Summer Intern – Field Forestry

Job Description

Job Title: Summer Intern – Land and Minerals Department (Forestry/Natural Resources)

Kind of Work & Job Duties:

The Land and Minerals Department is seeking to hire two (2) summer interns whose primary focus will be to perform essential field forestry tasks. These duties are crucial for the management and oversight of land and mineral resources and include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Tree planting inspections
• Regeneration checks
• Timber sale preparation and administration
• Marking pine plantations
• Native plant community classification
• Cabin lease inspections
• Other duties as assigned

Distinguishing Features of Work & Work Locations:

There are two distinct internship locations available:

• One Intern Trainee: Land & Minerals North Area (Cook, Ely, Virginia) – Located at 7820 Highway 135, Virginia MN
• One Intern Trainee: Land & Minerals South Area (Duluth) – Located at 5713 Old Miller Trunk Highway, Pike Lake, MN

Position Information:

• Internship Duration: Generally runs for 3 calendar months, typically between May and August 2026.
• Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., totaling 37.5 hours per week.
• Work Environment: Interns will be working extensively outside in remote wooded areas. This involves exposure to all weather conditions, as well as insects, various forest plants, and animals.
• Housing: Please note that housing will not be provided during the internship period.
• Benefits: Employees appointed to Non-Permanent positions are not eligible for benefits.

Special Skills:

Applicants must possess the ability to navigate and work independently on forested lands.

Minimum Qualifications (Pass/Fail Criteria):

• Education: Applicants must have completed a minimum of one year of Forestry/Natural Resources or related studies by May 2026. This coursework must be within a forestry program accredited or recognized by the Society of American Foresters.
• Driver’s License: Possession of a valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to individuals who have completed coursework in the following areas:

• Silviculture
• Dendrology
• Map orienteering
• Aerial photo interpretation
• Native plant identification
• Surveying
• Forest Measurements
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Selection Process:

• All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the appointing authority for consideration.
• Tentative Recruitment & Screening Process Schedule:
  • January 6, 2026: Applicant screening will begin.
  • Mid-February 2026: Interviews to be conducted (specific dates may vary by location).
• Physical-Medical Standards: Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Selected applicants must meet the physical requirements for the position.
• Drug Testing: Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.
• Background Check: Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.
• Employment Eligibility Verification: All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.
• Non-discrimination: St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.

Application Requirements & Important Notes:

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for St. Louis County.
• St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas (e.g., H-1B visa status) and does not currently participate in E-Verify. Applicants must confirm they will not require sponsorship now or in the future.
• Applicants are required to attach copies of unofficial transcript(s) or equivalent proof of attendance to their application to be awarded credit for any claimed educational qualifications. Failure to do so will result in the application not being accepted.
• All information provided related to education, training, and experience is subject to verification. Providing false information or failing to accurately represent oneself will result in disqualification.