Intern - Native Prairie (Summer)

Sdsoybean; Watertown (SD); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Game, Fish and Parks in Watertown, SD invites applications for a Native Prairie Intern during the Summer session (May–August). The intern will work with habitat staff on native prairie management, seed harvesting, and monitoring, gaining exposure to prescribed fire and invasive species control.

The role requires enrollment as a part-time or full-time student, with preference for applicants from SD institutions and those with plant ID knowledge and driving/truck experience.

Qualifications

• Applicants with knowledge on plant identification and truck/off-road experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist habitat staff with native prairie management and seed harvesting.
• Locate potential harvesting collection sites and conduct photo point monitoring.
• Assist with prescribed fire and invasive plant management.
• Support grazing monitoring and other habitat tasks as assigned.
• Attend trainings including S130/190, prescribed fire field day and herbicide application testing; may assist with wildlife surveys.

Skills

Plant identification

Truck driving

Off-road vehicle operation

Education

Student enrollment

Job description

Watertown, SD | Game, Fish and Parks | Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly

19.09 - 19.09 US per hour

Posted 3 days ago | Apply before January 27, 2027

Description

Session:Summer (May - August)
Position Title:Native Prairie Intern
Hiring Manager: Owen McElroy
Agency:Department of Game, Fish and Parks
Location: Watertown, SD
Minimum Salary: $19.09/hr

Position Description:
Intern will assist habitat staff with the management of native prairie. This will include native seed harvesting, locating potential harvesting collection sites, photo point monitoring, prescribe fire, invasive plant management, grazing monitoring and other jobs assigned. Intern will have the opportunity to learn the basic principles of habitat management and attend some external and internal trainings. Intern will be required to take S130/190, prescribe fire field day, pack test, and complete the herbicide application testing. Intern may have the opportunity to assist with wildlife surveys and bird banding.

Qualifications:
Applicants with knowledge on plant identification and experience driving trucks and off-road vehicles are preferred but not required.

Applicant must be enrolled as a part-time/full-time student at a college, university, or technical institute at the time they apply. By the start of the internship, the student should have completed one year (nine months) of their chosen program.

All students are encouraged to apply, but preference may be given to applicants with a standing of junior/senior, South Dakota residents, and students of South Dakota institutions.