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Internships & Apprenticeships

We aim to make the conservation profession more accessible to early-career professionals who are committed to diversity in the conservation field.

To do that, the Minnesota Valley Trust and Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge have partnered together to “Mentor the Next Generation of Conservation Professionals” through:

• Proactive recruitment of participants

• One and two-year entry-level positions on the Refuge to work alongside and learn from USFWS professionals

• Compensation that provides a livable wage and benefits, including paid-time off and federal holidays, workers compensation insurance, life and disability insurance, employer contribution to health and dental insurance, and employer match to a retirement plan

• Professional development, training and networking

• Certification by the Public Lands Corps, which provides a non-competitive hiring status in the federal government.

By serving as a training ground, we create a pipeline to future opportunities in a conservation-related field, thus diversifying the conservation profession and building a conservation ethic for the future.

The Trust employs up to eight interns and apprentices annually on the Refuge. These are full-time paid positions for young adults who have recently completed post-secondary degrees and want to explore conservation careers. The position terms are one or two years.

INTERNSHIPS

Applications are open for our one-year, full-time paid Environmental Education Teaching Internships at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The 2025-26 positions begin on June 2, 2025. Applications are due by 10 pm on March 2, 2025. See the posting below for information about these positions and how to apply.

• Environmental Education Internships: Full-Time, One-Year (3 positions) PDF

APPRENTICESHIPS

Applications are open for one Habitat Management Apprentice on the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Wetland Management District. The position is expected to begin approximately June 2, 2025 and continue through May 2027. Applications are due by 10 pm on March 16, 2025. See the posting below for information about the position.

• Habitat Management Apprentice: Full-Time, Two Year position

BENEFITS & HOUSING

Interns and apprentices are employees of the Minnesota Valley Trust. They receive a competitive hourly wage and are eligible for benefits, including paid time-off, insurance contribution, and retirement plan match. Free housing may be available.

HIGH SCHOOL INTERNSHIPS

The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and American Conservation Experience have filled the internships for the school year of 2023-24. These are paid internships for students who are age 14-17 at the start of the position. The interns work with Refuge staff and engage in monthly career discovery, conservation and outdoor recreation activities.

High school interns have a wide variety of learning and serving experiences on the Refuge and in the community. Check out the Minnesota Valley Summer 2022 High School Internship Report!