Watercraft Inspection Internships

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.

  • 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

Position

Temporary full-time (in all areas)

  • Must work weekends and some holidays from May - October
    • Start and end dates flexible based on school schedules
  • Watercraft Inspector pay rate $15 per hour
    • Mileage reimbursement rate is IRS rate

Application deadline

Apply on the State of Minnesota careers website. Complete application instructions will be outlined in each internship posting.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Watercraft Inspection Program applicants must pass a criminal background check and have a valid Minnesota 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.

Program structure

Watercraft Inspectors will be assigned to a specific area of responsibility which will include multiple public water accesses. Personal transportation is required and mileage will be reimbursed.

Locations

The watercraft inspection program will fill up to 46 vacancies across Minnesota. Check the State of Minnesota careers website and search for the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Watercraft Intern posting to see a complete list of vacancies. Opportunities are published every January.

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

Northwest Region

Fergus Falls

Northeast Region

Brainerd

Central Region

St. Cloud

St. Paul

Southwest Region

Hutchinson