tamarack Nature Center – White Bear Lake, MN
Harriet Alexander Nature Center – Roseville, MN
Mississippi Gateway Regional Park – Brooklyn Park, MN
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge – Bloomington, MN
Eligibility and Qualifications:
All youth must be:
- Between the ages of 14 and 18 at the start of the summer program.
- Eligible to work in the United States
Qualifications:
No previous experience is required – this is an education and training program for youth
Youth should be ready and excited to:
- Spend time outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
- Explore career options in the environmental field, learn new skills, and actively engage in educational activities and work projects with their peers and adult leaders
- Practice strong work habits, teamwork, and a positive attitude
- Make a difference and work in service to their community and the environment
Other Information:
While this position description describes the general nature and level of work being performed, it is not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. All positions at CCMI may require duties outside of typical responsibilities.
CCMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions with CCMI will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. CCMI does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, military service, union membership, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status with regards to public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.
