Seasonal Natural Resources Intern

Benton Soil and Water Conservation District • Internship • Foley, Minnesota • 3w ago

Seasonal Natural Resources Intern

Position Summary:

The Seasonal Natural Resources Intern will provide ecologically sound restoration and land management services across Benton County. This position works alongside and aids district technicians with fieldwork, data collection, habitat restoration, and conservation projects. This role is foundational for students or recent graduates pursuing careers in forestry, biology, or environmental science. Job duties will vary week to week and include inspecting private properties to assess conservation programs and project requirements. This position will communicate with public and individual landowners as well as helping the office personnel with miscellaneous duties.

Qualifications

Enrollment in (or recent graduation from) a degree program in Natural Resources, Forestry, Environmental Science, Biology, or other related majors

Possessing a valid Minnesota Class D driver's license or higher is essential for the seasonal intern position due to the mobile nature of agricultural work.
Strong oral and written communication skills are essential. Must be comfortable speaking and presenting in public, collaborating with diverse individuals, and various stakeholders.
Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word; knowledge of ArcGISPro, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Outlook, required.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide guidance and technical education while conveying the benefits to landowners and renters on habitat restoration and land management.
1. Work with lysimeters—scientific instruments used to measure the movement of water and dissolved materials (leachate) through soil and water sampling.
2. Buffer Law recon; execute compliance audits using aerial photo interpretation for state Buffer Law enforcement.
3. Coordinate and execute field surveys for the Central Sand private well network to monitor groundwater levels and quality.
4. Site spot-checks – create list, and complete checks to identify and document maintenance needs, safety hazards, or crop/timber health issues.

Media development and support.
1. System setup; configure ArcGIS application to track real-time field activities, such as conservation project mapping. Enter landowner information and projects and train staff on the application.
2. Document project milestones by producing original articles, photography, and video content for stakeholder reports.
3. Curate a comprehensive multimedia library of videos, photos, and narratives to support long-term social media strategy.

Other duties as assigned include:

1. Provide high-level support to both technical and administrative staff by executing ad hoc tasks and special projects as needed.
2. Support education and outreach initiatives and collaborate with the Education & Outreach Coordinator to execute community engagement strategies aligned with the district’s mission.
3. Aid with the coordination and execution of the District Tree Program.