Job Description

Wildlife Research Intern

The Division of Fish and Wildlife is seeking to hire one (1) Wildlife Research Intern located in Madelia. Housing is available at the Research Station in Madelia, but some restrictions apply. This internship is intended for students majoring in the field of Wildlife Biology/Ecology, Wildlife Management, or Conservation Biology. This position provides interns with an introduction to wildlife research and management through on-the-job training.

The wildlife research intern will learn about and help implement DNR/Division of Fish and Wildlife (FAW) wildlife research and population monitoring projects, primarily upland game (e.g., pheasants and wild turkeys) and ungulate (e.g., white-tailed deer and elk) projects led by staff in the Farmland Wildlife Populations and Research Group (FaWPRG), by assisting in the collection of field data and biological samples, processing of samples, recording of observational notes, entry of data into electronic files, maintenance of equipment and supplies, and writing summaries of activities.

The intern will assist FaWPRG staff in all aspects of fieldwork, including vegetation/habitat sampling, camera trap deployment, and capture of wild game species (e.g., Canada geese, elk) for marking and radiotracking purposes. Communicating with private landowners and members of the public in a professional manner will be necessary. The work can be physically demanding, including heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds) and walking on uneven terrain (including grasslands and wetlands) while transporting a backpack and/or equipment. Exposure to the elements (primarily heat, direct sun exposure, and humidity) and biting insects will also occur. The intern must be comfortable working as both part of a team and alone, often in remote locations.

The position will be based at the FaWPRG in Madelia, MN with travel to other research stations and field sites. Some overnight travel will occasionally be required to meet project data collection needs. Driving will be necessary including on minimum maintenance roads and limited access areas where 4WD may be needed; field trucks are provided. This position will be required to work a shifting schedule based on project needs, including some early mornings and late evenings, and weekends; schedules will be provided in advance. The anticipated start and end dates for this position are approximately mid-May through mid- to late August.

Current active upland game and ungulate research and monitoring projects that the intern will be involved in assisting with include:

• An insecticide study to investigate the prevalence and concentrations of neonicotinoids (neonics) in pheasants and their grassland habitats, including: field sampling of soil, plants, and insects; and dissection of roosters and their tissues for later chemical analysis.
• A camera trap study to estimate deer densities in the forest zone.
• Goose banding opportunities in collaboration with area wildlife management staff.
• Annual August roadside surveys to collect data on common farmland wildlife species including pheasants, partridge, rabbits, doves, cranes, and deer.
• A new research project investigating the life history characteristics of elk in northwest Minnesota, including adult and calf survival, movement, and causes of mortality.

Minimum Qualifications:

• You must be a student at an accredited educational institution; AND
• 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.
• Majoring in one of the following areas: Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources, Conservation Biology, or related degree.
• Ability to use standard field and lab techniques to collect biological data in the field responsibly and safely.
• Ability and willingness to work long hours in adverse weather and environmental conditions (hot, wet, mud, bugs, snakes, etc.).
• Ability to lift and carry equipment while walking through uneven terrain.
• Ability to read maps and navigate with compass and GPS.
• Ability to follow written protocols.
• Ability to learn how to safely and properly restrain wildlife captured for marking and tracking purposes.
• Ability to maintain strict quality control to ensure data are recorded properly onto datasheets or databases.
• Proficiency with basic computer programs including Microsoft Word and Excel, and ability to learn data entry into Access.
• Ability to work alone and as part of a team.
• Ability to operate 4WD vehicles including pick-up trucks on minimally maintained roads.
• Excellent human relations and communication skills sufficient to represent the position and Division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework in wildlife management (e.g., wildlife population dynamics, wildlife habitat, wildlife techniques, ornithology, mammalogy), ecology, natural resource management, conservation biology, or related courses with a grade of C or better.
• Experience with identifying common farmland wildlife and other game species including upland game birds (e.g., pheasants, grouse, turkeys), mammals (e.g., deer, elk, mesocarnivores, furbearers), and waterfowl.
• Experience with reading maps and navigating with compass and/or GPS to move within and among field sites.
• Experience with outdoor field work.
• Experience troubleshooting and resolving problems.
• Experience with radiotelemetry, including triangulation and homing techniques.

Additional Requirements:

• This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
• 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.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
• 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 careers@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance is needed.

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