Wetland Science Intern for MN, ND, SD Chapter

OFFICE LOCATION

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our to hear stories from staff or visit .

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

As our intern, you will split time between supporting the freshwater team and peatland work at the Tri-State Chapter (MN, ND, SD) of The Nature Conservancy. They will support the waters team through monitoring and assessment of wetlands in central Minnesota. You may participate in various levels of planning for restored stream and wetland sites across Minnesota.

You will also assist the peatlands team on in-the-field research on greenhouse gases, vegetation, and other variables at restored peatland sites in St. Louis County, MN. You will support the organization’s work to understand and promote peatland restoration as a natural climate solution in Minnesota and support the team’s work to protect and restore clean water and healthy ecosystems. You will receive direct training and experience in field methods and equipment for monitoring GHG emissions and fluxes in forested and wetland systems. You may also assist with data entry, mapping, and other projects.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

If you are interested in working collaboratively on water resources management, restoration and field-based monitoring and data collection, look no further! The Nature Conservancy may be the place for you. Apply today and find a job where you can find meaning and purpose.

This position will span May (May 6 proposed) - September 2024 and will require 35 hours per week. Pay will be $19-21/hour.

As our Wetland Science intern, you can expect to spend 1-3 days per week in the field, working in a variety of conditions including sun, rain, mud, and mosquitoes. Some days in the field may require long hours to accommodate travel time to and from the field site. Some work will be done at a variety of locations around the region, therefore the willingness and ability to travel is required. This position will require occasional overnight lodging near field sites. Travel expenses and mileage are considered a covered TNC expense.

We offer flexibility it that you can spend the remaining days working from our downtown Minneapolis office or working from home. The Minneapolis office is located at 1101 West River Parkway, across from Gold Medal Park and lining the Mississippi River. We offer onsite complimentary parking and have a secure bicycle facility.
The job responsibilities are outlined below.

Field-based data collection and analysis

• Carry out field data collection to support TNC research, restoration and management projects in the Upper Mississippi River basin, Northeastern Minnesota, in the Driftless Area of Southeast Minnesota, and/or other projects within the Chapter’s 3-state territory.
• Assist with data entry from scientific data collected during the field season.
• Assess and synthesize data into graphs, tables and/or schematics for use in chapter reports, programs, and/or meetings.

GIS and desktop studies / analysis

• Map and assess natural resources and conservation information to support TNC decision making in conservation and restoration projects related to water quality and quantity.
• Carry out pre-defined analysis for prioritization of restoration and conservation activities.

Education and outreach

• Develop handouts, fact sheets and other outreach materials focused on freshwater for a variety of audiences.
• Attend occasional outreach events to promote the importance of peatlands and of clean water and talk about the work being done by TNC.
• Collect photos to support Chapter newsletters, presentations, and reports.
  

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

We are seeking an upper-level undergraduate students, recent graduates, or graduate students who are looking to gain hands-on experience in freshwater conservation and restoration work. Individuals who are highly organized and proactive with a passion for conservation and restoration work in aquatic ecosystems are encouraged to apply. All people applying for this position must have the following minimum qualifications.

• Have or be pursuing a degree in natural resources management, environmental science, environmental engineering, conservation biology, hydrology, botany, soil science or related field.
• Experience in natural resources or conservation science via volunteer and/or work experience.
• Experience with oral and written communication skills.
• Experience working with scientific data with strong accountability and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work outside in variable conditions.

In addition, the following DESIRED skills and/or experiences would be an asset for this role but are not required. We recognize that women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and people with disabilities are less likely to apply if they do not match most of the qualifications. The Nature Conservancy finds strength in diversity of backgrounds, lived experiences, knowledge, and identities. We strongly encourage those interested who bring new perspectives to apply, and please view these as areas or skillsets where you will have opportunities for growth and professional development.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with ArcGIS software.
• Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
• Experience in field data collection of hydrologic or water quality data.
• Experience working with hydrologic data sets and/or doing basic statistics.
• Experience working independently and with little supervision.
• Experience creating outreach and/or education materials.
• Ability to identify common plants of the upper Midwest.
• Experience in or evidence of promoting and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
  

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $19.00 to $21.00 hourly rate base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.