Summer Internships 2006 - MinnAqua Program
Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources
Division of Fish and Wildlife

MinnAqua is a statewide education program designed to teach angling recreation and stewardship as well as the ecology and conservation of aquatic habitats.   Since it’s inception in 1990 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, MinnAqua has reached thousands of new anglers throughout Minnesota.   We provide programs and clinics for a wide range of ages and types of groups; from large community recreation programs, parent child groups, school groups, scouting groups, pre-K to senior citizen groups.

As a MinnAqua Intern, you:
~ Receive training in MinnAqua lesson plans, schedule programs, and evaluation.  Trained in First Aid and CPR.
~ Schedule programs with sponsors such as Community Ed, Parks and Rec. Departments, Scouts, and 4-H
~ Give programs during the summer to school age youth, preschool children, seniors, and people with disabilities and diverse cultural backgrounds.
~ Keep program records and enter them into a computer database.
~ Maintain learning kits and fishing equipment.
~ Spend 2-3 days assisting a Fisheries Biologist in the field.
~ Complete an intern project and/or work with your advisor for project credit.

Qualifications:  We are looking for people with excellent communication and organizational skills and experience teaching others (especially youth) that want to share their enjoyment of fishing and knowledge of aquatic ecosystems.  These internships are great for Natural Resources or Education majors.

Preference:  If you have had experience working with people with disabilities, can speak Spanish or a Southeast Asian language such as Hmong, or have experience Fly Fishing, please state this in your qualifications.

What you should know:  Interns often work independently and primarily drive their own cars to programs in their work areas.  Mileage is reimbursed.  Interns must possess a MN Fishing License upon being hired and there is a mandatory training for those hired held on April 22-24, 2006 at Deep Portage in Hackensack, MN.

Salary: $9.00 per hour plus mileage reimbursement.

Schedule: 40 hours/week during summer months.  Variable hours include some weekends, evenings and early mornings.  Most students start when school is out and end one week before school begins.

To Apply: Send a cover letter, resume, 3 references, and unofficial college transcripts to the appropriate address below.  State clearly the internship locations for which you are applying, and your qualifications.  Applications must be received by February 24, 2006.

Internship Locations:

Metro Area Internship Positions:

Plymouth*   

Hugo

St. Paul (2 positions)       

Metro Contact:
Roland Sigurdson - MinnAqua Program

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Fish and Wildlife Division
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155
(612) 625-1291

Northern MN Internship Positions:
Bemidji
Duluth*   

Brainerd

Northern MN Contact:

Nadine Meyer, MinnAqua Program

MN DNR - Fish and Wildlife Division

1601 Minnesota Drive Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-6044 

Southern MN Internship Positions:
Rochester
New Ulm

Southern MN Contact:

Kathy Beaulieu, MinnAqua Program

MN DNR - Fish and Wildlife Division

261 Hwy 15 S
New Ulm, MN 56073
(507) 359-6049 

* Interns in these locations do not have to be enrolled for college credit. All others must be enrolled fall semester 2006 and be taking the internship for credit.

If you have questions about MinnAqua Internships please call one of the Education Specialists listed above for additional information. Minnesota DNR is an Equal Opportunity Employer.