Natural Resource Intern

COMPANY OVERVIEW
The Crow Wing Soil and Water jobshiringnearme.org District’s (SWCD) mission is to promote healthy lands and clean water through voluntary conservation efforts. As a local government entity, our vision is to cultivate a vibrant community with clean water and productive lands in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Join a team that is passionate about making a difference and helping people make conservation improvements on their land. We offer excellent benefits, including flexible work schedules, a supportive team culture, and training and networking opportunities. Starting pay may vary depending on experience, knowledge, and skills.

JOB SUMMARY
The position will work alongside the SWCD technicians; jobs and tasks will vary from week to week. Job duties will include inspecting private properties to assess conservation program and project requirements; helping install shoreline restoration projects; communicating with the public and individual landowners; attending educational events; completing nitrate testing for private wells; reporting and documentation; general office work; and assisting with best management practice installations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position is approximately 60 percent outdoor walking, mapping, and talking to landowners, and 40 percent administrative work (partner communication, reporting, email, phone calls, and meetings).

• Coordinate the SWCD jobshiringnearme.org Easement and Shoreline Project Inspections.
  o jobshiringnearme.org Easement Inspections: Visit landowners’ properties, usually walking in wooded areas, assessing land for the easement compliance.
  o Shoreline Project Inspections: Visit landowners’ properties, usually walking in grassy areas, assessing lakeshore projects and plantings. Document site visits.
  o Photograph site visits.
  o Utilize mapping technology to assist with site visits.
  o Download and save files to the correct location.
• Shoreline Restoration.
  o Assist with light landscaping work as needed, including planting vegetation, raking, and laying erosion control matting and staking in toe protection.
  • Coordinate Nitrate Clinics.
  o Coordinate three well water testing events.
  o Test individual well water samples for nitrates.
  o Calibrate the water testing equipment.
  o Communicate well water test results to the landowners.
  o Map and track test samplings in GIS.
• Participate in Outreach Activities.
  o Crow Wing County Fair booth
  o Other community events
  o Assist with social media posts
  o Create flyer or event handouts
  o Help with mailing information to landowners
• Administrative Duties.
  o Utilize computer, phone, and email for administrative tasks.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be enrolled in, or a recent graduate of, a university, college, or community college, and provide proof of enrollment during the internship period.
• The maximum number of hours worked is 640 hours.
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Possess a valid MN driver’s license and a good driving record.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to plan, prioritize, coordinate, and manage work in an organized manner.
• Applicants must be able to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of forbs, grasses, and trees for identification.
• Knowledge of Adobe Acrobat Reader and Canva software.
• Experience with GPS, GIS, and other data collection tools.
• Natural Resources experience or classwork.

The Crow Wing Soil and Water jobshiringnearme.org (SWCD) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All SWCD’s programs and services are available without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, gender, religion, disability, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other protected classes.

Additional Requirements:
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate vehicles on behalf of the SWCD.

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).
The Crow Wing Soil and Water jobshiringnearme.org District requires all candidates to undergo a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Criminal History Check
• education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification