Voyageurs National Park
Wetland Ecology Field Fellowship

Seeking enthusiastic student or recent graduate to join the Voyageurs Conservancy and the National Park Service team at Voyageurs National Park in Northern Minnesota!

The primary duty of this Fellow will be working with ecologists in wetlands within Voyageurs National Park performing restoration tasks such as collecting seed, navigating through wetlands, mechanical and/or chemical treatment of invasive species using equipment, developing new plant survey methods, all while working in the beautiful and challenging wetland systems of Northern Minnesota, one of the most rare ecosystems in North America. Interns will also assist other programs, including wildlife. Fellows will enjoy a challenging, exciting, and educational summer in our beautiful park. Opportunities for training will include motorboat operations, CPR training, plant survey training, recognizing bird calls, and many other exciting opportunities for growth. Development of individual projects and written communication will be stressed as well.

Responsibilities will include:

• Identifying wetland and emergent aquatic plant species

• Performing field data collection such as plant and ecosystem surveys, loon surveys, seed database development, and photo surveys.

• Collecting and outplanting wild rice and other seed

• Assisting in the development of a seed bank.

• Navigating by boat via maps and GPS.

• Mechanically and chemically removing invasive species

• Perform data management, such as data entry and map development

Voyageurs Conservancy recognizes the barriers and lack of representation that affects equal access to the outdoors. We believe our parks, and their partners, should strive to make a representative future of public land professionals.

Professional Development

The Fellow will regularly engage in relevant professional development opportunities and will develop an end-of-term portfolio or communication project that could be shared with future employers.

Stipend and Reimbursement 

Voyageurs Conservancy believes stipend reimbursement is necessary to create an accessible Fellowship experience. Stipends are determined by the weeks/hours served. Full-time summer Fellows should anticipate a $1,200/month stipend.

Housing costs (in seasonal government housing) will be covered by Voyageurs National Park, and mileage for driving between seasonal government housing and Voyageurs National Park Headquarters during the internship will be reimbursed.

Qualifications 

• Required:

  • Possess a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle

  • Pursuing or obtained a degree in biology, wildlife management, botany, or related field within the last three years

  • Ability or willingness to learn boat and canoe skills

  • Must be able to work outside in adverse weather conditions with biting insects, in large bodies of water, hiking through wetlands, and strenuous hikes

• Preferred:

  • Experience handling animals in wildlife biology context

  • Navigation skills, including using a GPS/compass

  • Use of equipment such as brushcutters or backpack sprayers.

  • Experience operating computers for data management, spreadsheets, and word processing

Dates

The Fellowship will last from approximately June 8 - October 17, 2026, however, accommodations can be considered dependent on the Fellow’s class schedule. Fellows can expect to work 35-40 hours per week.

Contact Information and Deadline

This position is accepting applications from January 26 - February 9, 2026. To submit an application, please complete all sections of this form or click the button below. Please direct any questions to Haley_Smith@nps.gov – there is no need to email application materials.

About Voyageurs Field Fellowship

In response to the landscape of unpaid internships and entry-level positions requiring prior field experience, the Voyageurs Field Fellowship offers paid opportunities and professional development for undergraduate and graduate students. Fellows experience the extraordinary ecosystems and cultural treasures of Voyageurs National Park and represent the next generation of public lands professionals, while acquiring the field experience needed for career advancement. The Fellowship is designed as an opportunity for land stewards at the beginning of their careers to develop crucial experience without taking on financial burden.

This program is jointly managed by the National Park Service and the Voyageurs Conservancy, the official nonprofit partner of the park. 

We welcome applicants of all races, age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Students who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant program are encouraged to apply.