Conservation Biology Apprentice

Minnesota Valley Trust, Inc. (Trust) and Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Wetland Management District (refuge) have partnered together to provide paid, developmental opportunities for individuals who are interested in the field of conservation.

We are hiring one full-time, two-year Conservation Biology Apprentice to join our Biology Program to work alongside U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) professionals and learn how to manage, restore, and protect vital natural resources.

As a Biology Apprentice you will:

• Conduct plant, invertebrate and bird surveys in diverse habitats across the Twin Cities Metro Area and South Central Minnesota
• Manage invasive species (will include herbicide application)
• Support public education and outreach programs alongside refuge staff and volunteers
• Assist the refuge on various habitat restoration projects and administrative processes
• Explore various career paths, gain new skills and network with refuge and Trust staff, local organizations, and existing partners within the field of natural resource management

Term Dates: May 2026 – Late May 2028

Location(s): Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

• Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, 3815 American Boulevard East, Bloomington, MN 55425
• Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center, 15865 Rapids Lake Road, Carver, MN 55315

Wage: $19.45 per hour

Hours: Hours may vary due to field activities (could include early mornings, evenings or weekend hours).

Benefits: Paid time off, Federal holidays, life & disability insurance, paid family medical leave, employer contribution to health and dental insurance, employer match to retirement plan. Gear and training stipend. Uniform shirts provided.

Required Qualifications:

• Post-secondary 2 or 4-year degree
• Valid driver’s license
• Pass Federal background check
• U.S. Citizen or permanent resident of the United States

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong interest in one or more of the following: habitat and wildlife management, forestry, biology, ecology, entomology or community outreach
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, detail-oriented and organized, ability to follow oral and written direction
• Experience with or desire to learn Midwest plant and animal identification
• Experience with or desire to learn GPS and GIS technologies, canoes, ATVs, farm equipment, and mowers (please note experiences on resume)

On the Job Training: Apprentices will develop a plan to gain marketable field skills and career networking opportunities to further their career in natural resources. Training and experience will include conducting wildlife and plant surveys, designing and managing habitat restoration projects, building skills with ArcGIS Field Maps and navigation, pesticide application, heavy equipment operation and much more. Apprentices will be mentored by USFWS professionals and network with Trust employees and refuge staff, interns and volunteers and community partners.

Special Hiring Authority: Apprentices may be eligible to receive a Department of the Interior Public Lands Corps non-competitive hiring authority certificate upon completion of their term of service. More information provided upon request.