Watercraft Inspector Intern

Job Overview

Wild Rivers Conservancy is currently recruiting applicants for two Watercraft Inspector internships at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway during the summer of 2024. Positions will be a minimum of 10 weeks beginning May 30th, 2024. 

Wild Rivers Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. We inspire stewardship to forever ensure the rare ecological integrity of the St. Croix and Namekagon Riverway. Learn more at: www.wildriversconservancy.org.

The Riverway, one of the nation’s first wild and scenic rivers, is a National Park consisting of 255 river miles that flow through some of the most scenic and least developed land in the Upper Midwest. Learn more at: www.nps.gov/sacn. 

Position Summary 

These positions are with Wild Rivers Conservancy and are supervised by the Invasive Species Field Technician in collaboration with the Invasive Species Coordinator. This internship provides applicants with practical work experience in the field of invasive species monitoring and management, as well as public engagement and education. Interns will primarily be in charge of conducting watercraft inspections,  decontamination at boat launches on the St. Croix River, and AIS education and outreach while also having the opportunity to assist other agencies and organizations with invasive species and natural resources fieldwork. 

Core Functions 

• Serves to inform and educate the public about the threats of ecologically harmful aquatic invasive species to the lakes and rivers in the St. Croix River watershed through watercraft inspections and outreach events
• Operate and transport the mobile decontamination unit to key boat landings along the St. Croix River and perform watercraft decontamination 
• Educate boaters at landings along the lower St. Croix River about invasive species identification, threats, and preventive measures

• Visit marinas and bait dealers along the St. Croix River to provide educational invasive species materials

• Assist with zebra mussel sampling efforts throughout the watershed
• Assist NPS staff with field activities related to invasive species research, monitoring, and prevention as needed
• Work with many diverse partners, including local, state, and federal government agencies throughout the watershed
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications 

• Must be a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States with a valid state driver’s license 
• Coursework in biology, natural resources, or a related field. Other majors or courses of study will be considered, but some background in natural resources is helpful 
• General knowledge of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is helpful 
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team, be detail-oriented and organized, and follow oral and written directions 
• Ability to work with a flexible and changing schedule. Must be able to work long days, weekends, and evenings 
• Good oral and written communication skills 
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds independently, and up to 50 pounds with assistance 
• Must be able to begin internship on May 30th, 2024.

Work Site and Conditions 

• Interns will be based at the Wild Rivers Conservancy office in Osceola, WI. 
• There will be travel throughout the St. Croix watershed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin 
• Work in the field is required and will involve some physical activity, including walking, standing for long periods, managing invasive species, and paddling a kayak or canoe at a variety of locations 
• Schedules can be variable or on a week-to-week basis 

Position and Wage Details 

This is a temporary, full-time internship ranging 32-40 hours weekly for a minimum of 10 weeks at a wage of  $15/hr. 

How to Apply 

Send all of the following information: 

1. Cover letter. State the internship you are applying for, why you are interested in the internship, and in working at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. 
2. Detailed resume, including work experience. 
3. Three references. 

Email to 

Wendy Tremblay
Community Engagement Manager
Wild Rivers Conservancy
[email protected]
(715) 483-3300 x 30 

Deadline – Applications must be received by 5:00 pm on Friday, February 9th, 2024.