Summer Forestry Intern

Job Description

Here is the detailed, enriched job description:

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

Kind of Work: Forestry Field Tasks

Job Duties:
The Land and Minerals Department is hiring two (2) summer interns whose primary focus will be to perform a variety of field forestry tasks. These duties include, but are not limited to:

• 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:
Two intern positions are available, each assigned to a specific area:

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

Position Information:

• Duration: Internships run for 3 calendar months, generally between May and August 2026.
• Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., totaling 37.5 hours per week.
• Housing: Please note that housing will not be provided during the internship period.

Work Environment:
Interns will be working outside in remote wooded areas and must be prepared for all weather conditions. Exposure to insects, various forest plants, and animals is expected.

Special Skills:

• The ability to navigate and work independently on forested lands is required.

Selection Process:

Minimum Qualifications (Pass/Fail):
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Completed a minimum of one year of Forestry/Natural Resources or related studies by May 2026 in a forestry program accredited or recognized by the Society of American Foresters.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

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)

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 (dates may vary by location).

Other Requirements:

• Physical-medical Standards: Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected 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.
• Benefits: Employees appointed to Non-Permanent positions are not eligible for benefits.