Internship description

Title

Watercraft Inspector - Intern

Position

Temporary full-time (in all areas)

• Must work weekends and some holidays from 4/13/12 -10/13/12
  • start and end dates flexible based on school schedules
• Mandatory training –
  • Twin Cities April 13^th and 14^th 
  • Brainerd Area April 27^th and 28^th
• Watercraft Inspector pay rate $10-$11 per hour
  • mileage reimbursement around $0.55 per mile

Application deadline

March 12, 2012

Apply online! - This link leads to the State of Minnesota Job Search site. Choose Natural Resources Dept from the Department section and Intern/Student Worker from the Position Type.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Watercraft Inspection Program applicants must pass a criminal background check and have a valid MN class D drivers license or the equivalent.  In order to hold this position employees must receive college credit and major in one of the following: Biology, Natural Resources, Fisheries and Wildlife, Enforcement, Communications, Recreation Resource Management, Recreation, Park and Leisure studies, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Geology, Sociology, Sociology of Law, Criminology and Deviance, Urban and Community Forestry.  In order to hold this position employees must receive college credit.

General description

The Watercraft Inspector serves to inform and educate the public to the threats of ecologically harmful aquatic invasive species to Minnesota's waters. Inspectors work at public water access sites educating the public by providing information to watercraft users and conducting a brief survey while inspecting watercraft for invasive species. Other duties include assisting the coordinator with access postings, assisting Conservation Officers with access checks, invasive plant removal, and other natural resource projects.

Duties

• Educate the public on invasive species program and issues
• Distribute written information to watercraft users
• Inspect watercraft for invasive species
• Conduct a verbal survey & inspection inventory
• Document and record research activities

Program structure

Watercraft Inspectors will be assigned to a specific area of responsibility which may include up to 10 public water accesses. Inspectors will be responsible for their individual work schedule upon approval of their supervisor. Personal transportation is required and mileage will be reimbursed.

Locations

• Seven County Metro Area
• Alexandria and Becker, Pope and Ottertail Counties
• Brainerd Lakes Area
• Duluth and Cook County
• Wright and Chisago Counties
• Mankato/Waterville Area
• Mississippi River - Red Wing to the Iowa border
• Northern Minnesota (Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods areas)
• Spicer/Willmar
• St Cloud Area

Skills

1. Excellent verbal communication skills
2. Sound understanding of customer relations
3. Ability to coordinate multiple tasks within a professional setting
4. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
5. Willingness to work odd hours and in adverse weather conditions
6. Sense of humor
7. Demonstrated interest in environmental work through education, volunteer work, and/or hobbies

Contact information

For more information or to request an application packet contact

Heidi Wolf
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Ecological Resources
500 Lafayette Rd., Box 25
St. Paul, MN 55155-4025
tel: 651-259-5152
fax: 651-296-1811
email: heidi.wolf@state.mn.us

Females and protected class persons encouraged to apply.