Natural Resources Intern

Natural Resources Intern – Seasonal Position 

Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District (RWMWD) is seeking three seasonal interns to join our staff in preserving and improving water resources and related ecosystems in eastern Ramsey County and western Washington County, Minnesota. As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience in the field of natural resource management, with additional learning and networking opportunities. 

DURATION: Interns are needed from mid-April 2026, (or as soon thereafter as possible) through late-August 2026 (with potential to work later into the fall).   

HOURS: Initial work hours are flexible but must be full-time (40 hours per week) during June-August. The expected schedule for this internship is Monday-Friday from 7:30am-4:00pm.  

SALARY: $20.00 per hour 

APPLICATION: Send resume in PDF format no later than March 1st, 2026 by e-mail to office@rwmwd.org or by mail to Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District 

2665 Noel Drive, Little Canada 55117. 
 

POSITION DESCRIPTION: 

Restoration Ecology: (80%) The intern will be involved in seeding, planting, and control of non-desirable plants in natural and created wetlands, uplands and shoreland ecosystems. Throughout the growing season over twenty sites will be maintained. This includes plant management by hand weeding, herbicide application, mechanical methods, watering, and the evaluation of plant establishment. The intern will occasionally work with students and community members for planting and maintenance projects.  

Carp Management and Biological Monitoring: (15%) The intern will assist with the implementation of carp management techniques, including netting and removal, with occasional weekend duties (1-2 hours). The intern will also assist in the collection of biological and physical data in RWMWD restorations, wetlands, and lakes. Additionally, interns will assist in conducting macrophyte surveys in lakes within RWMWD. 

Education and Administrative Tasks: (5%) The intern will have opportunities to shadow other RWMWD programs and to educate K-12 students and the general public about restoration ecology and carp management. The intern will be responsible for daily record keeping and assistance with other administrative tasks as needed. Interns will attend several tours, field trips, and conferences throughout their internship to increase their knowledge and skillset in natural resources.  

 NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS: 

Ability to conduct daily field work in weather conditions such as cold, rain, and heat. 

Work well independently and in team settings. Take initiative to complete necessary tasks. 

Be able to effectively communicate with staff, partners, and the public. 

Be able to maintain records of daily activities accurately. 

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with assistance or reasonable accommodation and work in rough terrain for extended periods. 

Interns are asked to provide their own field clothing and boots. RWMWD will provide all other required personal protective equipment (PPE) and further gear accommodations as necessary. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Ability to identify common upland and wetland native and non-native plant species. 

Ability to effectively communicate restoration ecology and natural resource management concepts to the public. 

Willing to use own vehicle periodically; RWMWD will reimburse mileage. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER  

Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District (RWMWD) embraces and values diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. RWMWD seeks to recruit, promote, and retain employees that reflect the community we serve.  

No individual shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, religion, age, political affiliation, disability, familial status, veteran status, national origin, or other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law.