Invasive Species Internship

Wild Rivers Conservancy is recruiting applicants for up to four Invasive Species internships at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway during the summer of 2025. Positions will be a minimum of 10 weeks beginning May 29th, 2025. 

Wild Rivers Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. We inspire stewardship to forever ensure the rare ecological integrity of the St. Croix and Namekagon Riverway. Learn more at: www.wildriversconservancy.org. 

The Riverway, one of the nation’s first wild and scenic rivers, is a National Park consisting of 255 river miles that flow through some of the most scenic and least developed land in the Upper Midwest. Learn more at: www.nps.gov/sacn. 

Position Summary 

These positions are with Wild Rivers Conservancy and are supervised by the Invasive Species Coordinator. The internship provides applicants with practical work experience in the field of invasive species prevention, monitoring, and management, as well as public engagement and education. Interns will have the opportunity to learn many new skills from a variety of agencies and organizations, all while being outside working on the St. Croix River and throughout the watershed. 

Core Functions 

• Monitor and manage invasive species throughout the Riverway and St. Croix River watershed
• Collaborate with and assist partners with invasive species monitoring and management including working with the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (NPS) resource management team
• Inform and educate the public about the threats of ecologically harmful aquatic invasive species to the lakes and rivers in the St. Croix River watershed through watercraft inspections and outreach events
• Assist with operating and transporting the mobile decontamination unit to key boat landings along the St. Croix River and assist the Conservancy’s invasive species field technician with performing watercraft decontamination
• Assist with zebra mussel sampling efforts throughout the watershed
• Assist with hosting invasive species volunteer programs such as Project RED, Snapshot Day, Purple loosestrife biocontrol program, and a boat landing education blitz weekend
• Participate in community outreach events and educational outreach activities in coordination with the Rivers Are Alive youth program
• Work with many diverse partners, including local, state, and federal government agencies throughout the watershed
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications 

• Must be a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States with a valid state driver’s license
• Coursework in biology, natural resources, or a related field. Other majors or courses of study will be considered, but some background in natural resources is helpful
• General knowledge of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is helpful
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team, be detail-oriented and organized, and follow oral and written directions
• Ability to work with a flexible and changing schedule. Must be able to work long days, weekends, and evenings
• Ability to operate a vehicle while towing a trailer–some experience preferred or willing to learn
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds independently, and up to 50 pounds with assistance
• Must be able to begin internship on May 29th, 2025

Work Site and Conditions 

• Interns will be based at the Wild Rivers Conservancy office in Osceola, WI
• There will be travel throughout the St. Croix watershed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin
• Personal vehicle use may be necessary on days when a work vehicle is not available, and has translated to logging between 50 and 175 personal vehicle miles during the duration of the internship in past years (please note, all personal vehicle mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate of $0.67/mile)
• Work in the field is required and will involve some physical activity, including walking, standing for long periods, managing invasive species, and paddling a kayak or canoe at a variety of locations
• Schedules can be variable or on a week-to-week basis
• We can assist with finding affordable housing options on a case-by-case basis, if necessary

Position and Wage Details 

This is a temporary, full-time internship ranging 32-40 hours weekly for a minimum of 10 weeks at a wage of $15/hr.