Forest Restoration Ecology Intern

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The Forest Ecology lab at the University of Minnesota seeks undergraduates or recent graduates for paid field research internships in ecology, restoration, and forest management across the Twin Cities area.

Duties include site delineation, planting, monitoring plant growth, data entry, and teamwork under researcher supervision. Hours vary seasonally, with full-time summer weeks and part-time spring/fall schedules; transportation to multiple sites provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Interest in field biology, ecology, forestry, restoration or environmental science.
• Dependable, motivated, with integrity and a strong work ethic.
• Strong communication and teamwork across differences.
• Flexible hours and ability to adapt to weather.
• Access to reliable transportation to multiple field sites.

Responsibilities

• Establish new experiments with site delineation and planting.
• Monitor growth of buckthorn and native species.
• Measure light availability and plant composition.
• Weed plots and maintain deer fences.
• Assist with data entry and field logistics.
• Collaborate with researchers as part of a team.

Job description

About the Job

The Forest Ecology lab in the Department of Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota, funded through the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center, seeks undergraduate or recently graduated students with a background or interest in field biology, ecology, environmental science, forestry, or a related field for paid field research internships. Interns will take vital roles in several large scale experiments that ask how to use native plant species (trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers) to suppress buckthorn re-invasion and improve restoration of buckthorn-invaded woodlands and forests in the Twin Cities metro area.

Duties vary by season and project and include establishing new experiments (site delineation and planting); Re-locating experimental units; monitoring the growth of experimental plants, both buckthorn and planted species; measuring light availability; measuring plant species composition; weeding experimental plots; maintaining deer fences; removing fallen trees; and generally assisting with experimental needs. Interns will work as a team (or occasionally solo, for example with data entry), supervised by researchers.

Duration

• April - September 2026, (start and end dates flexible)
• Full season internships could run from the start of April until at least the end of September, potentially mid October. Shorter internships are possible within this timeframe. For example, spring internships that focus on planting new experiments would run April - May. Summer internships could run May/June - August/September.

Hours

• Full-time (40 hrs/week) in summer; part-time in spring/fall
• Summer (mid May - end August): Full time (approximately 40 hours per week); Spring and fall (April, early May, September): Full time or part time. Part time interns need to be available for large time blocks (at least 4 hours, preferably a full day) some days each week to make it worthwhile, given the need for travel time to sites.

Location

• 65% Field Work
• 20% Flexible
• 15% St. Paul Campus

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Interest in field biology, ecology, forestry, restoration, plant propagation or environmental science
• Dependable, motivated, with integrity and a strong work ethic
• Strong skills in communicating and working with other team members across differences
• Flexible team structure: work solo or as a pair or trio for different tasks
• Attention to detail in repetitive work, and diligent adherence to standardized protocols
• Flexible work hours: adapt daily plans to weather; early starts in summer to beat the heat; some post-sunset light measurements will likely be needed during late summer
• Willing to work with plants in a wide range of field conditions across the Twin Cities, including varied weather, steep terrain, and biting insects
• Strong organizational skills, and proficiency in Google Drive for data management
• Ability to walk lightly in the woods from plot to plot causing minimal damage to vegetation and frequently bend, squat, kneel, or otherwise reach the ground to perform tasks at ground level for up to 8 hours (aside from breaks provided for by state law)
• Access to a reliable vehicle to reach the multiple field sites, up to 34 miles from the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus (mileage reimbursement available).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience identifying woody and herbaceous plants in Twin Cities area woodlands

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $16.00 - $23.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).